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Toxoplasmosis in Cats
What are Toxoplasmosis?
While all warm-blooded animals can be intermediate hosts of this disease, only cats are definite hosts. This means that the parasite can only produce eggs while infecting a cat. The parasite multiplies in the intestines and produces millions of eggs which then exit the body in feces. These eggs begin to exit three to ten days after infection has occurred and continue to exit for another 10-14 days thereafter.
The single-celled parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), can cause infection in virtually all warm-blooded animals. This disease is referred to as toxoplasmosis. Though it is present in 20-60 percent of cats, it only manifests itself as a significant disease in rare cases. Cats with immune deficiencies (such as feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus or feline infectious peritonitis) and young kittens are the most susceptible to toxoplasmosis.
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Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
The infection of T. gondii tends to affect many parts of the body including the neural system, the liver and the muscles of the cat. Possible symptoms are as follows:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty eating
- Inflammation of the eye (both uveitis and retinitis)
- Abnormal pupils
- Blindness
- Personality changes
- Circling
- Pressing head against the wall
- Paralysis
- Ear twitching
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Sensitive to touch
- Muscle pain
- Incontinence
- Hepatitis (liver disease) causing jaundice
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Pneumonia
Causes of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
To become infected and develop toxoplasmosis, the cat must come in contact with T. gondii or its eggs. The eggs can live for 18 months or longer in water or soil. Common causes of exposure include:
- Contact with parasite outdoors
- Eating of raw meats infected with T. gondii
- Hunting of small mammals
- A bite or scratch from an infected cat
- Drinking water contaminated by T. gondii
- Sharing a litter box with an infected cat
Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Your veterinarian will need your cat’s complete medical history before attempting diagnosis. They will assess all symptoms present in the cat and compare them with signs of toxoplasmosis. Even though the parasite’s eggs are often present in the fecal matter, it is generally not tested due to results mimicking many other parasitic infections.
A lab test that will generally be performed measures the antibodies in the cat. IgG and IgM (immunoglobulin G and M) are both antibodies that form in the blood after infection from T. gondii. If many IgG antibodies are found, the cat has most likely developed immunity to the parasite. If many IgM antibodies are found, the cat is currently infected and is most likely dispelling eggs. If no antibodies are found, the cat is susceptible to infection but is not currently diseased.
Another test that might be performed is a microscopic examination of tissue impression smears (surface sample). These tests look for distinctive pathological changes and the beginnings of tachyzoite (one of three infectious stages of T. gondii) development.
Treatment of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
There currently is no cure for toxoplasmosis. Treatment is available to help slow down the process of infection and aid the cat in handling the stages of infection.
Different antibiotics can be prescribed to disable the progression of parasitic infection. Clindamycin is often prescribed to disseminate the T. gondii organisms. Pyrimethamine along with sulfadiazine or trimethoprim sulphonamide can be administered to stop reproduction of T. gondii. The antibiotics are given immediately and are taken until at least several symptom-free days have passed. If no improvement is seen in three days, rediagnosis may be necessary.
Most cats respond favorably to these treatments. Once again young cats and cats with immune suppression tend to fare worse.
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Recovery of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
If you have other cats it is important to take precautions to ensure they also do not become infected. Clean the litter box carefully with scalding water on a daily basis. T. gondii requires one to five days once exited from the cat to become infectious, so daily removal of feces can prevent the spreading of the parasite. Thoroughly wash hands after removal of cat waste. Pregnant women or people undergoing chemotherapy treatment should not handle the litter box as they are vulnerable to toxoplasmosis development.
Keep your cats indoors to prevent contact with the parasite. Also, do not allow your cat to eat raw meats. T. gondii produces cysts in the animals it infects that can spread the disease if eaten.
Toxoplasmosis Average Cost
From 402 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
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Toxoplasmosis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Orange tabby
Buddy
10 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Clouding
Cloudy Chest X-Ray
We took a cat in about 6 weeks ago, he was in extremely bad shape (outdoors for years). He tested positive for FIV and toxoplasmosis. He has been quarantined from all of the other cats at all times. Boxes (2) cleaned multiple times a day and sterilized every 3 days. He has completed a round of clindamycin but still has a funky looking eye and his chest x-rays are not too good. We are in NO hurry to let him roam around the house as of yet but my question is - we have MULTIPLE cats in the house - what are the chances of the parasite now getting transmitted to them? We are waiting results of another Toxo test but my understanding is there is an initial infectious period and shedding of oocysts and then the anti-bodies kick in... Really need some clarification due to the (13 other cats).
Aug. 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
It is true that antibodies will be present in any cat that has been exposed to Toxoplasmosis, and many cats have been exposed but are not affected by the parasite. Because you are worried about 13 other cats, I think it would be safest to wait until you have the results of the Toxoplasmosis and not take any chances.
Aug. 18, 2018
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dsh
Phoebe (9), Johnny (9) and Chico (2)
9 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dehydration
I recently took my outdoor cat to the vet because she was breathing heavily, severely dehydrated, weak, and near death. Vet took blood samples, did x-rays, and eventually gave a diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis. She has responded very well to the antibiotics. Has another week of meds to go. Should I take my other outdoor cat to the vet? He has a bit of a cough. They share a litterbox. Is it possible he has Toxoplasmosis as well? We also have a Chico, our indoor cat. Do we need to worry about him? He has no current symptoms. He had sneezing a few weeks ago, but appears to be fine now.
July 14, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
It would be a good idea to have your other cats tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma if they have been sharing a litterbox or have bitten or scratched each other at all. Many cats are exposed to the parasite but develop immunity, and a blood test will be able to determine if they have been exposed or not. The other option that you may have would be to monitor the other two cats for signs of Toxoplasma and have them seen right away if they start showing any signs.
July 14, 2018
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Toxoplasmosis Average Cost
From 402 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
