Did you know you can be infected by a parasite from your cats litter box if you do not take proper precautions to prevent it? Find out how to identify this parasite and how to prevent getting it here:
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If your cats eat mice, rodents, birds or other wild animals there is a chance that they could contract a parasite called Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) which could be transferred to you. According to CDC (Centers for disease control) at least 22.5 percent of the U.S. population age 12 and older have been infected with Toxoplasma and as high as 95 percent in some other countries. Not all cases of this parasite are contracted from cats, some are food borne caused from eating or mishandling utensils and cutting boards used for raw or under cooked meat. Some cases are contracted congenital (mother to child) and in very rare instances it can be contracted by organ transplants. However, the most likely place you could contract this parasite is from food or your cats litter box.
If your cat only eats cat food it is highly unlikely that it will contract the Toxoplasma parasite. However, if your cat does eat rodents, birds, or other small animals it can transfer the issue form of the parasite which is a microscopic cyst called oocysts, into your cat's feces which can then be transferred to you when you clean your litter box if you are not very careful. This parasite can also contaminate the soil and water outdoors. Once infected kittens and cats can release oocyst for up to 3 weeks after they were infected. If your adult cat has already had Toxoplasma they are less likely to shed the parasite in the litter box. Scroll down for symptoms and treatments and how to contact the CDC.Please leave a comment.
If your cat only eats cat food it is highly unlikely that it will contract the Toxoplasma parasite. However, if your cat does eat rodents, birds, or other small animals it can transfer the issue form of the parasite which is a microscopic cyst called oocysts, into your cat's feces which can then be transferred to you when you clean your litter box if you are not very careful. This parasite can also contaminate the soil and water outdoors. Once infected kittens and cats can release oocyst for up to 3 weeks after they were infected. If your adult cat has already had Toxoplasma they are less likely to shed the parasite in the litter box. Scroll down for symptoms and treatments and how to contact the CDC.Please leave a comment.
- Reference: Parasites. Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasma infection.(Jan. 10, 2013).Retrieved 12/12/2014 from CDC Centers for disease control. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/epi.html
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How NOT to get Toxoplasma parasite from your cat's litter box
When you clean your litter box you should be very careful. If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system you should have someone else clean the litter box.
- Wear plastic or latex gloves and a protective apron.
- Never touch the feces with your hands and make sure that the feces does not come into contact with anything.
- Keep litter box clean and disinfected
Symptoms of Toxoplasma
People with healthy immune systems rarely have symptoms but people who are pregnant or have unhealthy immune systems could develop these symptoms:
Severe cases of Toxoplasmosis symptoms are:
Reference: Toxoplasmosis Frequently asked questions. (Jan. 10. 2010). Retrieved 12/12/2014 from CDC Centers for disease control. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html
- Flu like symptoms
- Swollen lymph glands
- Muscle aches and pains which last more than a month
- Eye damage
Severe cases of Toxoplasmosis symptoms are:
- Reduced vision, blurred vision, pain associated with bright lights
- Eye redness and sometimes tearing
Reference: Toxoplasmosis Frequently asked questions. (Jan. 10. 2010). Retrieved 12/12/2014 from CDC Centers for disease control. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html
How to contact the CDC (Center for Disease Control)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC-INFO
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC-INFO