Pet Health Information

TOXOPLASMOSIS

This parasite infects many species including cats and people. It usually does not cause serious disease, with two exceptions: infection of a human fetus and infection of an immunocompromised individual (a cancer patient or AIDS patient are two common examples). Your cat can get toxoplasmosis from eating infected birds, rodents, and raw meat. YOU can get it from handling your cats, their old feces, garden soil, raw meat, and unpasteurized dairy products.

We can test your cat for toxoplasmosis. However, this test would only tell you if your cat has been exposed to the organism. This does not mean your cat is clinically infected. This is something you may want to know if you are pregnant or planning to be.

1. Cook meat thoroughly, until well done.

2. Keep cats indoors or have them wear a bell so that their prey can hear them coming. Don't allow them access to raw meat.

3. Wear gloves when gardening and wash hands well when finished.

4. Cover sandboxes so neighborhood cats don't use them for litter.

5. Scoop feces from litter boxes daily, which is a good practice anyway.

6. If you are pregnant, have someone else scoop feces and clean litter just to be extra safe. Boxes should be cleaned with scalding water.

7. Control flies and cockroaches.

8. Don't handle outdoor cats, especially if they appear ill. Wash well after handling soil, cats, uncooked meats and vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products.

9. Wash and clean kitchen countertops and all food preparation areas daily.

10. If pregnant, or planning to have a baby, consult your physician as well.

Hickory Veterinary Hospital © 2005