September 13, 2025, 1:47 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Cause and Transmission: Can Every Cat Be a Carrier?

Many cats come into contact with the pathogen during their lifetime. Typically, it is outdoor cats and avid mouse hunters that become infected with Toxoplasma, as the parasite often targets the cat’s most common prey. Another route of infection is through consuming infected raw meat. If a cat is fed a raw diet, there is also a risk that the parasite will enter its body and multiply.

This means, conversely, that an indoor cat fed canned or dry food has a relatively low risk of infection. Several blood and stool samples, examined by a veterinarian about two weeks apart, can clarify whether an infection has occurred. If all samples are negative, the cat does not carry Toxoplasma. However, if antibodies are detected in the blood, the cat has already undergone an infection. It’s important to know: Cats only shed oocysts—the microscopic form of the parasite—during the initial infection. If these oocysts are found in the stool, there is also a risk of transmission to humans.

Also interesting: Recognizing and Eliminating Parasites in Cats

Symptoms: How Does Toxoplasmosis Manifest in Cats?

But how can you tell if a cat is affected? An infection with Toxoplasma is often relatively harmless or even completely symptom-free. Usually, young cats carrying a large number of parasites suffer from fever and diarrhea, as the pathogen typically settles in the animal’s intestines. If other organs are affected, additional symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems, jaundice, and eye inflammation may occur.

In addition to young kittens, animals with weakened immune systems are primarily affected by the consequences of toxoplasmosis. They may exhibit symptoms such as gait disturbances and seizures. It is particularly critical if unborn kittens become infected in the womb, as they often die before or shortly after birth.¹

Also interesting: Hairballs in Cats—What’s Behind Them and What Can Be Done?

Treatment Options: How Is Toxoplasmosis Treated in Cats?

Since toxoplasmosis in cats often goes unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms, treatment is usually not necessary. If the cat shows symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and/or swollen lymph nodes, Toxoplasma may be the cause. However, other diseases can also cause these symptoms. Only the analysis of stool and blood samples can provide certainty.

To combat toxoplasmosis, antibiotics such as the drug Clindamycin can be used. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be employed. Once the infection has subsided, the cat develops antibodies and is generally protected from reinfection.²

How Dangerous Is Toxoplasmosis for Humans?

For healthy adults, toxoplasmosis usually poses no significant threat. Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and mild fever may occur, but the infection often goes completely unnoticed. For individuals with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can be less benign and may lead to conditions such as meningitis.

Toxoplasmosis is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children. If the child becomes infected in the womb, serious consequences such as calcified brain vessels and blindness may occur. Additionally, toxoplasmosis can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.

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How to React If You Are Pregnant

So what should you do? Pregnant cat owners can have a blood test done by their doctor. If antibodies against the pathogen are present, both mother and child are protected from toxoplasmosis. If the pregnant woman has no antibodies against Toxoplasma in her blood, certain precautions should be taken—such as not cleaning the cat’s litter box herself. However, there is no reason to give up the beloved cat.

By the way: If you feed your cat a raw diet, freeze the meat as a precaution and pay extra attention to the quality of the raw meat. This can help prevent transmission to your cat.³

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis is a serious infectious disease, but it poses little risk to most healthy cats and humans. With simple hygiene and some precautions—especially during pregnancy—the risk can be well managed.