Toxoplasmosis in Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know to Keep Their Cat Healthy

Toxoplasmosis in Cats: What Pet Owners Should Know to Keep Their Cats Healthy | Okiko

Many cat owners may have heard of toxoplasmosis—commonly known as “cat feces disease”—but may not fully understand what it is or how it affects their pets. This infection is caused by a parasite that cats can shed through their feces. Without proper hygiene and care, toxoplasmosis can pose health risks to both cats and humans in the same household.

This article explains how to recognize the symptoms, ways to prevent infection, and how to care for infected cats—helping ensure your feline friend stays healthy while effectively reducing the risk of transmission.

What Is Toxoplasmosis and How Do Cats Become Infected?

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Cats serve as the primary host and main source of environmental spread, as they can excrete infectious oocysts through their feces.

Most cats become infected by eating raw or undercooked meat, or by hunting and consuming infected small animals. Infection can also occur through direct contact with contaminated feces from other infected cats.

Once infected, a cat may shed the parasite in its feces for several weeks—this is when the risk of spreading the disease is at its highest. During this period, improper cleaning or hygiene can expose owners and other pets in the household to the parasite.

Symptoms to Watch For and Their Impact on Cat Health

Clinical signs of toxoplasmosis can vary depending on a cat’s age and immune status. Many healthy adult cats may not show noticeable symptoms despite being carriers and capable of shedding the parasite.

However, kittens and older or immunocompromised cats may develop more severe symptoms such as:

• Lethargy and fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• High fever
• Weakness or general illness

If the infection progresses, it may affect the nervous system and lead to:

• Loss of coordination
• Vision problems (e.g., squinting, wandering eye)
• Seizures

Without prompt treatment, the disease may worsen and can even be fatal. Cats that recover may still be at risk of long-term health effects, including:

• Increased vulnerability to secondary infections
• Digestive and eye-related complications
• Ongoing neurological issues

Therefore, it’s important for owners to monitor their cats closely and seek veterinary care as soon as any symptoms appear. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial in reducing complications and preserving long-term health.

How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis in Cats

Preventing toxoplasmosis in cats involves reducing exposure to the parasite and keeping your cat’s overall health strong. These measures not only protect your feline friend but also help reduce the risk of spreading infection to everyone in your household.

Create a Safe Living Environment

The most effective way to prevent toxoplasmosis is to minimize your cat’s exposure to contaminated environments and potential carriers. Keep your cat strictly indoors to prevent contact with soil, stray animals, or prey such as birds and rodents—common carriers of Toxoplasma gondii.
Maintaining an indoor lifestyle significantly reduces the likelihood of infection and keeps your cat protected year-round.

Choose Safe, Clumping Litter

Using high-quality clumping litter plays a vital role in preventing the spread of toxoplasmosis. Opt for litter that forms tight clumps quickly—such as Okiko Tofu Cat Litter Stick—allowing you to remove waste immediately before parasites have a chance to develop and spread.
Made from 100% natural materials, this type of litter offers strong absorption, effective odor and bacteria control, and keeps the litter box clean and dry—helping lower infection risks efficiently.

Provide High-Quality Cat Food

Feeding properly cooked, high-quality food is essential because raw meat and infected prey are common sources of Toxoplasma infection. Choose safe and nutritious options like Okiko INDOOR & STERILISED Tuna, Salmon & Rice Formula, which is rich in premium protein, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
This helps strengthen the immune system and maintain gut balance—offering powerful protection against parasites while keeping your cat healthy and thriving.

Maintain Cleanliness at Home

Good hygiene practices are key to preventing disease transmission. Scoop the litter box daily, clean the surrounding area regularly, and always wash your hands after handling cat litter or waste.
Routine cleaning helps prevent parasites from developing and reduces the risk of infection for both cats and humans in the household.

Caring for an Infected Cat & Important Precautions for Owners

If you notice unusual symptoms or suspect that your cat may have contracted toxoplasmosis, the first and most important step is to take them to a veterinarian. Diagnosis typically requires blood and fecal tests to confirm the infection. If toxoplasmosis is detected, following the veterinarian’s treatment plan and medication instructions is essential.

How to Care for a Cat with Toxoplasmosis

Once diagnosed, your cat will need careful monitoring and supportive care to recover quickly and reduce the risk of complications. Provide cooked or high-quality commercial food—avoid raw or undercooked meats entirely.
Create a clean, quiet, and stress-free environment to help your cat rest and heal. Regular follow-up visits with the veterinarian are crucial to track recovery progress.

Proper care not only speeds up recovery but also improves the cat’s quality of life and overall long-term health.

Precautions for Cat Owners

While caring for a sick cat, strict hygiene is vital to minimize the risk of parasite transmission. Clean and scoop the litter box daily, wear gloves while handling waste, and wash hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer afterward.

Pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid handling cat litter and assign the task to someone else. Additionally, food bowls, water dishes, and any cat-related surfaces should be cleaned regularly using hot water or disinfectant.

These precautions help protect the health of everyone in the household while ensuring the infection is properly controlled, making it safer and more comfortable to live with your beloved cat.

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis is a serious infection that all cat owners should be aware of. Effective prevention requires proper hygiene and smart nutritional choices.
Feeding high-quality, fully cooked cat food—such as Okiko INDOOR & STERILISED Tuna, Salmon & Rice Formula—helps break the cycle of infection from raw meat while strengthening your cat’s immune system.

At the same time, choosing a fast-clumping and hygienic litter—like Okiko Tofu Cat Litter Stick—allows waste to be removed immediately, reducing the risk of parasite development and protecting everyone in the household.

Consistent cleanliness, attentive care, and selecting the right products for your cat’s lifestyle are the keys to maintaining a healthy, happy environment. With thoughtful prevention, your feline friend can stay safe and protected from toxoplasmosis for life.