Toxoplasmosis affects cats and has public health implications, but is often misunderstood, and appropriate management protects both cats and humans.
Toxoplasmosis in cats creates welfare concerns primarily at the extremes - most cats clear the infection asymptomatically, but immunocompromised cats with active toxoplasmosis can develop devastating neurological and ocular disease. Toxoplasmic encephalitis causes seizures, incoordination, and behavioral changes that significantly impair quality of life. The zoonotic concern, while genuine for vulnerable human populations, has contributed to disproportionate fear of cats and in some cases unnecessary relinquishment of cats by pregnant owners. The risk to immunocompromised humans is real but is primarily from soil, contaminated water, and undercooked meat rather than from cat contact - proper litter management eliminates the household cat transmission route. Keeping cats healthy through good nutrition, stress reduction, and appropriate veterinary care reduces their vulnerability to clinical toxoplasmosis.