Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
What is Toxoplasmosis?
Cats are the primary host, meaning they can shed the parasite in their faeces after ingesting infected prey or contaminated meat. While most cats show no symptoms, the disease can pose serious health risks to other animals and humans, particularly pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Signs Your Cat May Have Toxoplasmosis
Most cats infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not show symptoms. However, in rare cases, clinical signs may include:
🐾 Fever
🐾 Lethargy
🐾 Loss of appetite
🐾 Eye inflammation or discharge
🐾 Cats with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with FIV or FeLV) are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
If your pet shows any of these signs, it’s important to seek vet care early on for treatment and further prevention.
What Causes Toxoplasmosis?
Cats become infected with Toxoplasma gondii through:
🐾 Eating infected raw meat or prey (e.g., rodents, birds)
🐾 Drinking contaminated water
🐾 Contact with infected soil or faeces
🐾 Once infected, cats shed the parasite in their faeces for a short period (1-3 weeks), after which they typically develop immunity and stop shedding.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is showing signs of illness, especially neurological or respiratory symptoms, seek veterinary care. While toxoplasmosis is rare in healthy adult cats, it can be serious in young kittens or immunocompromised cats.
Professional Toxoplasmosis Treatment at My Corner Vet
Most healthy cats do not require treatment, as their immune system controls the infection. However, if symptoms occur, treatment may include:
Antibiotics
To help reduce parasite replication.
Supportive care
Including fluids and nutritional support for severely affected cats.
How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis in Cats
(and Reduce Risk to Humans)
You can reduce the risk by:
🐾 Keep cats indoors – This prevents hunting and exposure to infected prey.
🐾 Feed commercial or cooked food – Avoid raw meat, which may contain T. gondii.
🐾 Clean the litter box daily – The parasite requires 24+ hours to become infectious.
🐾 Wear gloves while gardening – Soil can be contaminated with T. gondii from infected cat feces.
🐾 Practice good hygiene – Wash hands thoroughly after handling litter or soil.
Toxoplasmosis & Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions, as T. gondii can cause serious health issues, including miscarriage or birth defects.
How to reduce risk during pregnancy:
- Have someone else clean the litter box, or wear gloves and wash hands afterward.
- Avoid consuming undercooked meat, which is a common source of infection.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid handling stray cats or adopting new kittens during pregnancy.
-Avoid gardening in areas where cats may have defecated
Frequently Asked Questions
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Direct transmission from pet cats is unlikely. Humans are more commonly infected by eating undercooked meat, handling contaminated soil, or consuming unwashed vegetables.
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No! The risk from cats is minimal with proper hygiene. Avoid handling cat litter directly, and practice good handwashing habits.
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Most cats and humans with healthy immune systems recover without treatment. Severe cases may require antibiotics and supportive care.
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Infected cats only shed the parasite for about 1-3 weeks in their lifetime, usually after their first exposure.
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Yes, but it's less common. Indoor cats may become infected if fed raw meat or if their owner inadvertently brings contaminated soil or water into the home.
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