Love your pet, but not too much to avoid unnecessary health risks

While most people consider their pet cat a part of the family, it might be a good idea to avoid showing your kitty too much love: The health risks posed by pets include injuries - especially bites - allergies and transmitted infections known collectively as zoonoses. Photo: dpa

Pets are part of the family for most people. They're cuddled with and talked to, and sometimes the dog will sit on the sofa with other family members, or the cat will sleep with them in their bed.

To avoid unnecessary health risks, however, experts say you shouldn't overdo displays of affection towards your four-legged cohabitants, and this applies particularly to children and people with weakened immune systems.