Minimize contact with your pet's saliva, urine, blood, feces, and vaginal discharges. Pets spread these fluids when they scratch, lick, and groom themselves, so wash your hands after handling your pet and before eating or rubbing your eyes, and don't let your pet lick your face. Keep your pet clean and well-groomed, with toenails cut short and blunt. All pet scratches or bites should be washed immediately with soap and water and flushed with hydrogen peroxide. If you have a cat, use a litter box liner and change it daily.
Cats are a potential source of toxoplasmosis, the most common parasitic infection worldwide.
Toxoplasmosis can be found in any cell of any warm-blooded animal, including a large percentage of people. Most people are exposed by eating undercooked meat. Cats are a concern because they may shed the toxoplasma eggs in their feces. Your veterinarian can provide additional valuable information on how to keep your pet healthy. Open communication between your veterinarian and health care provider, along with the morale boost from your pet, will help keep you healthy.