🔍 What Is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the only definitive hosts where sexual reproduction occurs—shedding millions of oocysts via feces for a short period after first infection :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

1. Lifecycle & Transmission

• Cats ingest tissue cysts (bradyzoites) by eating infected prey or raw meat; the parasite then reproduces in their intestines, generating oocysts :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Oocysts are shed for ~1–3 weeks post–initial infection; these become infectious after 1–5 days of sporulation :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Other cats and humans acquire the infection by ingesting sporulated oocysts or undercooked meat containing tissue cysts :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

2. How Common Is It?

• Worldwide, 30–50% of people—and many outdoor cats—have been exposed :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Outdoor or raw-fed cats are at higher risk; seroprevalence in fed commercial food indoor cats is much lower :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

3. Who Shows Illness?

• Most healthy cats remain asymptomatic; clinical disease occurs in kittens, FIV/FeLV+, or severely immunocompromised cats :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Shedding oocysts usually doesn’t cause illness in cats :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

4. Recognizing Signs

• Common: fever, lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Depending on affected organ: respiratory (pneumonia, dyspnea), ocular (uveitis, vision loss), hepatic (jaundice), neurological (incoordination, seizures) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

5. Diagnosis

• History and signs guide suspicion; outdoor hunting or immunosuppression increases risk.
• Blood tests: elevated IgM (active infection) and IgG (past exposure) help confirm toxoplasmosis :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Advanced cases: ocular examination, thoracic imaging, and occasionally PCR of body fluids.

6. Treatment

• Clindamycin: 25–50 mg/kg PO q12 h for 3–4 weeks is first-line :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Alternative protocols may include trimethoprim‑sulfa or pyrimethamine combos, especially with CNS or ocular disease :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Supportive care includes fluids, anti‑emetics, oxygen therapy, anti‑inflammatories or corticosteroids for severe inflammation :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Treatment should continue at least 48–72 h after signs resolve to reduce relapse risk :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

7. Prognosis

• With prompt antibiotic and supportive therapy, most cats recover fully; mortality occurs in severe multi-organ or delayed-treatment cases.
• Shedding of oocysts typically occurs only once during first infection :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

8. Zoonotic & Pregnancy Considerations

• Human infection typically from undercooked meat or contaminated soil rather than cat litter, though litter precautions are important :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Pregnant individuals or immunocompromised people should avoid cleaning litter when possible; use gloves, wash hands, and scoop daily before oocysts sporulate :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Indoor cats fed commercial food pose minimal risk to humans :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

9. Prevention Strategies

• Keep cats indoors and feed only commercial or well-cooked pet food :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Clean litter boxes daily, dispose safely (double bag), and wash hands :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Use gloves for gardening; avoid exposing sandboxes to outdoor cats :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

10. Ask A Vet Remote Monitoring 🐾📲

• 📸 Upload photos of your cat’s general condition, eye or respiratory signs for early triage.
• 🔔 Set reminders for clindamycin dosing, rechecks, and environmental cleaning.
• 🧭 Log appetite, activity, temperature, and breathing patterns daily.
• 📊 Alerts for relapse signs—weight loss, respiratory changes, neurologic signs —help decide when to revisit the vet.
• 👩‍⚕️ Virtual support to review blood titers and guide duration of treatment.

11. FAQs

Can my healthy cat infect me?

Transmission risk is low if litter is cleaned daily and hygiene maintained. The main risks come from raw meat and contaminated soil :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

Does my cat need lifelong treatment?

No—treatment is limited to the active infection period; immunity prevents further shedding :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

Can indoor cats get toxoplasmosis?

Yes—if fed raw meat or exposed to infected meats. Feeding commercial diets minimizes risk :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

When should a litter be quarantined?

Litter boxes should not be shared during treatment and shedding; wait two weeks after start of treatment before switching boxes.

12. Key Take‑Home Points ✅

• Suspect early: outdoor/unwell cats with systemic signs or CNS/ocular signs.
• Diagnose precisely: use titers, ocular exams, imaging.
• Treat fully: clindamycin for 3–4 weeks with supportive care.
• Prevent exposure: indoor housing, cooked diets, litter hygiene.
• Protect humans: scoop daily, glove use, and safe disposal.
• Use Ask A Vet: for monitoring, medications reminders, and relapse alerts remotely.

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis in cats is mostly asymptomatic but can cause severe illness in vulnerable cats. With early diagnosis, complete antibiotic therapy, and preventive care, outcomes are excellent. Owners play a vital role in reducing zoonotic risk—especially during pregnancy—through proper hygiene, diet, and litter practices. Ask A Vet’s remote support ensures treatment adherence, recovery tracking, and early re‑evaluation, safeguarding cat and human health in 2025 and beyond 🐾📲.

If your cat has systemic illness, CNS/ocular signs, or you care for pregnant or immunocompromised individuals, schedule vet evaluation promptly and begin Ask A Vet monitoring to support therapy and minimize risk.