Where do cats get toxoplasmosis from? - briefly
Cats primarily contract toxoplasmosis by ingesting infected rodents or birds, which serve as intermediate hosts for the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Additionally, they can become infected through contact with contaminated soil or water where oocysts from cat feces have settled.
Where do cats get toxoplasmosis from? - in detail
Cats can acquire toxoplasmosis primarily through their diet, particularly by consuming raw or undercooked meat and poultry infected with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The life cycle of this protozoan involves several stages, with cats serving as the definitive host, meaning that sexual reproduction occurs within their intestines. When a cat ingests an infectious oocyst present in contaminated soil, water, or feces from another infected animal, the parasite undergoes transformation and maturation in the cat's gut, eventually shedding new oocysts in its feces. These oocysts are highly resistant to environmental conditions and can remain infective for up to 18 months, posing a significant risk to other animals and humans who come into contact with them. In addition to ingesting infected meat, cats may also contract the disease by hunting and consuming rodents or birds carrying the parasite in their tissues. Proper hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning litter boxes and avoiding contact with contaminated soil, are essential measures to minimize the risk of transmission and prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis.