Toxoplasma gondii is shed in cat feces and poses risks to immunocompromised people and pregnant women. Understanding safe handling practices allows cat ownership without undue health risk.
Fear of toxoplasmosis sometimes leads to unnecessary cat relinquishment by immunocompromised owners. Simple hygiene measures including daily litter changing and handwashing after litter handling eliminate most risk. Keeping cats indoors and not feeding raw meat reduces risk to near zero. Surrendering a bonded cat causes significant welfare harm to both cat and owner that outweighs properly managed infection risk.