We are often asked about Toxoplasmosis when people who own cats become pregnant. It is a disease caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii and cats are the main host of the parasite. Most people and animals who are infected do not actually develop the disease because their immune system fights it off effectively. The risk of disease is higher in any individual who has a poor immune system, this includes the developing human foetus.
How does infection occur?
Cats usually get toxoplasma by eating small animals such as mice and birds which carry Toxoplasma in their muscle. When a cat becomes infected, it will pass the parasite in its faeces for a short while (3-21 days) and can be a source of infection for people and other animals. After this time it will not be a source of infection.
Humans can be infected by eating undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products or by coming in contact with cat faeces (for example cleaning litter trays then handling food without first washing their hands or eating vegetables that haven’t been washed after growing in an area where cats toilet). Unborn babies can become infected if their mother is infected because Toxoplasma can cross through the placenta.
What does toxoplasma do?
If the immune system is weak and disease occurs the signs can be very variable because the parasite can go to many different areas of the body including the brain, lungs, eyes, liver and gut.
Should my cat be tested if I am pregnant?
This is a difficult question to answer as the tests we do only show that a cat has previously been exposed to Toxoplasma. If the test is positive, it does not necessarily mean that your cat is passing the parasite in its faeces (remember this only lasts for 3-21 days after infection) as it may have been infected a week ago, a month ago, a year ago or ten years ago. A test is not essential and it is probably more important to avoid the risk factors for infection as suggested below.
How do I avoid infection?
Good hygiene is always important:
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after preparing meat for cooking.
- Cook meat well.
- Avoid unpasteurised milk and dairy products.
- Wash all vegetables well.
- Avoid feeding your cat uncooked meat.
- Try to prevent your cat from hunting rodents, birds and other small animals.
- Clean cat litter trays daily, wearing gloves. If you are pregnant, you should ideally get someone else to do it.
- Regularly disinfect cat litter trays with hot water.
- Wear gloves when gardening and wash your hands afterwards.
You should seek medical advice from your healthcare professional for further advice on Toxoplasmosis as it relates to humans, especially if you own a cat and you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.