My boyfriend read somewhere that cat saliva is toxic to sugar gliders and can severely hurt or even kill them. Is this true? Please get back to me asap!

YES, cat saliva is VERY toxic to gliders. Catnip is also toxic to gliders.

~Erica~

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Ashley22209</i>
<br />My boyfriend read somewhere that cat saliva is toxic to sugar gliders and can severely hurt or even kill them. Is this true? Please get back to me asap!
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what happens to them if they come in contact with cat saliva

http://www.sugarglider.com/glidergossip/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=41306

I don't think the saliva itself is toxic per'sey'.... I think if a cat were to break the skin on a glider, the bacteria in the saliva can cause infection with the infection leading to death.

I mean, I don't think if you cat licks you finger then your glider licks the same finger it's going to drop dead.

I may be wrong but if I am, I promise someone will correct me.

Cats have pastuerella in their saliva, which is a very nasty bacteria. It causes abscesses and nasty infections. There is also bartonella and strep in cat saliva as well.

I wouldn't even try that. I read somewhere it isn't 'toxic' but it is so full of bacteria that it is lethal. I was bitten by a cat years ago and got a really bad infection that required me to wear a sling. Oh and that song cat scratch fever? It's not just a song. Hubby got that a long time ago.

thanks Jazz-that's correct...been wanting to say that!

Also - there is some sort of gram negative/ gram positive thing? I don't know the details, but I do know that certain species shouldn't "swap spit."

Gram negative bacteria have a "tougher" cell wall. They have a double lining and it's harder for antibiotics and other things to penetrate the cell wall-making it harder to kill.

Yeah, toxic or not.... my view is just keep the cats away from the gliders then there won't be an issue.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by JazzNZoeysmom</i>
<br />Yeah, toxic or not.... my view is just keep the cats away from the gliders then there won't be an issue.
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I agree!!!!

~Erica~

Agreed-the cat would have to put their teeth on the glider to get the saliva there (in 99% of the cases), so either way, won't be pretty.