What is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by the toxoplasma gondii. Eye problems are the most noted ailment that comes from exposure to the disease. People who have a compromised immune system can experience serious reactions, including seizures and respiratory distress.
It can harm young children more seriously than adults and transmits …show more content…
The main mode of transport is through your cat’s feces, so if you suspect that your cat may be infected, use extra caution when handling their litter box.
The parasite can navigate its way for short periods, so keeping a potentially affected cat off food counters and dinner tables is highly recommended. Wild and domesticated cats are the only animals in which the disease can live a full lifecycle and reproduce.
Cats are therefore referred to as the definitive host of toxoplasmosis, although it can be transmitted to humans if it infects raw food. It can also remain active for ample time to be passed from the fingertips to the nasal passages, the eyes, or into the mouth as an essentially invisible parasite.
How Does Your Cat Get Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis in cats is caused by your cat somehow ingesting the toxoplasmic organism in one of its three stages of life. The parasite begins as a tachyzoite, moves to a second stage as an oocyst, and then progresses to its most potent stage as a …show more content…
This is caused when your cat picks up the parasite on their paws and then transfers them to their head. The retina and cornea of your cat’s eye can be compromised. If left untreated, it can cause blindness. If your cat has any combination of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Preventing Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Since cats are the only mammals where toxoplasmosis can complete its lifecycle, they can also be the place where the reproductive cycle is stopped. At present, there is not an immunization for cats to prevent toxoplasmosis, but there is hope one may be developed in time.
Since the parasite that is the root cause of toxoplasmosis in cats in ingested, feed your cat only canned or dry commercial cat food. Make sure that the utensils you use to serve your cat moist food with are clean and sanitary. Clean your cat’s food bowl after every meal and do not feed your cat directly from the can. The parasite can live on the outside of the can, and all it takes is one lick on the outside of the can to infect your cat.
The parasites final and most dangerous phase to you and your family is after it is expelled from your cat’s digestive system. Toxoplasmosis in cats is not nearly as harmful as it can be for young children, or people weak weakened immune