The infection is called toxoplasmosis, and it is caused by a microscopic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Cats play an important role in the parasite’s life cycle because infected cats can shed it in their feces. Humans may become infected by accidentally ingesting the parasite through contaminated soil, food, water, or improperly handled cat litter. Eating undercooked contaminated meat is another important route of infection.

What makes toxoplasmosis particularly interesting is that many healthy adults never realize they have been infected. Some experience mild, flu-like symptoms, while others have no noticeable symptoms. However, the infection can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. It can also cause serious complications during pregnancy if a person becomes newly infected and passes the parasite to their unborn baby.

But does sleeping beside your cat automatically put you at risk? Not necessarily. Toxoplasmosis is not ordinarily transmitted simply by touching a cat’s fur or sharing a bed. The main concern is accidentally ingesting infectious material from contaminated feces or the environment. Other infections, including cat-scratch disease and certain skin conditions, can occasionally spread through close contact with pets, but serious infections from sharing a bed are uncommon.

Fortunately, several simple precautions can help protect you and your family. Keep your cat’s litter box clean, remove waste daily, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Provide regular veterinary care, maintain appropriate flea prevention, and avoid feeding cats raw meat. Keeping cats indoors can also reduce their exposure to infected prey. Pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems should take additional precautions, particularly around litter boxes.

The most important lesson is that loving your cat doesn’t mean ignoring basic hygiene.

You don’t necessarily need to stop cuddling your furry friend or allowing a healthy, well-cared-for cat into your bedroom. Understanding how infections spread is far more useful than becoming frightened by alarming headlines.

A little awareness, proper hygiene, and regular veterinary care can help you enjoy your cat’s companionship while protecting your health.

And remember, your cat can be a wonderful sleeping companion—but keeping both of you healthy should always come first.