Has your cat been showing unusual symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, or breathing difficulties? These signs may potentially indicate an underlying condition such as toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that can infect both pets and humans — particularly pregnant women and people with weakened immune system.
That said, it is important to note that many cats that are infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite do not show signs of illness.
Many infected cats remain asymptomatic because their immune systems effectively keep the infection in check. But there are still certain cases in which the parasite can cause clinical disease and lead to noticeable symptoms in cats.
What is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled microscopic parasitic organism.
It is one of the most common parasitic diseases and infects nearly all warm-blooded animals.
In Singapore, we often see cases of toxoplasmosis in cats. Rabbits can also be highly susceptible to the parasite, as they may become infected by consuming contaminated water, food, or hay. Birds may contract T. gondii too, often through contaminated feed or exposure to cat faeces.
In this article, we will delve into toxoplasmosis in cats specifically. Read more to understand the signs, causes, treatment, and prevention of toxoplasmosis in our feline companions.
For questions or bookings, please WhatsApp our friendly Paws N’ Claws veterinary team at 8891 4417 for the Upper Thomson clinic or 8809 0787 for our Yishun clinic.
Common Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Many infected cats do not show signs of illness. However, in kittens, elderly cats, or cats with weakened immune systems — for instance, if they have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) — the Toxoplasma gondii parasite can cause clinical disease.
In such cases, it can lead to serious health problems and noticeable signs such as lethargy, fever, and neurological issues.
If your cat has toxoplasmosis, symptoms can vary widely depending on the organs affected. Here are some signs to watch for:
1. General illness:
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Lethargy — tired or less playful
- Fever
2. Respiratory symptoms:
Difficulty breathing, which may indicate pneumonia
3. Eye problems:
Inflammation of the eyes, such as uveitis or retinitis, leading to redness or vision issues
4. Neurological signs:
Tremors, seizures, or difficulty walking
5. Liver disease (hepatitis) symptoms:
Jaundice, seen as yellowing of the skin or eyes
6. Other less common symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, especially in combination, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Importantly, respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing and neurological issues such as seizures also often constitute emergencies in pets, even if the diagnosis does not turn out to be toxoplasmosis. Emergency vet care is therefore crucial — get in touch with an animal hospital or emergency vet clinic as soon as possible.
To contact Paws N’ Claws, please call or WhatsApp 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).
What Causes These Symptoms?
Cats can contract the Toxoplasma gondii parasite by:
- Eating raw or undercooked meat
- Hunting infected rodents or birds
- Drinking contaminated water
- Being exposed to infected soil
This means that cats on a raw food diet or those who are fed scraps of uncooked meat are more susceptible. Outdoor cats, feral cats, or those with access to hunting prey are also at a higher risk of toxoplasmosis.
Cats may also ingest T. gondii oocysts from contaminated soil and water. This can happen during grooming if they have walked on contaminated surfaces or by drinking from puddles or unclean water sources. In these cases, cats who are in multi-cat households with shared litter boxes as well as outdoor cats are at a higher risk.
While not all cats with T. gondii develop symptoms, kittens, senior cats, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.
How Do Vets Diagnose Toxoplasmosis in Cats?
When a cat shows symptoms like lethargy, fever, or difficulty breathing, your veterinarian will:
1. Review your pet’s medical history: To identify risk factors such as diet, hunting habits, or exposure to raw meat.
2. Conduct a physical examination: To check for signs of illness like fever, difficulty breathing, and eye inflammation. The vet will observe the cat’s general appearance and behaviour, such as whether the cat appears malnourished or has a lack of muscle tone, and measure vital signs like the heart and respiratory rates.
3. Perform laboratory testing: Blood tests will measure antibodies to the T. gondii parasite. Two types of antibodies, IgG and IgM, in the blood can help diagnose toxoplasmosis.
High levels of IgG antibodies to T. gondii in a healthy cat suggest that the cat has been previously infected, and is most likely immune to the organism and is not excreting oocysts. These cats are no longer sources of infection for other hosts.
However, high levels of IgM antibodies indicate an active infection.
If there are no T. gondii antibodies in a healthy cat, it suggests that the cat is susceptible to infection and would shed oocysts for up to two weeks following infection.
How do Vets Treat Cats With Toxoplasmosis?
Veterinary treatment for cats with toxoplasmosis focuses on managing the symptoms and clearing the infection.
It usually involves a course of antibiotics, either alone or in combination with corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medication) if there is significant inflammation of the eyes or the central nervous system.
Supportive care may also be required. Depending on the symptoms, this could include fluid therapy or nutritional support.Ideally, treatment should start immediately after your veterinarian has diagnosed toxoplasmosis, and continue for several days after signs have disappeared.
Preventing Toxoplasmosis and Symptoms in Cats
How may cat owners prevent toxoplasmosis in our furkids? Taking preventive measures can help protect your cat and lower the risk of symptoms such as lethargy or respiratory issues.
Decreasing the incidence of toxoplasmosis in cats requires measures to reduce both the exposure to infective T. gondii oocysts and the shedding of oocysts into the environment.
If you wish to prevent infection, cats should preferably be fed commercially prepared, cooked foods. This is because appropriate heating inactivates any T. gondii oocysts that may be present. Avoid uncooked meat or intermediate hosts such as rodents.
Keep your cat indoors to prevent hunting activity and exposure to infected prey like rats or birds.
Clean the litter box daily, before T. gondii oocysts become infectious.
Practise good general hygiene, by washing hands thoroughly after handling cat litter or soil, and wearing gloves while cleaning.
In general, regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and minimising exposure to parasites or toxins can help keep your cat healthy.
Can Toxoplasmosis Spread to Humans?
Yes, the T. condii parasite can spread to humans. While most healthy individuals experience mild or no symptoms, certain groups — particularly pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems — are at a greater risk of serious complications.
Humans can get infected in several ways, including accidentally ingesting the infectious oocysts after handling contaminated cat litter, soil, or surfaces. This is why proper hygiene is crucial when cleaning litter boxes.
Pregnant women who become infected with toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy can pass the parasite to their unborn child through the placenta. This can result in congenital toxoplasmosis. The earlier the infection occurs in the person’s pregnancy, the more severe the potential consequences for the baby.
If possible, pregnant women should have someone else handle the litter box during pregnancy. Also, avoid contact with stray cats or kittens as they are more likely to shed infectious oocysts.
What to Do if Your Cat is Lethargic or Showing Symptoms
If your cat is unusually tired, breathing heavily, or has unexplained weight loss, it is essential to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
While these symptoms can result from toxoplasmosis, they may also be caused by a wide range of other diseases or conditions such as respiratory infections, liver disease, or neurological disorders.
At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery in Singapore, our vets specialise in diagnosing and treating illnesses in cats. If your pet is showing concerning symptoms, please contact our friendly team for expert care and personalised advice.
We are Fear-Free aligned, prioritising your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. From advanced diagnostic tools to tailored treatment plans, we are here to help your pet recover and feel better.
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