Short answer: Yes, humans can get roundworms from cats, but the risk is generally low and depends on exposure. Transmission happens mainly through ingestion of contaminated soil, water, or objects containing infectious eggs, not through casual petting. Details

• What the roundworms are: In cats, the common intestinal roundworms are Toxocara cati (and related species). Humans can become infected if they accidentally ingest infectious eggs from contaminated soil or feces.

• How transmission occurs: The life cycle involves eggs being shed in cat feces, maturing in the environment, and then being ingested by a person. Direct contact with a cat’s fur or saliva does not typically transmit the infection; the main route is via contaminated hands, soil, or objects.

• Health effects in humans: In most people, exposure does not cause illness, but when eggs are ingested, larvae can migrate through tissues, a condition known as toxocariasis. In some cases, larvae may reach the eye (ocular larva migrans) or cause other organ/tissue infections. Children are at higher risk due to play in contaminated dirt and hand-to-mouth behaviors.

• Prevention tips:
  • Regular deworming of cats and kittens and properly disposing of litter.
  • Wash hands after handling soil, dirt, or cat litter; supervise children to prevent soil ingestion.
  • Keep the environment clean: scoop litter boxes daily, wash hands afterward, and prevent children from playing in areas potentially contaminated with pet feces.
  • Consider using gloves when gardening and washing produce more thoroughly if there’s potential soil exposure to animals.
  • If you have a compromised immune system or are pregnant, take extra precautions and discuss with a clinician, as toxocariasis risk can be more significant in certain groups.

What this means for you

• Casual contact with a cat (petting, cuddling) is not a typical route for roundworm transmission. The concern is more about handling litter, soil, or objects that may be contaminated and then touching the mouth or face without washing hands.

• If you’re in a high-risk situation (young children, outdoor soil play areas, or exposure to feline feces), emphasize hygiene and routine veterinary care for your cat to minimize risk.

If you’d like, I can tailor prevention steps to your living situation (e.g., as a parent with young kids, or in a community garden). I can also summarize authoritative sources or provide checklists for cat care and hygiene.