It is, almost certainly, The disease that has indirectly caused the most damage to catsFortunately, nowadays fewer and fewer veterinarians tell prospective pet parents that they should “get rid of the animal.” Why? The feline is a member of the family, and as such it should be loved and cared for rather than feared.
If you ever wondered How to know if your cat has toxoplasmosis If you want to better understand this disease, this article will provide you with detailed information on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures to avoid infection.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This microorganism can infect different species of warm-blooded animals and, in particular, cats, which are the only definitive hosts of the parasite. In them, the life cycle of the parasite is completed and oocysts are released that can contaminate the environment and infect other beings, including humans.
The parasite can be found in several places, mainly in raw meats, feces, contaminated water, or in prey such as rodents and birds. It is important to note that a domestic cat that does not go outside and whose diet is controlled has a extremely low risk from suffering from this disease, unless it comes into contact with infected raw meat or feces from other cats that carry it.
How are cats infected?
Cats can become infected with toxoplasmosis through the following routes:
- Ingestion of infected prey: Rodents, birds or other animals that contain parasite cysts.
- Consumption of raw or undercooked meat: It is one of the main routes of infection if the food has not been properly treated.
- Ingestion of contaminated water or food: Oocysts shed in the feces of other cats may contaminate external sources.
- Transplacental transmission: Infected mothers can transmit the disease to their kittens during pregnancy.
It's crucial maintain hygiene and keep a proper control of the cat's diet to avoid any possible infection.
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in cats
In most cats, toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic, which means that they do not present obvious signs of disease. However, when symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on the affected system:
- Neurological signs: Seizures, ataxia (clumsy movements), or muscle tremors.
- Respiratory problems: Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) or nasal discharge.
- Digestive disorders: Diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia.
- Other general symptoms: Fever, jaundice (yellowish color of the skin and mucous membranes), lethargy or lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).
In the most severe cases, especially in cats with weakened immune systems, complications may arise that affect the liver, lungs or even the central nervous system, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in cats
The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is not based solely on the observation of symptoms, as many of them are common to other diseases. Therefore, specific tests are necessary:
- Blood tests: Antibodies are detected against Toxoplasma gondii to determine if the cat has been exposed to the parasite.
- Stool tests: Although useful, these are not always conclusive because oocysts are only shed for a short period after initial infection.
- Advanced tests such as PCR: They help confirm the presence of the parasite's genetic material in the cat's body.
It is essential that the diagnosis is made by a qualified veterinarian who can correctly interpret the results and establish appropriate treatment if necessary.
Treatment and management of toxoplasmosis
Treatment for toxoplasmosis in cats depends on the severity of the infection and the general condition of the animal:
- Antibiotics: Clindamycin is the drug of choice and is administered for several weeks.
- Anti-inflammatories: In cases of severe inflammation, such as uveitis (eye inflammation), topical corticosteroids may be used.
- Supportive care: These include keeping your cat hydrated, on a balanced diet, and in a stress-free environment.
It is essential that the treatment be prescribed and supervised by a veterinarian, since the Self-medication can be dangerous.
Prevention of toxoplasmosis
Taking preventative measures is the best way to protect your cat and your family members:
- Do not give raw meat to cats: Always cook meat before offering it.
- Prevent them from going outside: This reduces the risk of them hunting infected prey.
- Proper hygiene: Clean the litter box daily and disinfect it with hot water. Use gloves when handling it.
- Veterinary control: Conduct regular check-ups and follow the vaccination and deworming program.
These measures are also useful to minimize the risk of transmission to humans.
Risks for humans
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. However, it is important to emphasize that direct transmission from cats to people is extremely rare.
Most human cases arise from eat undercooked meat or by handling food without proper hygiene. Pregnant women and immunosuppressed people are the most vulnerable to the parasite, so they should take additional precautionsThese include avoiding direct contact with cat feces and never handling the litter box without proper protection.
Knowing the risks and applying the appropriate preventive measures allows for safe and healthy coexistence between humans and felines. Toxoplasmosis should not be a reason to abandon a cat; with the necessary information and care, coexistence is perfectly possible.