Toxoplasmosis (cont.)
Am I able to keep my cat?
Yes, but if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant, there are some steps to take to avoid being exposed to toxo according to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine.
Most importantly, you can help prevent your cats from getting infected with toxo. Feed them dry or canned cat food and keep them indoors. Cats can become infected by eating or being fed raw or undercooked meat that is infected with the parasite, or by eating infected prey such as birds or rodents. Any cat that is allowed access to outdoors should be kept off beds, pillows, or other furniture that you also use. Don't bring a new cat into your house that might have been an outdoor cat or might have been fed raw meat. Avoid handling stray cats and kittens. Have your cat tested for the parasite. Your vet can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and the risk for toxoplasmosis.
Have someone who is healthy and not pregnant change your cat's
litter box. If this is not possible, wear gloves and clean the litter
box daily (the parasite found in cat feces needs a few days after
being passed to become infectious). Wash your hands well with soap
and warm water afterward.
Once infected with toxo, is my cat always able to spread the
infection to me?
No, cats can only spread toxo in their feces for a few weeks after they are first infected with the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people don't know if their cat has been exposed to toxo. In fact, most infected cats appear healthy. There are no good tests available to determine if your cat is passing toxo in its feces.
What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?
Once the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is confirmed, you and your
doctor should discuss whether treatment is necessary. In an otherwise
healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment is not needed. Symptoms
will usually go away within a few weeks. For pregnant women or
people who have weakened immune systems, drugs are available to
treat the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
- Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a disease caused by a parasite.
- Toxo is acquired from contact with cats and their feces.
- Toxo is also acquired from eating or touching raw or partly
cooked meat.
- Symptoms can range from none to very severe.
- A woman who contracts toxo right before or during pregnancy can
transmit it to her baby with catastrophic consequences.
- People with immune deficiencies are at high risk for
developing severe signs and symptoms of toxo.
Last Editorial Review: 11/14/2007
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