Pregnancy & Cats

[Purr]

Pregnant women need to be aware that toxoplasmosis can cause problems with pregnancy, including abortion. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is carried by cats and is passed in their feces. However, people are more likely to get toxoplasmosis from eating undercooked meat or gardening than from contact with their cats.

Here are some tips than pregnant women can follow to reduce the risk of getting toxoplasmosis from cats.

:arrow: Have a someone else change the litter box every day. If there is no one else to change the litter box, wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and running water after changing the litter.

:arrow: Clean the litter box every day.

:arrow: Keep your cat indoors.

:arrow: Avoid handling stray cats.

:arrow: Feed cats only canned or dried commercial cat food. Do not feed cats undercooked or raw meat.

:arrow: Do not bring a new cat into your house that might have been an outdoor cat or might have been fed raw meat.

Source: Center for Disease Control website

[lily]

Thanks for these words of advice Purr!

Do you or anyone else on this forum know if there is still a risk if the woman is immune to toxoplasmosis? I tested immune before becoming pregnant yet my gyno still advises me to be cautious. I have 3 cats and when my husband is away on business I have to change the kitty litter myself. I wear gloves and wash my hands and I will continue to take these precautions just in case, but surely if I am immune, there is no need to worry :?:

Lily

[Purr]

I would still be cautious, and follow the doctor's advice. I always wash my hands with anti-bacterial soap after cleaning the litter box.