SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/small-no-kissing

What does the CDC say about kissing or snuggling small pets?

Don't hold them close to your face.

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  1. It's safe after the cage has been cleaned
  2. Don't kiss them or hold them close to your face ✔
  3. Keep them near your face but below your mouth

Why: Small pets can carry germs like Salmonella even when they look healthy. Kissing them or holding them to your face puts those germs near your mouth. Pet them and hold them in your lap instead.

Huh, didn't know that: Kissing pet rats is one of the ways people catch rat bite fever.

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What do you get if you cross a rabbit and a frog? A bunny ribbit.
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References

Answer: Don't kiss them or hold them close to your face. Small pets can carry germs like Salmonella even when they look healthy. Kissing them or holding them to your face puts those germs near your mouth. Pet them and hold them in your lap instead.

  1. Small Mammals, CDC Healthy Pets www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/small-mammals.html
    Don't kiss, snuggle, or hold small pets close to your face.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. About Rat-Bite Fever, CDC www.cdc.gov/rat-bite-fever/about/index.html
    RBF can spread to people through scratches, bites, or contact with a rodent's saliva or pee.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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