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Toxoplasma

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Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian

Understanding Toxoplasma in cats

If you remember hearing that pregnant women should stay away from a cat’s litter box, toxoplasma is the reason. Most cats will encounter the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, a one-celled organism (protozoa) that finds its way to the cat’s digestive system, in different ways we’ll discuss shortly. It replicates, and cysts are excreted through the cat’s feces. They might infect other animals, primarily cats and rodents, other mammals or birds, as well as humans and dogs. The parasite exists in cat feces or in mammals’ muscle tissues (which is why there’s also a risk of infection by consuming raw meat).

 

Most cats are non-infectious carriers of the parasite and only excrete it in their feces for a short period, usually soon after infection. Infected dogs and humans typically do not show signs of illness. However, animals with weakened immune systems—such as fetuses, puppies, infants, those suffering from immune system diseases (like cancer or AIDS), or those undergoing specific treatments (like organ transplant recipients)—might experience several dangerous symptoms. This is why we must take this condition very seriously, particularly when pregnant women are involved.

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Max's story

Daphne couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her 6-month-old ginger cat, Max. He’d always been affectionate and sweet, but suddenly became aggressive. She thought it was because he hadn’t been neutered yet, but a few days later, he also started showing strange signs, like spinning in circles and missing the countertop he loved jumping on. Daphne took Max to the vet, where they noticed something was wrong with his reflexes and saw that his pupils were uneven and didn’t respond well to light. Max had a comprehensive neurological examination, a spinal tap, and an MRI scan. The tests revealed he had brain damage caused by the Toxoplasma parasite. He began intensive antibiotic treatment, and miraculously returned to his cuddling old self!

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Toxoplasma's Causes: Uncovering Triggers

Cats are infected with Toxoplasma in the following ways:

  1. Ingesting infected meat: Eating infected mice, birds, or raw meat. Humans might also become infected by eating undercooked, contaminated meat.
  2. Direct contact: This can include contact with contaminated soil, manure, water, or feces. The parasite’s cysts can survive several months in these contaminated materials.
  3. Transmission from an infected mother: This can occur during pregnancy or nursing. This form of transmission often leads to the most severe symptoms, as the parasite targets developing tissues in embryos, particularly the nervous system.

boxes Recognizing Toxoplasma: Signs and Symptoms

  • General weakness, fever, and lethargy
  • Loss of appetite and interest in food, significant weight loss, or failure to gain weight in kittens
  • Head tilting, falling to one side, involuntary movements, seizures, lack of coordination, and behavioral changes
  • Respiratory issues in cases of lung infection that include coughing and difficulty breathing
  • Swollen eyelids, redness, changes in color, cloudiness, uneven pupils, light sensitivity, and even blindness
  • In cases of liver infection, we may see jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

It’s important to note that cats often develop antibodies to the parasite and show no clinical signs. Symptoms of the disease are more likely to appear in cats with weakened immune systems, including young kittens or cats suffering from immune system diseases, especially FIV and FeLV.

boxes Toxoplasma Diagnosis: How it's Identified

Since the parasite may not cause visible illness, diagnosis is challenging and relies on a combination of methods:

  • Clinical suspicion based on the above signs, particularly ocular and neurological problems.
  • Blood tests for antibody detection. These tests differentiate between existing antibodies (IgG), which experienced previous exposure, and new ones (IgM), which are more likely to be active infection. If the result is negative, the cat probably never encountered the parasite. If it becomes infected in the future, it may be contagious shortly after infection.
  • Fecal tests are generally not useful for diagnosis because the cysts are found only for a short period, but the cat may still be ill. Microscopic examination can’t distinguish between Toxoplasma and other similar parasites.

boxes Treating Toxoplasma: Options and Approaches

Treatment involves administering a specific antibiotic for several days to weeks. Steroids may be added in cases of severe inflammation in the nervous system or eyes.

Preventing infection in both cats and humans is crucial, and it’s essential to follow these guidelines: 

  • Do not feed your cat raw meat, and ensure other foods are not in contact with surfaces touched by raw meat without proper cleaning.
  • It takes the parasite at least 24 hours in the environment to become infectious, so cleaning your cat’s litter box frequently can prevent the spread of the infection.
  • Always wash your hands after petting your cat or cleaning their litter box.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
  • Do not allow cats to enter playground sandboxes. 
  • Keep your cat indoors to prevent eating contaminated meat or hunting.
  • Wear gloves while cleaning your cat’s litter box, or opt for an automatic litter box. Pregnant women who do not have antibodies or people with weakened immune systems should avoid cleaning litter boxes entirely.

Toxoplasma: Surprising Facts

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    The parasite’s eggs are found in an infected cat’s feces for only about two weeks, and the cat is only contagious during this period. However, the parasite’s eggs can survive for several months after leaving the cat’s body.

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    The Toxoplasma parasite may exist in the tissues of mice, but to continue its life cycle, it must be consumed by a cat. The parasite affects the mouse’s brain, causing it to be attracted to the odor of cat urine!

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    Pregnant women who lovingly care for cats and are concerned about the parasite can check if they have antibodies to Toxoplasma. Even if they don’t have antibodies, there’s no need to give up their cat. Following hygiene and cooking guidelines can prevent infection.

boxes Vet's Tip: Dealing with Toxoplasma

A common misconception is that feeding raw meat is suitable for cats since they’re natural hunters. However, the production process of chicken and beef we consume may expose them to contaminants, including Toxoplasma parasites, which can cause illness in cats and humans. Avoid giving raw meat to eliminate these risks.

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Price Tag

Blood tests and laboratory work
$500-$800
Treatment in cases of acute eye inflammation
$300-$5,000
Neurological diagnosis
$5,000-$7,000
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Latest in Research and Treatments

Research in this area is ongoing, as this common parasite also affects humans. Researchers recently created the parasite artificially in the lab, making it possible to learn more about its mysterious life cycle. This is excellent news for cats as well, since up until now, the only way to study it was to infect cats with contaminated meat intentionally.

Did you know?

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