Sleeping with your cat might seem harmless—but it can expose you to toxoplasmosis, a serious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Cats can shed parasite eggs (oocysts) in their feces for 1–3 weeks after infection; these oocysts only become infectious 1–5 days after being shed (CDC).
In healthy adults, infection often causes no symptoms or mild flu-like illness. But for pregnant women, infants, or people with weakened immune systems, it can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, brain or eye damage, and even severe illness (Wikipedia).
Sleeping with your cat increases exposure to zoonotic pathogens—via shedding, fur contamination, or airborne particles—making infection more likely (PMC).
To reduce risk while cuddling your cat:
- Scoop the litter box daily (oocysts need at least 24 hours to become infectious) (Cornell Vet Med).
- Wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward (Cornell Vet Med).
- Keep your cat indoors and feed only cooked or commercial food (Cornell Vet Med).
- Practice good hygiene—avoid kisses near your cat’s mouth and wash hands before handling food (Rover.com).
- Cook meat fully, wash produce, and wear gloves while gardening or cleaning the litter (Vet Help Direct).
While most cat owners won’t get toxoplasmosis, it’s better to take these simple precautions—especially if you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or share your bed nightly.