I SHARE Lau Bing’s concern on stray cats and the health hazards of the faeces, as published in Malay Mail on Nov 2.

People normally don’t bother about stray cats since they are considered relatively harmless, unlike dogs which can be intimidating. However, not many realise that, compared to the dogs, stray cats tend to move freely in close proximity to human activities and in the process, contaminate a large portion of the environment with their hazardous droppings.

Cat faeces are known to harbour several disease-causing organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungus) that can be easily transmitted to humans directly or indirectly via food and water contamination.

One particular parasitic protozoa is Toxoplasma gondii. Humans, especially the immuno-compromised and pregnant mothers, are at a high risk of getting infected. Although the disease (toxoplasmosis) is usually self-limiting, it has been known to cause serious medical complications, especially in pregnant women.

In view of the obvious health hazards of stray cats, I urge the relevant authorities to take the necessary humane measures to reduce the stray cat (including stray dog) population in the country.

Those who keep cats as pets should be more responsible and ought to ensure their cats are regularly examined by a vet.

S. Param
Ipoh