Yes, cats can get toxoplasmosis from drinking unpasteurised milk. This is interesting because it still remains the case that in many countries people think that the domestic cat will enjoy a saucer of milk and sometimes it will be unpasteurised. Cow’s milk is not ideal for domestic cats as estimates suggest that a significant portion, likely over 50%, of adult domestic cats are lactose intolerant.
Here’s how cats can potentially get toxoplasmosis from drinking unpasteurised milk:
Unpasteurized milk can harbor Toxoplasma gondii: This parasite, responsible for toxoplasmosis, can be present in the milk of infected animals like cows, goats, and sheep.
Ingestion cycle: If a cat drinks unpasteurized milk containing oocysts (the infectious stage of the parasite), it can ingest them and become infected. The parasite would then complete its life cycle within the cat, forming cysts in its tissues.
However, it’s important to consider some additional factors:
Prevalence in milk: The likelihood of unpasteurized milk being contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii may vary depending on the source and hygiene practices during milking.
Alternative transmission routes: Cats more commonly contract toxoplasmosis by ingesting infected prey like rodents or birds, or by consuming raw meat containing cysts.
Overall, while unpasteurized milk can be a transmission route, it’s likely less common than other sources for cats.
Recommendations:
- To minimize the risk of toxoplasmosis in cats, it’s best to avoid giving them unpasteurized milk.
- Stick to commercially produced pasteurized milk or cat-specific milk substitutes.
- Provide your cat with a balanced diet formulated for their needs, following your veterinarian’s guidance.
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