Are New Orleans rats dangerous to pets?

Louisiana ats are nasty. There is nothing about them that does not scream disgusting. They spend a good portion of their time climbing over waste and even dead animals. They have been proven to carry and easily transmit at least six serious diseases.



These diseases have been known to be quickly passed to pets. It doesn’t matter if it is a New Orleans rabbit, dog, cat, parrot or any other small animal. If there are rats present, the threat of contracting one or more of these diseases is very possible. And if they aren’t taken care of almost immediately then they can become fatal. In some cases, they will be fatal regardless.

Tularemia is a disease can be contracted by a pet if it ingests the Louisiana rat. Meaning if a cat finds a rat and decides to turn it into a snack, your cat can contract the disease. Tularemia can also be contracted if your pets drink from the same source of water as rats do. If you leave your pets water dish out at night, then you can almost be sure they are drinking out of the dish. Tularemia is most undoubtedly fatal if it is not treated immediately. Unfortunately, by the time the symptoms are diagnosed, it is too late.

This isn’t the only threat. Animals will naturally go on the offensive if they see a New Orleans rat and are likely to attack. Rats can and will fight back. When this happens, your pets may end up with bites and scratches. If this happens, your beloved pet can contract the rat-bite fever.

Another virus that is quickly spread by Louisiana rats to pets is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. This is a respiratory virus that invades the lungs. It is usually contracted by breathing in the dust in and around rat defecation. This can be easy to do with actions as simple as vacuuming. As you push the vacuum over your carpet, it disperses the virus into the air, and it is breathed in. If not treated right away, it can become fatal to your pets, and it could also present problems if you contract it too.

If you see one rat, there is a good possibility you have a severe infestation. New Orleans ats like to stick to the shadows and are at their most active during the night. If you suspect that you have an infestation, you can try to take care of it yourself, but the results might come at a steep price.

Call an exterminator and voice your concerns. They will come out and inspect your house to see if there is a threat. Be sure to stress that you have pets and you want to keep them as safe as possible.

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