Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
People can work with their allergists to find treatments that help
relieve the symptoms of cat allergies. Allergy shots and antihistamines
are commonly used. There are several antihistamines that can be taken
regularly without side effects or drowsiness. Research is being conduct-
ed today that is looking at other ways the production of antibodies and
release of histamine can be stopped in allergic individuals. In the future,
there may be better options for controlling allergies to cats. Scientists
are even trying to genetically engineer cats without fel-d-1!
HONEY, IT'S YOUR TURN TO SCOOP
Toxoplasma gondii
is a protozoan parasite (protozoa are one-celled organ-
isms). Toxoplasmosis, the disease caused by Toxoplasma organisms, can
occur in any human or four-legged animal who ingests one of the infec-
tive stages of the protozoa. This organism has a complicated life cycle,
which requires that it spend some of its development inside a host.
Humans are frequently exposed to Toxoplasma and don't even
know it. That's because the protozoa lives in raw meat, and we can
become infected when we handle the meat. The biggest threat to
humans is when a pregnant woman, during her first trimester, becomes
infected with the organism. An infection at this time can cause con-
genital malformations or mental retardation of the unborn child.
Studies have shown that the vast majority of pregnant women infected
with Toxoplasma got it by handling raw meat.
How Cats Become Infected
Cats become infected with Toxoplasma after they eat raw meat, birds or
mice carrying an infective stage of the organism. Cats shed Toxoplasma
oocysts (the egg stage) in their feces 3 to 10 days after eating infected
tissues.They will shed the oocysts for up to 14 days, and afterward it is
unlikely that they will ever shed them again—even after repeated expo-
sure. Within one to four days of being passed in the feces, the oocysts
become infectious to other animals and humans. Infective oocysts can
live for months in the environment (the litter box or yard, wherever the
cat has defecated).
If feces are scooped daily and/or if rubber gloves are worn while
scooping, there is little risk of exposure to Toxoplasma from your cat.
Keeping your cat indoors and only feeding commercially prepared cat
food will eliminate the risk of exposure.
