Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect cats, other animals, and humans. Most infected cats show no signs at all, but immunocompromised cats — or those with heavy primary infections — may develop serious neurological, respiratory, or ocular disease. The biggest human health risk comes from oocysts shed in cat feces, making litter hygiene the most important prevention step.
Last reviewed: June 2026
How Do Cats Get Toxoplasmosis?
Cats are the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii, meaning they are the only animals in which the parasite completes its full sexual life cycle. Cats become infected by:
- Eating infected prey (mice, birds, or raw/undercooked meat)
- Ingesting oocysts from contaminated soil or water
After a first infection, a cat sheds oocysts in feces for only 1–2 weeks — then immunity typically prevents further shedding. Indoor cats with no raw meat exposure rarely become infected. As described in Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, reactivation of dormant tissue cysts can occur in immunosuppressed cats (e.g., those receiving corticosteroids or with FIV/FeLV).
Signs of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Most cats: no signs (subclinical infection). When signs occur, they depend on which organ is affected:
Respiratory signs:
- Labored or fast breathing, cough
- Fever and lethargy
Neurological signs:
- Ataxia (wobbling), circling, seizures
- Behavior changes or apparent blindness
Ocular signs (uveitis):
- Cloudy eye, irregular pupil, redness, squinting
- Can lead to secondary glaucoma if untreated
GI signs (rare; mostly in kittens or immunocompromised cats):
- Diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice (liver involvement)
Diagnosis requires serology (IgM and IgG titers), PCR, or histopathology. A high IgM titer suggests recent active infection.
Treatment and Zoonotic Precautions
Treatment in cats: Clindamycin is the drug of choice, typically given for 4 weeks. As described in Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the standard dose is 12.5–25 mg/kg twice daily; anti-inflammatory doses of corticosteroids are sometimes added when uveitis is present. Response is usually prompt if treatment begins early.
Human risk and prevention — the most important part:
- Humans are infected through oocyst ingestion (contaminated soil, undercooked meat) or congenital transmission
- Risk from pet cats is MUCH lower than from gardening in contaminated soil or eating undercooked lamb/pork
- Pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals should avoid cleaning litter boxes, or use gloves and wash hands thoroughly
- Litter should be changed daily — oocysts take 24–48 hours to sporulate (become infectious) after shedding
- Feeding cats only commercially prepared food eliminates the main route of new infection
According to the AAFP-AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines, 2021, routine testing of healthy indoor cats for Toxoplasma is not recommended — focus instead on prevention.
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Your cat is squinting one or both eyes with visible redness or cloudiness
- Your cat has developed a new head tilt, circling behavior, or sudden unsteadiness
- You have a pregnant household member and your outdoor cat is hunting prey
- Your cat has unexplained fever (warm ears, lethargy, hiding) lasting more than 24 hours
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Seizures or sudden collapse
- Labored, fast, or open-mouth breathing
- Complete vision loss (walking into objects, not tracking movement)
- Jaundice (yellow tinge to gums, whites of eyes, or skin in ears)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does treating toxoplasmosis in cats cost? Diagnosis — serology titers and a vet exam — typically costs $150–350. Clindamycin treatment is low cost ($20–60 for a 4-week course). If uveitis is present, ophthalmic drops and follow-up exams add $100–300. Neurological cases requiring imaging (CT or MRI) can cost $1,500–3,500 for the workup alone.
Can I catch toxoplasmosis from my cat? Direct transmission from cat to human — petting your cat, sharing space, or being scratched — does not cause infection. The risk is specifically from accidentally ingesting oocysts via unwashed hands after litter box contact or from contaminated garden soil. Daily litter changes and hand-washing after any feces exposure are the key preventive measures.
Should my cat be tested for Toxoplasma? Routine testing of healthy cats is not recommended. Testing becomes relevant when your cat develops signs of uveitis, neurological disease, or respiratory distress, or when a pregnant woman lives in the home and the cat's infection status is uncertain for medical counseling purposes.
Can indoor cats get toxoplasmosis? Indoor cats with no access to prey, raw meat, or outdoor soil have very low risk. The most common route of infection is eating an infected mouse or bird. Exclusive commercial food greatly reduces this risk.
Is there a vaccine for toxoplasmosis in cats? No vaccine is currently available for cats or humans. Prevention focuses on controlling exposure — no raw meat feeding, no outdoor prey hunting, and daily litter hygiene.
Still Not Sure if Your Cat Needs a Vet?
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