Prevention of toxoplasmosis involves some simple precautionary steps for both you and your cat. Taking these steps won’t guarantee that you won’t get it, but every effort you make may help.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) - a parasitic protozoan (single-celled organism). Both humans and cats may be infected by coming in contact with it. Wild and domestic cats are the definitive hosts for Toxoplasma, which means that the cat is the only animal in which T. gondii reaches sexual maturity.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that the Toxoplasma parasite may infect as many as 60 million people in the United States. Worldwide estimates are that up to 80 percent of some areas of the world may have it. Toxoplasmosis symptoms, however, are relatively rare, causing few people to seek treatment. Cats that are infected may or may not show signs of the disease.

In underdeveloped countries, walking on infected soil with unprotected feet is a factor. For the most part, though, the primary risk factor is from eating undercooked or raw meat.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent both cat and human toxoplasmosis infections. Below are a few of them.

Do not consume raw or undercooked meat. If you touch raw meat, do not touch your face until you’ve cleaned your hands thoroughly.

Wash your hands, cutting boards, utensils, and sink with soap and warm water.

Wash all raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly.

Turn over litter box duties to another person if you’re pregnant.

Have the litter box cleaned at least once per day or more. Bag and remove cat feces quickly before it becomes infective.

If you handle the cat box duties yourself, wear a mask and disposable rubber gloves and avoid breathing the dust. Wash your hands after cleaning the box.

Always avoid sandboxes since roaming cats may defecate in them.

Wear gloves when gardening. Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and nose. Wash your hands when finished.

Do not drink unpasteurized dairy products, especially goat’s milk.

Here are some things you can do to help keep your cat from being exposed to the disease.

Avoid feeding your cat undercooked or raw meat.

Keep your cat indoors to prevent her from picking up the disease from rodents or birds that may be infected.

Keep your cat away from contaminated plants, soil, or insects.