Quick answer
Key points
- Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii; cats are the only hosts in which it produces oocysts, but nearly all warm-blooded animals can be infected.
- People can be infected through undercooked meat or shellfish, unwashed fruit and vegetables, and soil or cat faeces that contain the parasite.
- Indonesia's Ministry of Health says cat fur does not cause infertility, because the parasite spreads through cat faeces, not fur.
- A first infection during or just before pregnancy can pass to the baby, so pregnant women need extra precautions.
- Cleaning the litter tray every day lowers the risk, because oocysts only become infectious 1–5 days after a cat passes them.
When should you see a vet?
- Take your cat to a vet immediately if it has a seizure, struggles to breathe or suddenly seems unable to see.
- Fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.
- A yellow tinge to the skin, inner ears or gums.
- Red or cloudy eyes, or pupils of an unusual size.
- Wobbliness, circling or sudden changes in behaviour.
- If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, discuss toxoplasmosis with your doctor, and ask your vet about your cat's risk.
Contact your nearest veterinarian or animal clinic. This site cannot assess your animal’s condition. Choosing a vet
In this guide (10)
What is toxoplasmosis and how are cats involved?
Toxoplasmosis is an infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and cats are the only hosts in which it reproduces and produces oocysts in their faeces. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, the parasite infects nearly all warm-blooded animals, including people. Cats usually become infected by eating infected prey or raw meat, then shed oocysts for around 10–14 days. Most infected cats show no signs of illness. In healthy people, the CDC says infection is also often symptom-free or causes only flu-like illness. Universitas Airlangga notes that toxoplasmosis is classed in Indonesia as a strategic infectious animal disease and a priority zoonosis.
Evidence: Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗ · CDC — About Toxoplasmosis ↗ · Universitas Airlangga — Kucing Bukan Satu-Satunya Penyebar Toksoplasmosis, Daging Juga! ↗
How do people catch toxoplasmosis?
People are mainly infected through undercooked meat or shellfish, unwashed fruit and vegetables, and soil or cat faeces that contain the parasite. The CDC also lists mother-to-baby transmission, and, rarely, organ transplants or blood transfusions. The WHO counts toxoplasmosis among the parasitic diseases that can be spread through food. Universitas Airlangga explains that infection after birth mainly comes from cysts in undercooked meat, such as satay or steak that is not fully cooked, and from vegetables or drinks contaminated with oocysts. Cornell notes that in the United States people are much more likely to be infected by eating raw meat and unwashed fruit and vegetables than by handling cat faeces.
Evidence: CDC — About Toxoplasmosis ↗ · World Health Organization — Food safety (fact sheet) ↗ · Universitas Airlangga — Kucing Bukan Satu-Satunya Penyebar Toksoplasmosis, Daging Juga! ↗ · Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗
Does toxoplasmosis from cats cause infertility?
Cat fur does not cause infertility; Indonesia's Ministry of Health explains that the parasite spreads through cat faeces, not fur. Cornell also says you are unlikely to be exposed just by touching a cat, because cats usually do not carry the parasite on their fur, and bites or scratches are unlikely routes too. Owning a cat does not mean you will be infected. The same Ministry of Health article mentions a possible link between toxoplasma infection and fertility problems or miscarriage. That risk comes from infection with the parasite, which can be caught from food, not from keeping or stroking a cat. The CDC's risk page focuses on infection passing to an unborn baby, not on infertility.
Evidence: Kementerian Kesehatan RI, Ditjen Pelayanan Kesehatan — Mitos atau Fakta, Bulu Kucing Penyebab Toxso ↗ · Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗ · CDC — People at Increased Risk for Toxoplasmosis ↗
Why does toxoplasmosis matter in pregnancy?
If someone is infected for the first time during pregnancy or just before it, the parasite can pass to the baby and cause serious problems. The CDC explains that most infected babies have no symptoms at birth but can develop serious problems later, such as blindness or intellectual disability; occasionally babies are born with eye or brain damage. The WHO also says infection in pregnancy can have serious outcomes for the baby. According to Cornell, a third to half of babies born to mothers infected during pregnancy are infected too, even though the mother often has no symptoms. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife about prevention and testing.
Evidence: CDC — People at Increased Risk for Toxoplasmosis ↗ · World Health Organization — Food safety (fact sheet) ↗ · Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗ · Kementerian Kesehatan RI, Ditjen Pelayanan Kesehatan — Mitos atau Fakta, Bulu Kucing Penyebab Toxso ↗
Should pregnant women stay away from cats?
There is no need to give up your cat; Cornell notes that the CDC no longer advises pregnant women to avoid cats, but specific precautions still matter. The CDC advises pregnant or immunocompromised people to have someone else change the litter; if no one can, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands afterwards. Indonesia's Ministry of Health also advises pregnant women not to clean the cat's area, and notes that cats roaming outdoors or hunting rats are more likely to be infected. The CDC recommends keeping cats indoors, feeding commercial dry or canned food and never raw meat. It also advises not adopting or handling stray cats, especially kittens, and not getting a new cat while pregnant.
Evidence: Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗ · CDC — People at Increased Risk for Toxoplasmosis ↗ · Kementerian Kesehatan RI, Ditjen Pelayanan Kesehatan — Mitos atau Fakta, Bulu Kucing Penyebab Toxso ↗
How can you prevent toxoplasmosis at home?
Cook meat thoroughly, wash fruit and vegetables, wear gloves when gardening and clean the litter tray every day. The CDC recommends using a food thermometer: cook whole cuts of meat to 63 °C and let them rest for three minutes, minced meat to 71 °C and poultry to 74 °C. Wash chopping boards, knives and worktops with hot, soapy water after preparing raw meat, avoid untreated drinking water and cover children's sandpits. Clean the litter tray daily because oocysts only become infectious 1–5 days after they are passed. Feed your cat cooked or commercial food and stop it from hunting rodents.
Evidence: CDC — Preventing Toxoplasmosis ↗ · CDC — About Toxoplasmosis ↗ · Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗ · Universitas Airlangga — Kucing Bukan Satu-Satunya Penyebar Toksoplasmosis, Daging Juga! ↗
Sources & references
- Cornell Feline Health Center — Toxoplasmosis in Cats ↗
- CDC — About Toxoplasmosis ↗
- Universitas Airlangga — Kucing Bukan Satu-Satunya Penyebar Toksoplasmosis, Daging Juga! ↗
- World Health Organization — Food safety (fact sheet) ↗
- Kementerian Kesehatan RI, Ditjen Pelayanan Kesehatan — Mitos atau Fakta, Bulu Kucing Penyebab Toxso ↗
- CDC — People at Increased Risk for Toxoplasmosis ↗
- CDC — Preventing Toxoplasmosis ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.
Cite this page
PanduanHewan. (2026, 25 September). Toxoplasmosis and cats: facts, myths and prevention. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/toxoplasmosis-and-cats/