Toxoplasmosis
This condition is caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can be carried by cats—especially those that go outdoors or hunt prey.
How does it spread?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t usually get it just from your cat sleeping next to you. The parasite is most commonly transmitted through:
- Contact with infected cat feces (like cleaning a litter box)
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then your mouth
- Eating undercooked meat or unwashed produce
That said, close contact—like sleeping together—can slightly increase exposure risk if hygiene isn’t maintained.
Why is it considered serious?
For most healthy adults, toxoplasmosis often causes mild symptoms or none at all. But in certain cases, it can be more dangerous:
- Pregnant women: It can affect the unborn baby and lead to serious complications
- People with weakened immune systems: It may cause severe infections affecting the brain or eyes
Symptoms, when they occur, may include:
- Flu-like fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
Should you stop sleeping with your cat?
Not necessarily. The risk is very low if you follow basic hygiene practices: