Does cat poop have a disease that can cause miscarriages? 

Coming into contact with contaminated cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease that infects 1 in 1,000-8,000 children, can cause stillbirth or miscarriage under certain conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes the disease, only infects newborns if the mother already has it. The mother’s infection spreads through the placenta to infect the newborn, which causes miscarriage or stillbirth, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Cats are the only species to transmit the infectious stage of toxoplasmosis through feces. Humans can contract toxoplasmosis from corrupt soil or contaminated meat.

Outdoor cats, like strays and hunting cats, typically contract toxoplasmosis as kittens. They typically gain immunity and are less likely to become reinfected.

Stray cats living in areas with higher human population density tend to release more amounts of the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. 

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