[Jimbee (OP)]

Should you wash your hands after you pet a cat? I mean, specifically what does science have to say on the subject?

Cats tend to be cleaner than dogs. But unlike dogs, you really can't give a cat a bath. And it is wintertime. Washing your hands, especially every time you pet your cat, would make them very dry.

[paul cotter]

We(the boss and myself) run a small scale cat shelter and do a small amount of tnr work. I invariably wash my hands after any cat handling: dry hands is a small price to pay to avoid toxocara, toxoplasmosis and other unspecified zoonoses.

[alancalverd]

Cats tend to be cleaner than dogs.

Depends on your definition of clean. They certainly spend more time licking themselves, and in more places, than dogs, but anyone allergic to cat saliva (and a surprisingly large number of people are) wouldn't agree with the proposition.

[Zer0]

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/14/health/plague-cats-oregon.html

ps - Prevention, better than Cure.

[Petrochemicals]

Cats tend to be cleaner than dogs.

Depends on your definition of clean. They certainly spend more time licking themselves, and in more places, than dogs, but anyone allergic to cat saliva (and a surprisingly large number of people are) wouldn't agree with the proposition.

I have never seen a cat drag its anus across the parlour carpet alan.

Edit.

Yes wash hands, also kitchen surfaces.

[paul cotter]

Petro, I have seen that precise manoeuvre being performed by a cat. It is an indication of worm infestation and the cat does it due to anal irritation from the worms- administer anthelmintics pronto.

[Origin]

But unlike dogs, you really can't give a cat a bath.

Cats do take showers though..

[Petrochemicals]

Petro, I have seen that precise manoeuvre being performed by a cat. It is an indication of worm infestation and the cat does it due to anal irritation from the worms- administer anthelmintics pronto.

Fair enough. Maybe it is less prevalent in cats, after all dogs are coprophacics.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coprophagia

[Origin]

I have never felt the need to wash my hands after petting any of the many cats I have had.  I guess I'm lucky to be alive?