2006-07-19 05:48:48 · 20 answers · asked by copa2x 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
The caution pregnant women hear regarding contact with cat litter reflects concern over a disease called toxoplasmosis. More than 60 million people in the United States have been infected with the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, but very few become ill. However, if you contract the infection for the first time while you are pregnant, it can reach your baby, possibly causing miscarriage, brain damage, or other serious illness.
2006-07-19 05:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toxoplasmosis is the culprit. It can cause flu-like symptoms in people, but is MUCh more dangerous to a developing fetus.
It comes from bird droppings. Sinece many cats are outdoor cats, they can pick it up, and there's a slight chance of getting it through the litter box chores. If you cat is an indoor cat ONLY - then there is no issue - you may change the box til kingdon come.
One other thing - if you garden, USE GLOVES. You can pick it up from bird droppings in the soil. Actually - that's more likely than getting it from changing the litter box.
2006-07-19 05:55:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to beautiful healthy babies. My son is 16 months old and my daughter is 5 1/2 months old. I always changed the litter box because my husband wouldn't. Nothing happened.
They don't want a women to change the litter box because of the cat's feces. It has bacteria on it. As long as your very careful, it's OK. Just make sure to wash your hands very well after wards.
2006-07-19 06:04:11 · answer #3 · answered by Tired-Mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of that... I really don't see how cat litter can cause a miscarriage or any harm to the baby?!? Maybe because of the toxins or dangerous odors or things like that but ask your doctor and I'm sure he will give you some helpful information.
2006-07-19 05:52:30 · answer #4 · answered by llsexychick16 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mmm...kind of. Cat excrement carries a parasite which can harm the baby. But, a woman that's been living with a cat for a while almost certainly already built up the immunity to the parasite, so it's fine. However, I still wouldn't risk it. When I was pregnant, I avoided the cat box. Besides, it was fun to make my husband do it.
2006-07-19 05:53:07 · answer #5 · answered by Flutter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There IS truth to the cat litter thing!! You should look at some of the health sites and you can get that info. It is strongly advised that you NOT deal with the cat litter at all and not breath the dust from it!
2006-07-19 05:52:24 · answer #6 · answered by Phil M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its' not the cat litter it is actually the cat feces that can be absolutely fatal to your baby growing inside of you. So, Yes, It is absolutely true!!
And isn't it great. Your excuse to get outta changing the cat litter. Boy I loved that!! and after my husband did it for 9 mos he just got used to it and still does it to this day!! Gotta love pregnancies.. hee hee
2006-07-19 06:07:25 · answer #7 · answered by krYpToNitEsMoM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not change the litter box at all while pregnant
2006-07-19 07:03:18 · answer #8 · answered by melissa1975666 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat feces can harm the baby because it is so toxic and you should not change the litter box.
2006-07-19 05:55:05 · answer #9 · answered by ♥ to ...... 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes pregnant women should not be changing litter boxes.....we got rid of our litter box in 1999 when i was pregnant with my first and my cats have been "going" outside ever since...
2006-07-19 05:53:03 · answer #10 · answered by irishmomof3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋