Toxoplasmosis in cats is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It affects not only cats but also other animals. It’s one of the most common infections in cats caused by parasites.
Since many cats don’t immediately show the symptoms, the condition can pose serious health risks. The infection is a zoonotic disease, meaning it could be transmitted to humans. It’s highly infectious to pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised.
In this guide, you’ll learn about toxoplasmosis in cats, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
How Do Cats Get Toxoplasmosis?
Cats are the definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii, and they are transmitted to cats in many ways. This means that the parasite completes its life cycle while fully inside the cat’s body.
Eating Infected Animals
Since cats who frequent outdoor areas are constantly encountering animals, they pose a higher risk of getting infected. Cats who hunt and eat birds, rodents, and other small animals that are infected can infect them with the parasite.
Contact with Infected Feces
Additionally, the most common way for cats to get toxoplasmosis is through direct contact with their eggs, otherwise known as oocysts. Infected cats can shed the oocysts in their feces.
These eggs can survive in the environment for long periods of time, contaminating soil, water, and other surfaces. So, if your cat regularly explores the outdoors or digs through a litter box that’s not regularly cleaned, it could risk an infection.
Eating Raw Meat
Raw meat is known to easily harbor parasites, and Toxoplasma gondii is no stranger. The parasite can linger in the muscle tissue. Feeding such meat significantly increases your cat's risk of developing feline toxoplasmosis.
Consuming Contaminated Water or Food
Outdoor water sources, such as puddles and stagnant water, can harbor these parasites. Likewise, food that has come into contact with infected soil, feces, or water can serve as a mode of transmission.
How Common Is Toxoplasmosis in Indoor Cats?
The incidence rate in indoor cats is relatively low since the parasite mostly thrives in outdoor environments. Plus, contamination usually starts from infected animals to contaminated water, soil, and feces, factors that are not common indoors.
Toxoplasmosis Symptoms in Cats
Many cats infected with toxoplasmosis might not show any symptoms at all. However, in some cases, the infection can lead to serious health issues, especially in young cats or those with compromised immune systems.
Here are the common symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats:
Loss of Appetite. Your cat might stop eating or show less interest in food. This can lead to significant weight and energy loss.
Lethargy and Weakness. Infected cats often seem tired and sluggish, or they might sleep more than usual. This unusual tiredness may be accompanied by a lack of interest in activities they normally enjoy.
Fever. A rise in body temperature can be a sign of infection. You may notice your cat feeling unusually warm or looking for cooler areas to rest. It’s usually accompanied by lethargy.
Vomiting and Diarrhea. Gastrointestinal distress can also manifest as a result of the toxoplasmosis infection. This can lead to several symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Jaundice. On rare occasions, the toxoplasmosis parasite can also spread to the liver, causing liver failure. This results in the yellowing of the skin, eyes, and gums.
Breathing Problems. If cat toxoplasmosis spreads to the lungs, you might notice difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing. Respiratory cases are often severe, requiring emergency attention.
Neurological Issues. When the parasite reaches the nervous system, affected cats can experience severe neurological issues. This includes seizures, muscle tremors, disorientation, and incoordination.
Eye Issues. Your cat’s eyes might appear red and irritated, which indicates an eye infection. This results in severe ocular issues such as the inflammation of the uvea, cornea, choroid, and retina.
How to Detect Toxoplasmosis in Cats
The process to diagnose toxoplasmosis in cats can be complex and complicated due to the lack of apparent signs. However, it can be achieved through a multitude of laboratory tests. Here’s how our experts do it:
Serologic Blood Tests
These blood tests are the most commonly used methods to diagnose toxoplasmosis in a cat. It works by analyzing and checking for the presence of specific antibodies, namely IgM and IgG. IgM indicates a recent infection, while IgG signals previous exposure and immunity.
If IgM levels are high, this means that your cat is currently infected. High IgG levels without any IgM suggest that your cat has had the infection previously.
Fecal Examination
We may also examine your cat’s stool to look for any oocysts present. However, this method can be inconsistent at times since the oocysts are only shed for a short period. Furthermore, these eggs can also resemble other parasites, making it difficult to accurately diagnose.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Test
A PCR test is a specialized test that detects the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii. It works by examining blood, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, or tissue. This test is highly sensitive, able to detect the parasite and the active infection. However, it can be costly.
Biopsy
In advanced or difficult-to-diagnose cases, we might do a biopsy of the tissue from affected organs. These samples are examined for the active forms of the parasite. While it provides a direct visual confirmation of the parasite, it is invasive and reserved for severe cases.
Toxoplasmosis Treatment in Cats
If your cat is diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, then we’ll proceed to treating the infection and eliminating the parasite. The treatment plan often includes medication to fight the parasite and supportive care to help your cat recover.
We’ll prescribe antibiotics and antiparasitic medications that eliminate the parasite and inhibits its growth. The most commonly used medication for this is clindamycin. It’s a highly effective drug capable of fighting off the parasite. The full course typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
The medication is give orally and cats with toxoplasmosis are generally given a dose of 10-12 mg/kg every 12 hours for the full four weeks. However, this dosage can vary based on your cat’s health, its age, and the severity of the condition.
Additional supportive care treatments will be given to help with recovery. This can include administering fluids for rehydration or prescribing medications for pain and nausea symptoms. If your cat’s case becomes fatal, it may need hospitalization.
Recovery and Prognosis for Cats With Toxoplasmosis
Most cats diagnosed with toxoplasmosis often make full recovery, especially those that were diagnosed early on. Improvements will start to show during the first week and this will continue as the full course of medication is completed.
In complicated and severe cases where other organs have been affected, cats will need about a few months to fully recover. These cases will be close monitoring and additional forms of treatment depending on the system affected.
Even after the full course of medication, we recommend bringing in your cat for a final checkup. We’ll conduct blood tests and follow-up exams to make sure the infection is no longer active.
Can a Cat Survive Toxoplasmosis?
Yes, cats can survive toxoplasmosis as the infection is rarely fatal. While the parasite can cause more severe symptoms in several parts of the body such as the nervous and respiratory systems, the infection can be managed effectively.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis in Cats
While the risk of this infection is high, there are steps you can take to help reduce your cat’s exposure to the infection.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Cats living indoors will less likely hunt animals who can be potentially infected with the parasite. They’ll also be less likely to directly encounter water and soil contaminated by the toxoplasmosis parasite.
Give Cooked Cat Food
Since raw diets can harbor dangerous parasites when improperly prepared, feeding cooked meals and formulated diets are recommended. These options are much safer and provide better nutritional benefits for your cat.
Clean the Litter Box Regularly
Regularly cleaning your cat’s litter box can also remove any potential parasitic eggs on them. Always wear protective gloves to be safe and wash your hands immediately after cleaning.
Practice Proper Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling food, cleaning the little box, gardening, or other activities that can easily spread the parasite to you or your family.
Keep Your Cat Away from Stray Animals
Stray cats are more likely to carry toxoplasmosis, so avoid allowing your cat to interact with them. If your cat tends to go outside and roam, you might want to consider closing windows and having your cat spayed.
The Effects of Toxoplasmosis on Humans
Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted from cats to humans, but the risk is quite low if proper precautions are taken. Pregnant women should be extra cautious because toxoplasmosis can be passed on to the fetus.
Pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter box throughout their pregnancy. If this can’t be avoided, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward. This also goes for those with weakened immune systems.
To protect yourself and your family, cook all meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables well, and practice good hygiene when handling your cat’s litter.
Final Thoughts
Toxoplasmosis is a health concern for cats and families everywhere. But with the right care, your best friend and family can be protected.
Keeping your cat indoors, feeding them properly cooked food, and maintaining a clean environment are key steps in preventing infection. If you see any toxoplasmosis symptoms in your cat, bring them in for a checkup and we’ll guide you through the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Share
