The USDA will no longer conduct deadly experiments on cats.

The agency  said in a press release  Tuesday it has "redirected" its toxoplasmosis research and discontinued the use of cats in all research and laboratories.  For years, the USDA's Agricultural Research Service infected cats with toxoplasmosis in an effort to study the dangerous foodborne illness.

After the parasite was harvested from the cats, they were put down.

Lawmakers introduced  the KITTEN Act  last month to stop the USDA from experimenting on cats.  The department said it hasn't infected any cats in its facilities since September.

And it plans to let USDA employees adopt 14 cats that haven't been infected with the parasite.

Additional reporting from  Newsy affiliate CNN .