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Toxoplasmosis (cat litter or raw meat in pregnancy)

Also called: Toxoplasmosis

A parasite from cat litter, soil, or undercooked meat. Usually mild, but can harm a baby if caught in pregnancy.

PregnancyAvoid litter boxes, cook meat well

Overview

Most healthy people have mild or no symptoms.

Infection in pregnancy can harm the baby's eyes and brain.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Usually no symptoms
  • Cleaning cat litter or handling raw meat while pregnant

Less common

  • Flu-like aches
  • Swollen glands

Look up a symptom: Pregnant or recently gave birth

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayVision changes.
See a doctor soonExposure in pregnancy.

Causes

Parasite.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Yes, it can spread from person to person.
  • How it spreads: food, cat poop, or mother to baby during pregnancy.
  • Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Pregnancy
  • Weak immune system

Possible complications

  • Eye damage: Eye infection can come back

Diagnosis

Blood tests.

Treatment

Prevent.

Self-care

  • Wear gloves gardening
  • Wash produce
  • Have someone else change the litter
  • Wash hands after handling raw meat

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Have someone else change cat litter
  • Cook meat well

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an OB-GYN or midwife; high-risk pregnancies may see a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
  • Wash hands well after using the toilet.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Pregnant women: Highest concern.

Outlook

Treatable.

Most healthy adults recover.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Should I be tested in pregnancy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Toxoplasmosis (cat litter or raw meat in pregnancy)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.