When it comes to their pets, pet owners want them to live long and healthy lives. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not have nine lives; and like every other mammal they are stuck with only one. To ensure that their cats live long, healthy lives, cat owners need to be acutely aware of common cat diseases, cat disease symptoms, and even fetal feline diseases. By learning to recognize the symptoms of feline disease, cat owners give their beloved pets the best chance at living long, healthy, and happy lives. Like any living thing, cats are susceptible to all kinds of diseases and medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases, and various cat skin diseases. Unlike the diseases and conditions mentioned, fetal feline diseases, or toxoplasmosis, is not only dangerous to cats, but to humans, as well.
Contrary to the name, fetal feline diseases do not affect only cats, nor does it originate in cats; however, cats are the primary host by which humans may become infected. Fetal feline diseases are parasitic, and survive inside warm blooded hosts, including humans. Those who become infected with fetal feline diseases usually do so after ingesting meat that has been contaminated by a protozoa called toxoplasma gondii. While it is rather disgusting to think about, the meat usually becomes infected by the protozoa through the direct or indirect consumption of contaminated cat feces. While fetal feline diseases in humans are not usually fatal, it can be for people with AIDS, HIV, or compromised immune systems. However, it is believed that fetal feline disease are related to certain neurological disorders, and contribute to mental health conditions such as depression, OCD, and bipolar disorders.
In order to prevent the dangers of fetal feline diseases, there are some precautions that cat owners can take. Since fetal feline diseases are more common in feral cats than domesticated cats, it is always best to keep your cat indoors, or limit how far it wanders. Also, make sure you keep your cat and home clean, and change the cat litter often. Of course, make sure that you take your cat to regular vet checkups, and contact your vet if you see your cat behaving in any unusual ways. While none of this guarantees that your cat will live a long life, or will never contract fetal feline diseases, even the small things can help it be avoided.