Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted through cat feces, infects a third of the global human population — responsible cat ownership practices protect both human and animal health.
Responsible Toxoplasma management requires understanding cat biology rather than fear of cats. Cats shed oocysts only during a brief window after first exposure — infection is not a permanent risk from a cat that has been indoors and parasite-free. The wildlife welfare dimension is significant: Toxoplasma from cat feces in soil and water has caused mass mortality events in marine mammals including sea otters and has been detected in endangered species globally. Responsible cat ownership that prevents environmental contamination is simultaneously a cat welfare and wildlife welfare issue.