Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection commonly associated with cats, but any warm-blooded animal can become infected, including people. The good news is that most cats (and people) will only have mild symptoms if they do catch the parasite.1 However, there are instances where toxoplasmosis infections can take a severe turn, especially in people or cats who have weaker immune systems or are pregnant. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and take care to avoid infection if possible.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis in cats is caused by an infection from tiny, single-celled parasitic protozoa called Toxoplasma gondii.1 The parasite is so small that you can't see it without a microscope.2 Cats catch it by eating prey that have been infected. The infected prey release cysts, which live in the intestines and are shed in the cats' stool.
After a couple of weeks, cats typically fight off the infection and develop immunity, so they no longer shed the virus.3 (Technically, the parasite is forced back into a dormant stage, but it rarely causes any additional problems.)2
What helps the parasite spread so easily, however, is that it can survive in the environment where it was shed for months, long after the cat is no longer shedding the parasite.
How do cats get toxoplasmosis?
Cats can catch toxoplasmosis if they accidentally ingest the microscopic parasite.1 They can't catch it just by touching another infected cat. Here are some of the more common ways that toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to your furry feline:
- Eating an animal infected with Toxoplasma gondii, like a bird or rodent.1
- Swallowing even a tiny part of cat feces infected with the parasite (e.g., when grooming).1
- Touching something, even water or soil, contaminated by infected stool. For example, a microscopic parasite could be in the soil and a cat could touch the soil, clean himself and accidentally ingest the parasite.2
- An infected mom cat passes the parasite to her unborn baby kittens.2
The parasite can live for months in the soil, litter boxes, gardens or other areas where infected cats pooped.3 This means outdoor cats are at greater risk of catching it than indoor cats, simply because they have more opportunity to come into contact with contaminated objects.4
Can people catch toxoplasmosis from cats?
Yes, people can catch toxoplasmosis from cats. But you can't catch it just from petting your cat or from cat saliva. Cat owners only get infected if they accidentally ingest the parasite themselves.5 So the same things that put your cat at risk can put you at risk, too—like eating undercooked, contaminated meat or cleaning an infected cat's litter box without wearing gloves or washing your hands afterward.
While most people will only have mild symptoms, people with a weakened immune system and babies born to people with active infections are at greater risk of severe symptoms.4 These cat owners should take extra precautions if scooping litter—or simply have someone else clean the litter box.2 However, there's no reason to re-home your cat, even if they have a known infection!6
Signs and symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats
Most cats with feline toxoplasma may only get mildly ill or have no symptoms at all.1 However, toxoplasmosis symptoms in cats can be more severe if the cat has a weakened immune system (such as a kitty with FIV or FeLV). The infectious parasite can enter any tissue or organ it wants, and the symptoms it causes depend on where the parasite travels in the body. Symptoms could include:
- Neurological symptoms, like pressing their head on surfaces1
- Vision problems or changes in iris color1
- Balance issues1 or circling when walking2
- Seizures1
- Changes in behavior1
- Lethargy or weakness2
- Diarrhea1
- Less appetite, problems chewing food1 or weight loss2
- Jaundice or yellowing skin1
- Trouble breathing1
- Ear twitching1
- Sore neck2
Diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis in cats
A cat displaying any of the above severe symptoms needs to see a veterinarian right away.
How toxoplasmosis in cats is diagnosed
While you might think that your veterinarian would ask for a stool sample to diagnose toxoplasmosis, this actually isn't an accurate test.2 Instead, your cat may be given a blood test to check for antibodies.1 One type of antibody indicates an active infection, while another indicates a past infection that's resolved. It can be challenging to differentiate between an active infection and an old infection!
Treatment options for toxoplasmosis in cats
Toxoplasmosis treatment in cats is fairly simple. No drug clears all the organisms from the body, and cysts can persist indefinitely.
Your veterinarian may prescribe clindamycin, an oral antibiotic.1 You'll typically have to give your cat the antibiotic for two to four weeks.2 You may be given other medications, such as eye drops or appetite stimulants, depending on the other symptoms your cat is experiencing.7 You might see improvement in your cat in just a few days,1 but more severe cases, especially ones involving the nervous system or brain, can take longer.8
Cost of treating toxoplasmosis in cats
The cost of treating toxoplasmosis varies depending on where you're located and the severity of your cat's symptoms. The blood tests alone may cost between $150 and $500+. Testing, veterinarian visits and treatment combined can cost up to $800.9 More severe cases that require intensive care will cost even more.
How pet insurance can help
Pet insurance can help with the cost of treating toxoplasmosis in cats. Most standard policies cover accidents and treatment for unexpected illnesses and emergencies. However, you may want a wellness plan to help cover the cost of routine care too, such as parasite tests, regular blood and fecal exams and preventive care for other types of parasites, like fleas and ticks.
Prevention of toxoplasmosis in cats
You can take steps to help cut down the chances that your cat will become infected in the first place. These include:
- Only feeding your cat fully cooked food1
- Not allowing your cat access to wild rodents or other prey that could be contaminated1
- Cleaning your cat's litter box daily, since it takes one to five days before infected feces become contagious2
- Keeping your cat indoors
Pets Best is here to help
While toxoplasmosis is rarely fatal in cats, it can cause severe illness in young kittens or any feline who has a weaker immune system (such as those suffering from FIP, FIV or FeLV). In addition, toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to people, so keeping your cat healthy will help keep you and your family healthy. Visit your veterinarian if you notice any possible symptoms.
At Pets Best, our cat insurance plans can help cover the cost of unexpected illnesses like toxoplasmosis. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline if they have questions or concerns.
Sources/Citations
1. Toxoplasmosis in Cats. Fetch by WebMD. Reviewed March 16, 2023. https://pets.webmd.com/cats/toxoplasmosis-cats
2. Kearley, M. Toxoplasmosis in Cats. PetMD. Published February 4, 2022. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_toxoplasmosis
3. Toxoplasmosis: An Important Message for Cat Owners. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed June 11, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/toxoplasmosis_catowners.html
4. Toxoplasmosis: General FAQs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed December 1, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html
5. Toxoplasmosis. Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed August 2, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9756-toxoplasmosis
6. Toxoplasmosis. Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Published November 2022. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p42097.pdf
7. Simon, J.A., Pradel, R., Aubert, D. et al. A multi-event capture-recapture analysis of Toxoplasma gondii seroconversion dynamics in farm cats. Parasites & Vectors. Published June 8, 2018. https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-2834-4
8. Toxoplasmosis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Kingsdale Animal Hospital. Updated December 20, 2022. https://www.kingsdale.com/toxoplasmosis-in-cats-causes-symptoms-and-treatment
9. Toxoplasmosis in Cats and in Dogs. PetCoach. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/toxoplasmosis-in-cats-and