Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Key takeaways
Toxoplasmosis is an infection of Toxoplasma gondii, a common protozoan parasite that affects all warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans.
- Toxoplasmosis generally does not cause illness in healthy cats, although very young kittens and cats with compromised immune systems are susceptible
- Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, seizures, uncoordinated movement, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Veterinary attention is necessary only in cases where symptoms develop
- Diagnosis is based on a physical exam, bloodwork, and testing for antibodies against the parasite
- Treatment is usually not necessary, but includes antibiotics in severe cases
- Prognosis is excellent, although in cases where the cat develops symptoms, the prognosis is more guarded
- Prevention of transmission to humans involves wearing gloves while gardening or cleaning cat litter trays, and cooking meat products properly
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A closer look: Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Toxoplasmosis is very common in cats, and typically does not cause symptoms. Cats who are susceptible to illness due to toxoplasmosis include:
- Very young kittens
- Very old cats
- Cats with compromised immune systems due to diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Kittens that are still in utero, since this parasite can cross the placenta and infect unborn animals
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Risk factors
Cats who are very young, very old, or with compromised immune systems are at risk of developing symptoms from toxoplasmosis, because their weakened immune systems cannot control the parasitic infection effectively.
Possible causes
The cause of toxoplasmosis is the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is transmitted to the cat through the ingestion of raw meat or wild prey. Within the cat, the protozoan invades the intestinal tract and forms eggs, which pass in the feces. These eggs can contaminate food or water supplies of wild prey species, continuing the protozoan’s life cycle. In some cases, kittens are born with toxoplasmosis, due to passing of the parasite to the fetus while in utero.
Main symptoms
In most cases, cats with toxoplasmosis show no symptoms.
Testing and diagnosis
Cats with toxoplasmosis where no symptoms have developed do not require veterinary attention. If a cat is suspected of having symptomatic toxoplasmosis, diagnostics may include:
- Physical examination
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Testing for antibodies against Toxoplasma
- Fecal analysis
Steps to Recovery
Treatment of toxoplasmosis primarily involves antibiotics that target the protozoan. In cases where the cat is too weak to feed itself, supportive care such as IV fluids and nutritional support is required.
The prognosis for cats with non-symptomatic toxoplasmosis is excellent.
The overall prognosis for cats with symptomatic toxoplasmosis is guarded, with some cases responding poorly to treatment. Cats that recover may have long-term deficits, such as uncoordinated movement or debility. Cases that are recognized and treated quickly have the best chance of a full recovery.
Prevention
Strategies to prevent toxoplasmosis infection in cats include:
- Feeding commercially prepared cat food
- Limiting hunting of wild prey by keeping the cat indoors
Toxoplasmosis can affect any mammalian species, including other pets in the home and people. Strategies to prevent spread from an infected cat include:
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling cat litter or feces
- Regularly cleaning litter boxes
- Preventing other pets from accessing cat litter boxes
- Disinfecting surfaces that may have been contacted by cat feces
Is Toxoplasmosis in Cats common?
Toxoplasmosis is common among cats and other warm blooded animals. Symptomatic toxoplasmosis is rare in cats.
Typical Treatment
No treatment Antibiotics
