Toxoplasmosis: What Is It, and Does It Really Matter?

Over 40 million people in the U.S. have been infected by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite associated with cats. But how much of a risk does it actually pose in your home? The good news is that for most healthy people and cats, toxoplasmosis isn’t a concern. However, for certain groups—such as pregnant women—important precautions should be taken. 

In this article, we’ll go over what toxoplasmosis is and how it affects cats. We’ll also provide practical tips for preventing T. gondhii infection as a cat parent.

Here at Tuft & Paw, we are cat experts. This article is based on input from veterinarians and doctors, online research, and our own experience as cat parents.  

Key Takeaways

• Most people in the United States get toxoplasmosis from contaminated food, soil, or water rather than from pet cats.

• Healthy adult cats and humans rarely show symptoms of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

• Daily litter box cleaning and practicing good hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of toxoplasmosis. 

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It’s one of the most common parasites, with researchers estimating 30-50% of the global population has been exposed. Cats often come up in conversations about T. gondii because they are definitive hosts. This means the parasite can reproduce sexually and complete its life cycle. 

However, Dr. Steven Goldberg, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer at HealthTrackRx, believes the cat connection is overstated. He notes that toxoplasmosis rates have dropped as cat ownership rises. “The reality is that most people get toxoplasmosis from eating undercooked meat (particularly pork, lamb, and venison) or from contaminated fruits, vegetables, or water.”

Toxoplasmosis Symptoms in Cats

“The majority of cats won’t show any signs of illness when infected with Toxoplasma,“ says Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.  However, potential symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats include:

• Lethargy

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Respiratory distress

• Eye inflammation

• Digestive issues (vomiting and diarrhea)

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats can vary depending on the location of the parasite in the body, such as causing pneumonia or eye infections. Sometimes, toxoplasmosis can impact a cat’s central nervous system, but Dr. Bonk says this is fairly uncommon, affecting less than 10% of infected cats.  Neurological signs of toxoplasmosis in cats include:

• Incordination

• Ataxia or weakness

• Seizures

• Behavioral changes

• Head pressing against walls or circling

• Head tilting or loss of balance

• Paralysis

“Any time you notice anything abnormal with your cat’s behavior, a veterinarian should be consulted. This may be something as seemingly minor as lethargy or a decreased appetite that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, or something as severe as neurological signs,” says Dr. Bonk.

How Serious Is Toxoplasmosis in Cats?

Most healthy cats are unaffected by Toxoplasma gondii and show no symptoms. If infected, they’ll usually shed the parasite once in their lives and then develop immunity. However, certain groups of cats are at higher risk of more serious illness. These include:

• Kittens: Because kittens have weaker immune systems, their bodies aren’t able to fight off T.  gondii effectively. This means the infection can spread rapidly and impact their internal organs. 

• Immunocompromised cats: Like kittens, immunocompromised cats have weaker immune systems. Cats that fall into this category include cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), or those on immunosuppressant medication.

• Outdoor/feral cats: Cats that hunt or have contact with infected animals are most at risk for contracting Toxoplasma gondii, putting outdoor and feral cats at higher risk. 

Because cats shed T. gondii for only up to 2 weeks after infection, asymptomatic cats usually don’t need testing. However, if your cat shows symptoms of toxoplasmosis, especially if they're high-risk, see your vet. They can decide if testing and treatment are needed. 

How Serious Is Toxoplasmosis in Humans?

“For healthy adults, toxoplasmosis is generally not a significant health concern,” says Dr. Goldberg.  Most infections don’t cause symptoms. When they do, symptoms are usually mild, such as swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue, or a low-grade fever. 

However, certain groups of people are at higher risk:

• Pregnant women: If pregnant women get infected with Toxoplasma gondii, they can pass the parasite to their unborn baby. This can cause miscarriage and birth defects. As only 10% of women have symptoms, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant and have a cat that goes outside. 

• Immunocompromised people: Individuals who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressant medication, or who have undergone an organ transplant, are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

• Newborn babies: Because babies’ immune systems are still developing, they are at a higher risk of becoming sick from T. gondhii.

Toxoplasmosis Prevention: Practical Steps That Actually Work

“For cats, keeping them indoors is the best way to prevent toxoplasmosis,” says Dr. Bonk. This is because cats get toxoplasma from eating raw meat (such as birds or rodents) or by ingesting infected soil. If you do let your cat outside, she recommends supervising them or keeping them in a catio. For humans, general hygiene is the best prevention. As the parasite takes 48-72 hours to become infectious in the environment, Dr. Bonk points out that cleaning your cat’s litter box once per day means any parasites won’t be able to infect you. She also recommends washing your hands after cleaning the litter box and petting your outdoor cat. 

Tip: It’s also important to consider how you dispose of your cat’s litter. While flushing can seem convenient, not all litter types are suitable. Read more in our article Is It Safe to Flush Cat Litter? What You Need to Know. 

Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should avoid cleaning their cat’s litter box. If you’re not able to have someone else change your cat’s litter for you, wear a mask and gloves to keep yourself protected. Dr. Goldberg also recommends feeding your cat a commercially produced, fully cooked food and avoiding adopting stray cats or kittens while you are pregnant, as they’re more likely to shed parasites. 

In the U.S., people are more likely to get sick from toxoplasmosis from eating raw meat and unwashed fruits and veggies than from cats. Practicing safe food practices, such as cooking meat thoroughly, washing produce, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy, helps prevent toxoplasmosis and other foodborne illnesses. Gardeners should also wear gloves and wash their hands thoroughly after handling soil, as cats may use gardens as litter boxes.

Conclusion: Does Toxoplasmosis Really Matter?

For most households, Toxoplasmosis is a low-risk issue. However, it can be a serious health concern for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, who should avoid cleaning their cat’s litter box if possible. For everyone, keeping your cat indoors and feeding them a commercially produced, cooked food diet is the best way to lower your cat’s risk. This should be combined with daily litter box cleanings.  Many cat parents find that switching to a low-dust, high-performance cat litter helps them stay on top of litter box cleanings and maintain a hygienic home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get toxoplasmosis from cats?

It’s very unlikely to get toxoplasmosis from direct contact with a cat. Most infections in the U.S. come from contaminated food, soil, or water rather than pet cats.

Can indoor cats get toxoplasmosis?

Indoor cats can get toxoplasmosis, but the risk is very low—especially if they don’t hunt or eat raw meat. Scooping your cat’s litter box at least once per day further reduces your risk.

Can I get toxoplasmosis from petting my cat?

The chance of getting toxoplasmosis from petting your cat is very low. The parasite usually isn’t found on their fur. However, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after petting your cat. 

What are the first symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in cats?

Most cats experience no or mild symptoms of toxoplasmosis. However, the most common toxoplasmosis symptoms in cats are similar to a mild flu, such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Do I need to give up my cat if I’m pregnant?

No, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not advise removing cats from the home during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter box if possible, and wear gloves and a mask if they must. It’s also best to avoid bringing home a new cat or kitten while you are pregnant, as they are more likely to be shedding parasites. 

Sources

American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Toxoplasmosis. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/toxoplasmosis

Cornell Feline Health Center. (2018, June). Toxoplasmosis in cats. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/toxoplasmosis-cats

Flegr, J., Prandota, J., Sovičková, M., & Israili, Z. H. (2014). Toxoplasmosis—a global threat: Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLOS ONE, 9(3), e90203. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090203

Moré, G. A. (2025). Toxoplasmosis in animals. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/toxoplasmosis/toxoplasmosis-in-animals

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Toxoplasma: Prevention before you become pregnant (food safety for moms-to-be). https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/toxoplasma-prevention-you-become-pregnant-food-safety-moms-be