• Wash your hands after cleaning the litter box
  • Keep your cat’s litter box clean daily
  • Avoid letting your cat walk on food surfaces
  • Keep your cat indoors to reduce exposure to infected prey

Other minor risks to consider

Sleeping with pets can also expose you to:

  • Fleas or mites
  • Allergens (which may disrupt sleep or breathing)
  • Bacteria from fur or paws

The bottom line

Toxoplasmosis sounds scary, but it’s rare and preventable. With simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the comfort of your cat without putting your health at risk.

So yes—there is a potential illness linked to sleeping with cats…
But for most people, the benefits of that warm, purring companion far outweigh the risks.