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Psychology, family and everyday life

Pets: love and safety

A pet is a source of comfort and joy. Most people can keep their pet, but during neutropenia animal waste, saliva, scratches and bites can cause infection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A cat sleeping curled up on a blanket
Figure 1.A pet is a source of joy

01Short answer

Wash your hands after stroking your pet. Ask someone else to clean the litter tray, birdcage or aquarium and pick up after the dog; if that is impossible, wear gloves and a mask, wash your hands afterwards and ask your team. Do not let your pet lick your face or sleep in your bed. Avoid scratches and bites; if you are scratched, wash it and tell your team. Keep your pet vaccinated, healthy and treated for parasites, and take it to the vet if it is ill. Reptiles, birds, rodents and getting a new pet are usually not advised during treatment.

02Simple explanation

After stroking: wash hands.

Litter, cage: someone else.

Licking, your bed: no.

Scratch: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, avoid cleaning up after animals and wash your hands after touching pets.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Zoonosis

Infections passed from animals to people.

Toxoplasma

A parasite that can be found in cat faeces.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
ZoonosisInfections passed from animals to people.
ToxoplasmaA parasite that can be found in cat faeces.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Zoonosis
A disease passed on from animals.
Vaccination
Protecting the animal from infections.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Wash.
  • Keep your distance.
  • Watch.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I give my pet away?

Often not; with these rules you can stay together. After a transplant, ask your team.

My cat scratched me.

Wash with soap and tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I give my pet away?

  2. My cat scratched me.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. Cancer, 2016. Caring for caregivers and patients: Research and clinical priorities for informal cancer caregiving
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Financial Toxicity and Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  7. American Cancer Society. Working During Cancer Treatment
  8. American Cancer Society. Work Accommodations When You or a Family Member Has Cancer
  9. American Cancer Society. Financial and Insurance Matters
  10. Macmillan Cancer Support. Money and work
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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