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I have a cat; what do I need to know about toxoplasmosis?

8/23/2016

 
FAQ > General

Toxoplasma gondii is a species of protozoan, a single-celled organism that can spread via contact with cat feces, ingestion of contaminated water or food, eating unwashed fruits or vegetables, the use of contaminated knives or cutting boards, or even getting an infected organ transplant. Toxoplasma only breed within the digestive system of cats, making cats their definitive host; however, it can infect virtually any warm-blooded animal from humans to sheep and cattle to birds to sea otters and seals once it washes downstream.

Prevention is up to you as a cat owner. The best way to keep your cat safe is to keep them indoors. Cats who hunt are most likely to harbor T. gondii than cats kept safely indoors. Not only are you preventing infection in your own cat and family, you are stopping the spread of infection to local wildlife, your neighbor’s livestock, other cats, and animals downstream from you as well.

Toxoplasmosis is especially dangerous to people with compromised immune systems, people who are pregnant, or are elderly or very young. As for caring for your cat during pregnancy, wearing gloves to scoop the litter box or having someone else perform this chore for you can increase your safety. Work with your doctor and your veterinarian.
More information about toxoplasmosis here.
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Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA
2170 Old Furnace Rd
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
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