Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease transmissible from cats to humans and other animals, with implications for both cat management and public health.
Toxoplasmosis management intersects cat welfare with public health. Outdoor cats that hunt are at higher infection risk and may shed oocysts in faeces used in gardens and sandpits accessible to vulnerable humans. Keeping cats indoors eliminates hunting-related infection risk and protects public health. For outdoor cats, litter trays should be cleaned daily before oocysts become infective, and pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should avoid litter cleaning tasks. Cat welfare and responsible Toxoplasma management are compatible — the primary precautions are practical and do not require restricting cat behaviour beyond what is already recommended for other reasons.