Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, is found in virtually all warm-blooded animals including pets, livestock, and people. Immunodeficient individuals and pregnant mothers are at the highest risk for becoming infected; it is estimated that approximately 3,000 children are born infected with Toxoplasma every year.

Infected cats can excrete oocysts in their feces for up to two weeks. Exposure likely occurs when cats ingest infected mice, birds, and rodents or uncooked meats. Most cats with toxoplasmosis exhibit no signs, although there have been cases associating toxoplasmosis with pneumonia, live damage, excephalitis, and vision loss. The most common way people are infected with Toxoplasma is by eating infectious oocysts in undercooked meat, especially pork, or oocyst-contaminated soil on unwashed, uncooked vegetables.

Help your kitty avoid infection by keeping her indoors and away from rodents and birds, and feed her only processed food from commercial sources. Individuals should avoid ingestion of undercooked meat (it should be cooked to medium-well with an inner temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit), thoroughly wash produce before it is eaten, and wear gloves when gardening or handling raw meat. Pregnant women and immunodeficient individuals should avoid changing the litter box or use rubber gloves when doing so. Litter should be changed daily and safely disposed of, preferably in a sealed plastic bag.