However, the risk from cats is much lower than previously thought. Do not adopt or handle stray cats, especially kittens. The presence of T. gondii can affect cats in different ways. After a cat has However, this isn’t always the case. Toxoplasmosis is a disease cats can pass on to people, and that could pose a threat to an unborn child. Cats get Toxoplasma infection by eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals, or anything contaminated with feces from another cat that is shedding the microscopic parasite in its feces. CS29205-A Toxoplasmosis: An Important Message for Cat Owners What role do cats play in the spread of toxoplasmosis? Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant or immunocompromised. Cats with toxoplasmosis do not show any outward signs of the disease. The presence of However, this isn’t always the case. Toxoplasmosis also affects humans, too. So, let’s get to know more about this… What is Toxoplasmosis? This is because cats become infected with Toxoplasma through hunting and eating rodents, birds, or other small animals that are infected with the parasite. Cats get Toxoplasma infection by eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals, or anything contaminated with feces from another cat that is If your cat tests positive for toxoplasmosis than your cat has been exposed to the parasite at some point in her life but that does not reflect on whether your cat is actively shedding oocysts at that time. The test is a special blood test that will most likely need to be sent off to an outside lab, so you may not get results for a few days. Toxoplasmosis: An Important Message for Cat Owners What role do cats play in the spread of toxoplasmosis? Out of all the zoonotic diseases which humans can get from cats, Toxoplasmosis is the most well known and publicised one. Let’s first talk about toxoplasmosis: what it is, how it spreads and what to do if you or your cat contracts the infection. Although it is wise for a pregnant woman to observe good hygiene, chances are, if you catch toxoplasmosis — it won’t be from your cat. However, there is a huge amount of misunderstanding about this disease and about the role in which the cat plays in causing human disease. Keep cats indoors.