Companion Animals

Companion Cat Toxoplasmosis and Public Health

Toxoplasma gondii in cats, public health implications, and welfare management of infected animals.

Key Facts

Cats are the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii, shedding oocysts in faeces
Most cats show no signs of toxoplasmosis but immunocompromised cats can develop serious illness
Pregnant women and immunocompromised people should take precautions around cat litter
Indoor cats with no access to raw meat or rodents have very low infection risk
Cat welfare is unaffected by toxoplasma seropositivity in most immunocompetent individuals

Welfare Considerations

Toxoplasmosis rarely causes welfare problems in healthy cats, but immunocompromised cats may develop serious illness requiring veterinary management.

What You Can Do

Pregnant women should ask other household members to change cat litter
Prevent cats from hunting by providing adequate indoor enrichment
Test immunocompromised cats for toxoplasma if they show signs of systemic illness