Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It affects not only cats but other animals as well. It’s one of the most common infections in cats caused by parasites, though many cats don’t show any symptoms. As a cat owner, you must know its potential 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?

Toxoplasmosis is transmitted to cats in many ways. Understanding how cats contract the infection will help you take steps that can protect your pet, your family, and yourself.

1. Eating Infected Animals

   Outdoor cats are at higher risk of getting infected with toxoplasmosis since they often hunt and eat birds, rodents, and other small animals. These animals can carry the parasite in their tissues, and when your cat eats them, it becomes infected with toxoplasmosis.

   
   

2. Contact with Infected Feces

   The most common way cats get toxoplasmosis is through contact with oocysts or tiny eggs found in the feces of an infected cat. If your cat digs through a litter box that’s not regularly cleaned, it could be exposed. Keeping the litter box clean every day is one of the best ways to minimize the risk.

   
   

3. Eating Raw Meat

   Feeding your cat raw or undercooked meat can also increase the risk of toxoplasmosis. This is one reason you must avoid raw food diets for your cat. If you prefer or if your vet has advised you to have homecooked cat food for your pet, make sure to cook the meat very well.

   
   

4. Drinking Contaminated Water or Eating Contaminated Food

   Sometimes, cats may get toxoplasmosis from drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with oocysts. Your cat may get infected from drinking water outdoors or if its bowls aren’t washed properly.

Signs and Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis 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 weak immune systems. 

Common Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Cats

• Loss of Appetite

  Your cat might stop eating or show less interest in food. It might lead to weight loss and a decrease in energy levels. This is often one of the first signs that something is wrong, so monitoring your cat’s eating habits closely is important. 

  
  

• 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 injection, and you may notice your cat feeling unusually warm or looking for cooler areas to rest. Fever can also make your cat less active and more irritable.

  
  

• Breathing Problems

  If the toxoplasmosis infection spreads to the lungs, your cat might have difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing. In worse cases, it could become a fatal respiratory disease that would need emergency veterinary care.

  
  

• Seizures

  When the infection becomes more severe, toxoplasmosis can cause neurological problems in your cat. It could have seizures, which are uncontrolled muscle movements or loss of consciousness. Seizures can be a serious sign of toxoplasmosis in cats since the parasites have already spread to the brain.

  
  

• Eye Issues

  Your cat’s eyes might appear red, and it may squint, which may mean it’s already having problems with vision. If you notice this in your cat, the toxoplasmosis infection might already affect the eyes. Without prompt treatment, your cat might have long-term eye problems.

  
  

Your cat may exhibit one or more of these symptoms, depending on how serious the infection is and your cat's current health condition.

Diagnosing Toxoplasmosis in Cats

If you notice any symptoms in your cat, the next step is to schedule a veterinary consultation. If possible, call an emergency vet, so your cat can get immediate care. DIagnosing toxoplasmosis in cats can be challenging, but there are several tests your vet can do to detect it.

1. Blood Tests

   A simple blood test can help detect antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. High levels of certain antibodies can indicate that your cat has an active toxoplasmosis infection.

   
   

2. Fecal Testing

   Cats shed the oocysts in their feces, so vets would request a fecal test to check the presence of the eggs in your cat’s stool. However, the shedding of the eggs is not consistent, so this text isn’t always reliable.

   
   

3. Biopsy and Imaging Test

   If the blood and fecal tests still can’t determine if your cat is infected with toxoplasmosis, the vet may recommend a biopsy or imaging test to check for parasites in your cat’s tissues.

Treating Toxoplasmosis in Cats

If your cat is diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, there are treatment options available. The treatment plan often includes medication to fight the parasite and supportive care to help your cat recover.

Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics that eliminate toxoplasmosis parasites in your cat. Different types of antibiotics can be given depending on the severity of your cat’s infection.

If your cat’s condition worsens, additional care can be given, such as fluids for rehydration or medications for pain and nausea symptoms. If your cat’s case becomes fatal, it may need hospitalization.

Most cats respond well to treatment. If the toxoplasmosis infection gets detected early, the better chances your cat will be better.

Preventing Toxoplasmosis in Your Cat

The risk of toxoplasmosis is impossible to eliminate completely. Still, there are steps you can take to help reduce your cat’s exposure to the infection. 

1. Keep Your Cat Indoors

   Indoor cats are far less likely to hunt infected animals or come into contact with contaminated water. Limit your cat’s trip outdoors to reduce the risk of getting infected by toxoplasmosis.

   
   

2. Give Cooked Cat Food

   Make sure that your cat’s food is always fully cooked. Raw or undercooked meat can contain the parasite, so avoid feeding your cat raw diets.

   
   

3. Clean the Litter Box Regularly

   If your cat uses a litter box, make sure to clean it daily to remove tiny parasitic eggs. Always wear gloves when cleaning the litter box, and wash your hands immediately afterward.

   
   

4. 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.

   
   

5. Keep Your Cat Away from Stray Animals

   Stray cats are more likely to carry toxoplasmosis, so avoid allowing your cat to interact with them. This will help keep the parasite from spreading.

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. 

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis in cats is a health concern, not only for your pet but for your family as well. But with the right care, your companion 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, take it to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your cat's and your family's health and safety.