I just read this article, just to be aware of it..
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. This single-celled organism is commonly found throughout the world and tends to infect birds and mammals. The parasitic eggs (oocytes) must be ingested by mouth, which means the infection is not contagious. Humans become infected with toxoplasma via contact with infected animal faeces. Cats are the main hosts; they acquire the parasite from eating infected rodents or birds and, in turn, pass the infection to their human handlers. Another mode of transmission is touching or eating raw or undercooked lamb or pork, since the parasites can be stored in small pockets (cysts) within the muscle tissue.

Toxoplasmosis is sometimes asymptomatic
In most cases of animal and human infection, toxoplasmosis does not cause any symptoms, even though antibodies may remain in the body for a long time. Symptoms, if they do occur, include:

* Swollen lymph glands
* Muscle aches and pains
* Headache
* Fever
* Generally feeling unwell
* Inflammation of the lungs
* Inflammation of the heart muscle
* Eye problems.

Cats and sandpits
The parasite eggs, or oocytes, are robust and hardy. They can survive in water, soil or sand for around 12 months. Young children who play in sandpits and gardens may be at risk if they come in contact with infected cat faeces. Precautions include:

* Make sure your child’s sandpit can be covered when not in use
* Discourage stray cats from your property
* Ask your child to always wash their hands thoroughly before eating.

Precautions for your household cat
Cats are only infectious for a few weeks after ingesting the parasites, so kittens are more likely to pass on the infection than older cats. Suggestions on reducing the risk of infection in your cat include:

* Keep your cat indoors whenever possible
* Don’t allow the cat to hunt and eat birds or other wildlife
* Feed your cat canned or dry foods, instead of raw meat.


erm,..seems risky,coz i usually handle my cat poo..and in the litterbox.. better get me some dettol

This post has been edited by HBK-reloaded: Aug 10 2008, 12:02 AM

well,i actually forget my cat age..cant remember his d.o.b when i adopted him(march 2008)..but at that time i feed him SP kitten..now still.. but i dun know his age now..here is the pic:
the above one is when i adopted him:and the second pic is at present:


here is the present:

yup,when i adopted him all kind of health safety given to my cat, sprayed,etc... now yes,i still feed him kitten SP..coz i heard that if its a kitten we cant feed with adult food,but otherwise, with adult cat can feed kitten food..maybe in terms of kitten needs more nutrion and growth than adult cat.
btw,which one is more preferred, in terms of crude protein % and crude fat %(usually i feed in can food is btw 0.3% purina royal and 14% of crude protein)...but of coz my cat always exercise runnning around the garden which end of the day turns out that im also exercise..