From the Research
Feline fecal-related infections include toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii; roundworm infections from Toxocara cati; hookworm infections from Ancylostoma species; and bacterial infections like salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis, as highlighted in a study published in Microbiology spectrum 1. These infections can have serious health implications, particularly for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, who should be cautious about toxoplasmosis, as noted in various studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. To prevent these infections, it is essential to:
- Always wear gloves when handling cat litter
- Wash hands thoroughly after contact with cat feces
- Change litter boxes daily (ideally have someone else do this if you're pregnant)
- Cover children's sandboxes when not in use
- Ensure regular veterinary care for your cat, including deworming treatments, as recommended by a study published in the Journal of feline medicine and surgery 4. Most cats with these parasites show no symptoms, making regular preventive care essential. For cats diagnosed with parasites, specific treatments include:
- Pyrantel pamoate for roundworms (20 mg/kg orally, repeated in 2-3 weeks)
- Praziquantel for tapeworms (5-10 mg/kg orally)
- Appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections as prescribed by a veterinarian, as discussed in a review published in Viruses 3. These infections spread when humans accidentally ingest microscopic parasite eggs or bacteria after contact with contaminated feces, soil, or surfaces, highlighting the importance of good hygiene practices, as emphasized in a study published in Viruses 5.