Toxoplasmosis in cats
Also known as Toxoplasma gondii.
A parasite that a cat can shed in its faeces for only a few weeks in its life, usually when young. In cats it rarely causes signs, and people catch it mainly from undercooked meat.
- System
- Infectious diseases
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- Yes
- Typical cost in Spain
- Serology, €40–80; treatment, €50–150.
It is a zoonosis, but living with a cat barely increases the risk: the main route is food.
Symptoms
- Almost always none
- Sometimes fever and listlessness
- Eye inflammation (uveitis)
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Neurological signs in immunosuppressed cats
Causes
Cats become infected by hunting or eating raw meat. The eggs (oocysts) they shed take one to five days to become infectious.
How it is diagnosed
Blood serology. Faecal testing is of little use, because shedding lasts only a very short time.
Treatment
Specific antibiotics prescribed by the vet when there is clinical disease.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good in most cats that fall ill, if treated. Worse with neurological involvement or immunosuppression.
Prevention
Cooked or commercial food, an indoor cat and a litter tray cleaned daily. For people: well-cooked meat and thoroughly washed vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Is toxoplasmosis contagious?
To other cats: no. To people: yes. It is a zoonosis, but living with a cat barely increases the risk: the main route is food.
Can toxoplasmosis be cured?
Good in most cats that fall ill, if treated. Worse with neurological involvement or immunosuppression. Specific antibiotics prescribed by the vet when there is clinical disease.
How much does it cost to treat toxoplasmosis?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Serology, €40–80; treatment, €50–150. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
How can toxoplasmosis be prevented?
Cooked or commercial food, an indoor cat and a litter tray cleaned daily. For people: well-cooked meat and thoroughly washed vegetables.
More in infectious diseases
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.