Toxoplasmosis in cats: What it is and how it can spread to humans

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which occurs worldwide and affects many species, including cats and humans.

Cats serve as the parasite’s definitive hosts, meaning its life cycle is completed inside them. Cats can become infected by eating raw meat or coming into contact with infected animals. Once infected, they may develop the parasite in their intestines and excrete oocysts in their feces. These oocysts can survive in the environment for long periods and infect other animals or people.

Most infected cats, particularly healthy adults, show no obvious clinical symptoms. Young cats and those with weakened immune systems may develop fever, lethargy, breathing difficulties or loss of appetite. Diagnosis can involve blood tests for antibodies and stool tests to detect the parasite. Treatment generally uses antiparasitic medication.

People can become infected by ingesting oocysts in contaminated soil, eating raw or undercooked meat, or coming into direct contact with feces from an infected cat. Many people experience no symptoms, but the infection can cause serious health problems in people with weakened immune systems and can harm a fetus during pregnancy.

Prevention includes cooking meat thoroughly, using gloves when handling cat litter and washing hands carefully afterward. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes and, above all, avoid contact with cat feces.