I understand that you have concerns about hygiene and contamination due to your OCD, and it's essential to address these worries in a balanced way. In the situation you described, the risk of any harmful contamination is extremely low.
Firstly, it's important to note that the transmission of diseases or harmful pathogens from cats to humans through touching utensils is very uncommon. Cats may carry certain bacteria or parasites, but direct transmission through contact with their fur is not a typical route of infection for most diseases.
Secondly, any potential pathogens present on the cat's fur would likely have been substantially reduced or eliminated by the time you touched the utensils. Bacteria and viruses tend to have a short survival time on surfaces, especially on objects like utensils that are often exposed to air and cleaning.
Moreover, the chances of harmful pathogens from the cat being transferred to the utensils and then causing illness in a healthy person are extremely remote. Our bodies have natural defense mechanisms that protect us from many common pathogens.
To ease your concerns and maintain good hygiene practices, you can take the following steps:
Wash Utensils: If you're still feeling uneasy, you can wash the utensils with soap and water before use. This will further reduce any residual risk, although it's already quite low.
Wash Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food or eating. This practice is an effective way to prevent the spread of germs.
Seek Support: OCD can be challenging to manage alone, so consider seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy can be helpful in managing OCD-related symptoms.
Learn Coping Strategies: Work on developing coping strategies for managing intrusive thoughts related to contamination. Breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and grounding exercises can be beneficial.
Remember that it's entirely normal to have occasional worries about hygiene, but it's essential to strike a balance between taking reasonable precautions and letting those worries control your life. OCD can be challenging, but with appropriate support and strategies, it can be managed effectively, allowing you to lead a fulfilling life. If these thoughts persist and significantly impact your daily functioning, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.