A microscopic single-cell organism called Toxoplasma gondii can cause toxoplasmosis. Cats are the likely culprits in the spread of toxoplasmosis. The reason for this is their tendency to hunt birds and rodents. This parasite is excreted in the cat’s feces. The potential hazard occurs when a cat owner cleans the litter box and is exposed to the feces.

If a cat passes toxoplasmosis onto its owner, in most cases there will be no real illness. However, in some cases, people can become very ill as a result of toxoplasmosis. They display symptoms such as fever, headaches, sore muscles, and enlarged lymph nodes. In pregnant women, during the latter two trimesters of their pregnancy, toxoplasmosis may result in fetal abnormalities. In severe cases, the organs could be compromised and attacked by the parasite. Cat owners should use gloves and regularly clean their cat’s litter box. Pregnant women are advised not to clean litter boxes at all.