Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasite transmitted through cat feces and undercooked meat, and understanding its actual risk profile allows cat ownership without unnecessary welfare restrictions.
Toxoplasmosis welfare implications run in both directions: the parasite can affect cat brain function and behavior (particularly risk-taking behavior), and misunderstanding of zoonotic risk leads to unnecessary cat relinquishment, particularly by pregnant women who are advised to rehome their cats. The evidence is clear that daily litter cleaning essentially eliminates transmission risk from cat feces, and that the primary human infection route is through meat and contaminated produce rather than cats. Unnecessary cat relinquishment during pregnancy causes welfare harm to both cats (removed from familiar environment) and owners (loss of emotional support). The cat welfare recommendation is clear: cats do not need to be relinquished during pregnancy if appropriate hygiene measures are followed. Cats themselves can develop behavior changes from chronic Toxoplasma infection that affect their welfare.