Cats and Toxoplasma
First, Toxoplasma is a parasite, and toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease. Cats will not produce or be infected with Toxoplasma by themselves. Generally, cats that eat cat food and are kept at home are not at risk of infection with Toxoplasma.
However, there is a risk of infection if the following conditions exist:
① Cats eat unclean raw meat on a daily basis
② Cats are free-range and occasionally go out to play;
③ There is a dog at home (will go out for a walk);
④ Cats will catch mice, birds, etc.;
⑤ Even the green plants at home are often added with external soil (wild cat feces pollution, etc.).
Cats are the final host of Toxoplasma. Toxoplasma can only reproduce inside a cat’s body. When a cat is infected, it will start shedding oocysts in its feces after 1-3 weeks. Freshly excreted oocysts are not infectious. They need more than 24 hours to mature and become contagious.
Humans can only get infected if they come into contact with old feces. For example, if cat litter is not cleaned for several days and someone touches the feces, then eats without washing their hands. Or if a cat steps on its feces, touches human food, and the food is eaten. In these cases, infection is possible.
Once a cat is infected, it will develop antibodies and will not shed oocysts again.
Dogs do not produce oocysts, but since they run on grass and frequently interact with other animals, they may carry oocysts.
Humans and Toxoplasma
Ways of human infection with Toxoplasma:
The vast majority of people are infected with Toxoplasma because of eating uncooked meat, contaminated food, or contamination or separation of cutting boards and utensils; in addition, contact with soil, eating raw or unwashed vegetables, and insufficient cleaning of drinking water and utensils are also possible routes of infection.
For healthy individuals, the immune system can eliminate the parasite, so there is no need to worry too much.
However, Toxoplasma gondii can cause fetal nervous system maldevelopment, hydrocephalus, blindness, miscarriage, etc. It is recommended to do Toxoplasma screening (IgM, IgG) before pregnancy; if the pregnant mother feels that she is at high risk, please tell the obstetrician clearly.
They have rich clinical experience and will arrange screening according to the situation. Even if Toxoplasma is infected during pregnancy, it can be cured if it is discovered in time, so pregnant mothers with cats must to pay attention to this problem and have regular/timed prenatal check-ups.
Finally, some suggestions for those who are preparing for pregnancy or pregnant:
1. Avoid cleaning the litter box yourself; if your partner does it, they must wash their hands with soap afterward.
2. Do not feed cats raw food, including freeze-dried products of unknown origin (especially freeze-dried quail).
3. Avoid contact between your household cat and other animals, such as stray cats, mice, or birds.
4. In homes with both cats and dogs, pay extra attention to deworming regularly (though deworming does not eliminate Toxoplasma).
5. Avoid contact with outdoor soil and sand for both yourself and your cat.
6. Do not eat raw meat or drink untreated water. Cook vegetables thoroughly and peel fruits.
7. There is no vaccine or anthelmintic for Toxoplasma gondii
