Toxoplasmosis in Cats

Toxoplasmosis in cats is a disease caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii. It is a single-celled parasite and causes one of the most common parasitic diseases (toxoplasmosis), which has been found in nearly all warm-blooded animals. Although the parasite is common in cats, it rarely causes significant clinical diseases in them. Cats act as the primary host of toxoplasma gondii and they are the only mammals in which the parasite is passed through the feces.

In cats, the reproductive form of parasite lives in the intestine and infective oocysts exits the body in the feces. Oocysts become infective within 1-5 days and they have the capability to survive several years in the environment, showing resistance to most disinfectants. On consumption of infected intermediate prey, the parasite is released in the cat's intestine, and its life cycle is repeated.

The main sources of infection for cats are uncooked meat and infected prey. Kittens are more susceptible to the infection caused by toxoplasma gondii than the adult cats, and show more severe symptoms when infected. The cats which hunt wildlife are also at higher risk of getting infected. Pet cats have less chance of getting affected as they mostly consume hygienic and cooked food.

Causes and symptoms

Cats generally become infected with toxoplasmosis the consumption of oocysts, which are present in the tissue of chronically infected prey such as rodents, birds and undercooked meat. Cats don't show any evident signs of infection, however, some clinical symptoms like lethargy and loss of appetite are exhibited by them. Most often the symptoms occur in kittens and young cats. In humans, the severe symptoms may include inflammation in the pneumonia, hepatitis and diarrhea. A person with toxoplasmosis infection may also suffer from depression, partial or total blindness, increased respiratory rate and effort, jaundice and muscle pain.

Toxoplasmosis in cats is usually diagnosed on the basis of its medical history, signs of illness and the results of laboratory tests. It usually involves a routine blood test and the veterinarian could also perform various diagnostic tests like Complete Blood Count (CBC), fecal examination, ocular examination, IgG and IgM antibody testing, Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis (CSF Analysis), and analysis of pleural or peritoneal fluid. Sometimes the oocysts can be found in the feces, but this does not confirm the diagnosis as they look similar to some other parasites. A microscopic examination of tissues is required for the definitive diagnosis of the disease.

Treatment

The treatment for toxoplasmosis in cats usually involves a course of an antibiotic called clindamycin. Some other drugs like trimethoprim-sulfonamide or sulfonamides combined with pyrimethamine are also used for the treatment. These drugs help the inhibition of the parasitic reproduction. It is necessary to start the treatment as soon as the disease is diagnosed and continue it for several days, even after the symptoms have disappeared. At home, medications provided by the veterinarian should be strictly administered.

For the prevention of this disease, cats should be fed only dry, canned or cooked food. Uncooked meat, entrails or bones should be avoided as these tissues may contain toxoplasma cysts. Trash containers should also be kept away from them in order to prevent garbage scavenging.