Companion Animals

Cat Toxoplasmosis Zoonosis Welfare

Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats has welfare implications for cats themselves and zoonotic risks requiring appropriate management.

Key Facts

Cats are the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii, shedding oocysts in faeces
Most cats show no clinical signs but immunocompromised cats can develop severe disease
Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should avoid cleaning cat litter
Daily litter tray cleaning removes oocysts before they become infectious
Keeping cats indoors and feeding cooked food reduces infection risk

Welfare Considerations

Toxoplasmosis in cats is typically subclinical but can cause severe ocular, neurological, and respiratory disease in immunocompromised cats. The zoonotic risk to pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals requires appropriate hygiene management. Daily litter cleaning and handwashing after cat contact protects human health while maintaining cat welfare.

What You Can Do

Clean litter trays daily to remove oocysts before they sporulate
Wear gloves when gardening in areas where cats defecate
Keep cats indoors and feed commercial cooked food to reduce infection risk