How Toxoplasmosis Affects Your Cat 🐱🦠

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii—a common organism that infects warm-blooded species, including cats and humans. In 2025, we understand more than ever about how this parasite lives in and affects cats, and how to keep both cats and people safe. 🧬

🌎 What Is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection—meaning it can spread between animals and people. But the cat’s role is unique: they are the definitive host, where the parasite reaches maturity and reproduces. 🐾

People are often warned to avoid cat litter during pregnancy because the parasite can be shed in feces. However, it’s not just humans who are at risk—cats themselves can become ill too. ⚠️

😿 How Do Cats Get It?

Cats become infected by ingesting the parasite:

• 🐀 Eating infected prey (e.g., rodents or birds)
• 🥩 Eating raw meat
• 🌱 Contact with contaminated soil (grooming paws after walking in it)

The parasite forms oocysts (egg-like structures) in the intestines, which can be shed into the environment—infecting other animals and humans. In the cat, the parasite can travel to the brain, lungs, muscles, or eyes. 🧠

🩺 Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis

Most cats will not show symptoms at all. However, cats with weakened immune systems (young kittens, elderly cats, or those with FeLV or FIV) are most at risk. Pregnant queens can pass it to their kittens, causing fetal loss or deformities. 👶

Signs may include:

• 🌡️ Fever
• 😴 Lethargy or weakness
• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 🐾 Abdominal pain or bloating
• 👁️ Eye inflammation or vision issues
• 😤 Respiratory infections
• 🧠 Seizures or neurologic signs in severe cases

Certain breeds like Persians, Birmans, Ocicats, and Norwegian Forest Cats may have a higher risk. 📊

🔬 Diagnosis

Your vet may recommend several tests, including:

• 💉 Blood tests for inflammation or parasite antibodies
• 💩 Fecal testing for oocysts
• 🧬 PCR tests to confirm infection
• 🧫 Biopsies or radiographs in severe cases

💊 Treatment Options

• 💊 Antibiotics like clindamycin
• 🛌 Supportive care: hydration, nutrition, pain relief
• 🧪 Discontinuation of immunosuppressants (if applicable)

Cats often begin to improve within 1–2 days of starting treatment. Full recovery is possible with prompt care. ✅

🏥 My Cat’s a Hunter but Seems Fine—Should I Worry?

Many cats may be infected and never show signs. A healthy cat may live with T. gondii for years. However, the parasite can reactivate if your cat becomes immunosuppressed. 🧬

Even asymptomatic cats can shed oocysts—which can remain infectious in the environment for months. 🌱

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• 🍽️ Do not feed raw meat or unpasteurized dairy
• 🚫 Discourage outdoor hunting
• 🧼 Scoop litter daily and wash hands thoroughly
• 🐾 Clean litter boxes with boiling water or disinfectants weekly
• 📅 Keep up with regular vet visits, especially for immune-compromised cats

There is no current vaccine for toxoplasmosis in cats as of 2025. 🧪

👶 Human Health Reminder

Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litterboxes or use gloves and wash hands immediately afterward. Humans are more often infected by:

• 🥩 Eating undercooked meat
• 🥛 Drinking unpasteurized milk
• 🧼 Poor hand hygiene after gardening or handling raw meat

📱 Ask A Vet App Support

Concerned your cat may have toxoplasmosis—or worried about exposure risk? The Ask A Vet app offers:

• 🧪 Review of symptoms and test results
• 💬 Chat with licensed vets about treatment
• 📋 Advice on litter hygiene and prevention
• 📱 Support for high-risk households (pregnant, immunocompromised)

🏁 Final Takeaway

Toxoplasmosis is common, often silent, but manageable. With good hygiene, proper diet, and vet care, your cat can live a healthy life. Most cats never become sick, but early intervention is key for those who do. If you have questions, reach out to your veterinarian—or consult Ask A Vet for real-time answers and support. 🐱🧼🛡️