Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Toxoplasmosis and Wildlife Welfare

Toxoplasma gondii from domestic cat feces poses welfare and conservation threats to wildlife, and responsible cat ownership reduces transmission.

Key Facts

Cats are the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii, shedding oocysts only in first infection
Toxoplasma causes fatal encephalitis in Hawaiian monk seals and marsupials
Sea otters and other marine mammals are infected through environmental contamination
Indoor cats pose very low toxoplasmosis risk compared to outdoor hunting cats
Proper litter disposal prevents environmental contamination

Welfare Considerations

Toxoplasmosis is a wildlife welfare issue caused by domestic cat management. Individual marine mammals and marsupials die from toxoplasmosis infection originating in domestic cat feces entering waterways. Responsible cat ownership prevents wildlife suffering.

What You Can Do

Keep cats indoors or use cat-proof enclosures to prevent wildlife hunting
Dispose of cat litter in sealed bags in general waste rather than composting or flushing
Advocate for responsible cat ownership policies in communities near vulnerable wildlife habitat