iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes, but not simply from petting or being near a cat. People can develop toxoplasmosis when they accidentally swallow Toxoplasma gondii, often after handling cat feces, contaminated litter or soil and then touching their mouth. Cats are one possible source; undercooked food, contaminated produce, shellfish and water also spread the parasite. Most healthy people have no symptoms, while a first infection during or just before pregnancy and infection in someone with a weakened immune system can be serious.
What toxoplasmosis is
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the microscopic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats and other members of the cat family are the parasite’s definitive hosts: after a cat becomes infected, it can shed the parasite’s oocysts in its feces for a limited period. Those oocysts can contaminate litter, garden soil, sand, food or water.
Human infection requires accidental ingestion. The usual chain is contaminated material on a hand, food or utensil, followed by swallowing the parasite. Simply touching a cat, sharing a room with one, or having a cat on your lap does not transmit toxoplasmosis. Cat fur is not the usual route; the concern is fecal contamination that reaches the mouth.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 11% of people in the United States age 6 and older have had a Toxoplasma infection. A separate CDC estimate says more than 40 million people in the United States are infected. These figures describe broad population totals, not the probability that a particular cat or litter box will infect a person. CDC also notes that more than 60% of people in some populations worldwide have had an infection.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How a cat-related infection happens
From litter or cat feces to the mouth
An infected cat may pass Toxoplasma in its feces. A person can be exposed while scooping a litter box, cleaning a contaminated surface, touching outdoor soil where a cat has defecated, or handling an object that has fecal contamination. Infection occurs if the parasite is then swallowed, for example when someone eats, handles a snack, or touches their lips without washing their hands.
CDC says the parasite generally does not become infectious immediately after it is shed. It takes about one to five days to become capable of causing infection, which is why changing litter every day reduces risk. Daily removal also limits the time available for oocysts to mature in the box.
Outdoor soil, sand and produce
Cats can contaminate soil, sand and outdoor water as well as indoor litter. Gardening, children’s sandboxes and unwashed vegetables can therefore be exposure settings. A person may swallow contaminated soil directly from dirty hands or indirectly through produce that was not washed. Cover sandboxes when they are not in use, and treat soil that could contain cat feces as a potential source of contamination.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What does not usually spread it
Casual contact with a cat is not considered a typical transmission route. Petting, sitting beside a cat, or being scratched does not by itself cause toxoplasmosis. The relevant question is whether contaminated fecal material, soil, food or water entered the mouth. Cats that live indoors, do not hunt and eat commercial food are less likely to acquire the parasite, although no cat-specific assumption can replace normal hygiene.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Cats are not the only source
People can acquire toxoplasmosis without owning a cat. The parasite can be present in several forms and settings, so prevention must include food and water safety.
| Exposure setting | How infection can occur | Practical prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Litter or cat feces | Swallowing oocysts after scooping litter, cleaning contamination or touching a dirty surface and then the mouth | Have someone else change litter when possible; otherwise use disposable gloves, change it daily and wash hands with soap and water |
| Soil, sand and garden produce | Swallowing contaminated soil or eating produce that contacted contaminated soil and was not washed | Wear gloves for gardening, wash hands and rinse fruits and vegetables under running water; cover outdoor sandboxes |
| Food | Eating undercooked meat, contaminated shellfish or food that contacted contaminated raw ingredients | Cook meat to safe temperatures, prevent cross-contamination and clean preparation surfaces and utensils |
| Water | Drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma | Avoid untreated water and follow local public-health advisories |
| Rare medical routes | Transmission through an organ transplant or blood transfusion is possible but uncommon | These risks are managed through medical screening and clinical care |
Transmission from one person to another is not typical. The important exception is congenital transmission, when a person with a new infection during or just before pregnancy passes the parasite to a fetus. Blood transfusion and organ transplantation are rare additional exceptions.
Who is most at risk?
Pregnancy and the developing baby
A person who becomes infected for the first time during or shortly before pregnancy can pass the infection to the fetus. The pregnant person may have no symptoms, so feeling well does not rule out a new infection. An infected baby may also appear healthy at birth but develop problems later. CDC notes that some congenital infections cause serious eye or brain damage.
Having a cat does not automatically mean a pregnant person must give it away. The safer approach is to reduce fecal and soil exposure and discuss personal circumstances with an obstetric or other healthcare professional. Risk depends on factors such as whether infection is new, the timing of infection and test results—not on cat ownership alone.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
People with weakened immune systems
People with HIV, those receiving certain chemotherapy and people who recently received an organ transplant are among the groups CDC identifies as needing extra caution. A weakened immune system can allow a newly acquired infection to become severe or allow a previously inactive parasite to reactivate.
Severe disease can involve the brain or other organs. Possible warning symptoms include headache, confusion, poor coordination, nausea or vomiting, fever and seizures. Anyone in an immunocompromised group should ask their healthcare provider which litter, food and gardening precautions fit their treatment and immune status.
Healthy people
Most people with healthy immune systems have no symptoms or only a mild illness. A positive exposure does not by itself predict serious disease, but persistent or concerning symptoms still warrant medical advice.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Symptoms and possible complications
Common or mild illness
When symptoms occur in an otherwise healthy person, CDC describes a flu-like illness, tender lymph nodes, muscle aches and pains. Symptoms can last weeks to months. They are not specific to toxoplasmosis, so a person cannot confirm the infection by symptoms alone.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Inactive infection and reactivation
After the initial infection, the parasite can remain inactive in the body. If immune defenses later become suppressed, it may reactivate and cause serious disease. This is why a past infection can matter when someone begins chemotherapy, develops advanced immune suppression or receives a transplant.
Congenital infection
A fetus or newborn can have no obvious signs initially and still develop eye, brain or other complications later. Pregnancy-related concerns should be addressed promptly with a healthcare professional rather than managed through online symptom checking.
How to reduce risk from a cat
Make litter handling safer
- Delegate the task when possible. If someone is pregnant or immunocompromised, have another household member change the litter.
- Use disposable gloves if you must do it. Gloves are a barrier, not a substitute for handwashing.
- Change the litter every day. The one-to-five-day maturation period means prompt removal reduces the time oocysts have to become infectious.
- Wash thoroughly afterward. Remove gloves carefully, then wash hands with soap and water before eating, preparing food or touching your face.
- Clean surrounding surfaces. If litter spills, clean the area and wash hands rather than sweeping contamination into the air or onto nearby objects.
Disposable gloves can also be used for gardening or handling outdoor soil. Keep gloves out of food-preparation areas and wash reusable tools after use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsLower the chance that a cat becomes infected
- Keep cats indoors so they are less likely to hunt infected prey or contact contaminated soil.
- Feed commercial dry or canned food rather than raw or undercooked meat.
- Do not adopt or handle stray cats, especially kittens, if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, and avoid getting a new cat during those periods according to CDC higher-risk guidance.
- Arrange routine veterinary care for the cat; do not attempt to diagnose a cat or person based on litter-box appearance.
Food, garden and water precautions
Safe food preparation
- Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or cutting them.
- Keep raw meat and its juices away from ready-to-eat food.
- Wash knives, cutting boards, counters and utensils after contact with raw ingredients.
- Use a food thermometer and follow current local food-safety guidance. CDC’s prevention information cites the USDA minimum of 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts of meat other than poultry; other foods have different requirements.
- Cook shellfish and other animal products fully rather than relying on color or texture as a safety test.
Gardening and children’s play areas
Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand that could have been contaminated by cat feces. Wash hands afterward, including under fingernails. Rinse garden produce before it enters the kitchen, and cover sandboxes to discourage cats from using them as litter boxes.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Water
Do not drink untreated water when contamination is possible. Use a safe water supply and follow public-health instructions during local water advisories. Water can carry the parasite even when no household cat is present.
What to do after a possible exposure
Wash hands with soap and water after contact with litter, soil or a potentially contaminated surface. Avoid preparing food until hands and work areas are clean. A single exposure does not establish that infection occurred, and cat ownership alone is not a diagnosis.
Contact a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, immunocompromised, or experiencing symptoms after a possible exposure. Tell the clinician what happened, when it happened, whether the cat is indoor-only, and whether you ate undercooked food or drank untreated water. A clinician can decide whether evaluation or testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.
Seek urgent medical care for severe headache, confusion, loss of coordination, seizures, major vision changes or rapidly worsening illness, particularly if the person is immunocompromised or pregnant. Do not stop chemotherapy, HIV treatment or other prescribed therapy without medical direction.
Quick Recap
Key points to remember
- Cats can contribute to toxoplasmosis, but infection requires swallowing the parasite; ordinary contact with a cat is not the usual route.
- Undercooked food, contaminated produce, shellfish and untreated water are important non-cat sources.
- Daily litter changes, gloves and handwashing reduce exposure because feces need about one to five days to become infectious.
- New infection during or just before pregnancy and infection or reactivation in an immunocompromised person require individualized medical guidance.
- Most healthy people have no symptoms, so prevention should focus on hygiene and safe food and water practices rather than fear of the cat itself.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
