At What Age Do Cats Shed Toxoplasma and What is the Risk of Human Infection?

It's a common misconception that cats shed Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite causing toxoplasmosis, at a specific age. The reality is that a cat's age is irrelevant to whether it sheds this parasite. Cats only shed Toxoplasma oocysts (egg-like structures) if they become infected. When a cat is infected, it typically excretes the oocysts in its feces for a period of one to three weeks. If your cat has been diagnosed with Toxoplasma, it is important to administer deworming treatments immediately. Human infection through close contact with an infected cat is a significant concern and should not be taken lightly.

Toxoplasma is a blood-borne parasite. The most common way for cats to contract it is through the consumption of raw meat. As mentioned previously, there is no specific age at which cats shed the parasite. Only infected cats shed Toxoplasma oocysts, and usually they do so only once in their lives, during the initial infection. The shedding period generally lasts only for one to three weeks, during which the oocysts are released in the feces. After this first shedding period, cats typically do not excrete the parasite again. In reality, cats only shed Toxoplasma oocysts for approximately 1% of their lifespan. It's important to note that freshly excreted oocysts are not immediately infectious. It takes one to five days under the right conditions, for the oocysts to mature and become capable of causing infection.

How to Tell if Your Cat Has Toxoplasmosis

You can look for visible symptoms in your cat. Cats with toxoplasmosis can exhibit symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, a rough and unkempt coat, vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes. For a more precise diagnosis, a rapid test kit can be used. If the test returns positive, it strongly suggests a toxoplasmosis infection. It’s crucial to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to Treat Toxoplasmosis in Cats

It is recommended to use a veterinary-approved deworming medication specifically formulated for pets. Products such as 'MeowWoof Clean Pet' are often recommended for treating various parasites in cats, including hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and Toxoplasma. The appropriate dosage depends on your cat's age and weight, so please consult with your vet. It’s also advisable to restrict food for about half a day after medication to ensure the full effectiveness of the treatment. Proper deworming can help in eliminating existing Toxoplasma infections and preventing future ones.

How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis in Cats

1. To prevent your cat from contracting toxoplasmosis, ensure that you never feed your cat raw meat. Cook any meat thoroughly before giving it to your cat or use commercial cat food. This is the primary source of infection, so eliminating raw meat will significantly reduce the risk.

2. If your cat does contract toxoplasmosis, prompt treatment is important. Regular deworming is a preventative measure. You can establish a routine of administering deworming medication to your cat as recommended by your vet. Regular checkups and deworming will help ensure your cat stays healthy and free from parasitic infections, reducing the risk to both them and you.Source:5D Pet World

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