Snuggle all you want with Kitty because she won't catch your mono. One of the fun things about having a kitten is snuggling with her -- after she's slowed down from all her play, of course. If you've been feeling under the weather, however, don't worry about passing it on to Kitty. It's rare for people and cats to share illnesses. Mononucleosis: the Kissing Disease Mononucleosis, usually referred to as "mono," is a common illness for people to contract, particularly teens and young adults. It's caused by a virus, spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and tears. It's easy for humans to transmit the disease to each other, so if you have mono, take care not to share drinking glasses and eating utensils -- and take it easy on the kissing. Kitty is Safe Although your roommate may need to be careful around you, Kitty is safe from getting mononucleosis. The virus that causes the disease is not one that is shared between humans and cats. There aren't many diseases that cats and humans share, which are referred to as zoonotic illnesses.

In fact, you're more likely to pick something up from Kitty than the other way around. Zoonotic Illnesses Zoonotic diseases occur when a person has direct contact with the secretions or excretions, such as saliva or feces, from an infected cat. People also can be infected through contact with the cat's food or water, or from fleas or ticks from an infected cat. The most common of these diseases is cat-scratch disease, otherwise known as bartonellosis. If Kitty bites or scratches you when she has this bacterial infection, you may experience some swelling in your lymph nodes, fever, joint soreness and a decreased appetite. It can have serious consequences for people with compromised immune systems. Kitty can pass along parasitic infections, such as tapeworm, or fungal infections, like ringworm. Toxoplasmosis, a protozoal infection, is one of the most serious infections Kitty can transfer to you. Preventing Zoonotic Illnesses Basic hygiene, such as washing your hands after cleaning Kitty's litter box and playing with her, will go a long way in preventing the spread of such illnesses.

Keeping her inside where she's less likely to hunt, kill and eat infected prey also will minimize the chance she picks something up to share with you. Although you may wish to trade kisses with her, it's best not to allow her to lick your face. Keeping Kitty Healthy Though you're not going to share your virus with Kitty, if you spend time with other cats, it's possible you could transfer something like an upper respiratory virus to her. Viral upper respiratory infections are highly contagious among cats, so it's common for cats in animal shelters and catteries to break out with this illness. If you handle a cat with an upper respiratory infection, make sure you change clothes and thoroughly wash your hands before you interact with Kitty. The secretions shed from the infected cat can catch a ride home with you and infect Kitty because the virus can live for 24 hours or longer. References WebMD: Mononucleosis -- MonoCenters for Disease Control: Diseases From CatsCornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch From My Cat?

WebMD: Feline Viral Respiratory Disease Complex Photo Credits Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images MORE MUST-CLICKS: Are Blueberries Safe for Cats? Do Kittens Hearts Beat Fast? Do Cats Usually Get Their Shots in the Neck? Can You Get Another Kitten After One Dies From FIP? How Long Can a Cat Be in Labor After Delivering the First Kitten? Cat BMI Vestibular Balance Problem in Cats Why a Cat's Pupils Get Big NSAIDs for Cats Do All Vets Tattoo Spayed Kittens?How To Make A Belly Cast To Lose WeightMono is a viral infection that can cause fever, sore throat and swollen lymph node glands. Best Tire Chains For IceIt can be quite painful. Discount Window Blinds AtlantaThis condition is also known as the kissing disease since it can be transmitted to others through a kiss.

With that said, many people are fond of kissing their pets. Most of the time it’s your pooch who initiates the affection, innocently kissing those they love out of excitement. Mono transmission comes to mind since dogs usually go for the mouth and lips for a smooch!So transferring this disease to your dog is a valid concern. If a person in your household been diagnosed with mono, is it alright to be kissing them? The answer is clear, your best buddy won’t be danger because it isn’t contagious for them.Mononucleosis is only transmittable between humans.Simply put, your dog will not be infected by you or anyone that has Mono. You shouldn’t assume, however, that all human diseases are not transferable to a four-legged friend. There are certain viral, bacterial and other types of diseases that can be transferred from humans to dogs and vice versa. One textbook example would be parasites.When a person has mono some of the symptoms include headache, dizziness and feelings of fatigue.

The tonsils may also get inflamed. Because of these signs, mono can be mistaken for the flu. Through proper diagnosis this disease can be treated by usually taking the necessary antibiotics.If you have mono and you kiss your dog, they won’t be at risk of getting the disease. Mono is simply not transferable from humans to dogs. If you observe that your pup has a fever, it may only be a coincidence. In such a case, consult with a vet so as to find out the real cause of your dog’s sickness.Kissing your dog is a matter of personal choice. Generally it’s considered to be unhygienic. As previously stated, people can transfer certain diseases to their dogs. However, it is humans that are at a higher risk of getting some diseases or infections from their dogs.Aside from rabies and parasites, skin diseases can infect a dog’s human friend. The fact is that canine saliva can carry germs even though dogs are known to have fairly clean mouths overall.Aside from kissing, human and canine diseases can also be transferred in other ways.

Sharing your eating and drinking utensils with your dog can pass on contamination. It’s not recommended that you share these things with your pets.If you have a habit of giving that last bite of burger to your dog, by using your spoon or fork, you are exposing yourself to some contamination but not Mono specifically. To be safe, allow your dishes and kitchen tools to soak in hot water or the dishwasher when cleaning them. It’ll likely kill any germs and bacteria that may have gotten on your dishes through your dog’s saliva.If you allow your dog to kiss you, at the very least, take the necessary precautions so as to safeguard your health. Keep your mouth closed when your dog kisses you. Wash your face and your mouth area with soap and water afterwards.As for your dog, you can brush their teeth to reduce the amount of bacteria possibility present in their mouth. Just don’t use human toothpaste, as it’s toxic for dogs. Instead, get a toothpaste intended for canines if you don’t already have some.