pregnancy (human) and cats?

Question

Is it a real issue to have a kitten when you are pregnant. what are the odds tha tyou will get infected?

Answer 1

Make sure the cat is up to date on shots, has had a vet check, and wash your hands after handling the cat,number 1, let someone else change the litter box.

Answer 2

The problem is toxoplasmosis, a parasite that lives in the soil and can live in cats and adult humans with out causing much trouble but can cause harm to the fetus. Do you have a cat now? If you don't you might try holding off getting one until project pregnancy is over. If the cat is already a member of the family there are things you can do. 1) let somebody else clean the litter box. 2) take the cat to the vet and have it tested for the presence of the toxo parasite. If the cat has been indoors all it's life, it may not be infected. Then just make sure kitty doesn't go out.
3) if it's up to you to change the litter, where rubber glove and wash your hands with soap and good hot water when you are thru. This is a good idea pregnant or not.
4) check out. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/pregnancy_and_toxoplasmosis.html

Answer 3

Risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis is real and it can cause birth defects in a growing fetus. Pregnant cat owners should avoid handling the litter box by having someone else clean it or simply wear gloves when cleaning it, and washing hands thoroughly afterwards. This also applies to gardening, especially if outdoor cats frequent the area. As an added precaution a litter box should be changed daily because, once the organism is shed, it takes at least 24 hours for it to become transmissible to humans. So - wash your hands often - avoid the litter box except with gloves on - then wash again. Toxoplasmosis tests can be done....if concerned - ask your Dr. and tell him about your kitten!!!!!

Answer 4

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that gets excreted in a cat's feces. This will happen only if the cat has eaten a wild critter, usually a mouse. About 50% of the human population has had exposure to toxoplasmosis and are immune. Not because we eat mice, it can be in any meat we eat. Your ob-gyn can test your blood for this.

The parasite is only a danger to the fetus in the first three months of gestation.

So with the fact that your cat is a kitten and not likely to have the parasite from eating mice, and depending on the stage of your pregnancy you are probably not at great risk. With a precious baby on board however you do not want to run ANY risk. It is always suggested that someone else scoop and clean the litterbox during a pregnancy.

Answer 5

If you've had cats before, you're probably already infected and it won't be a problem. Your Ob or midwife can do a blood test to find out. You can get the same disease, toxoplasmosis from meat or vegetables that are incorrectly prepared, also from digging in your garden. Chances are small, wear rubber gloves when cleaning the litter tray and wash your hands after handling the cat. (it's a good excuse to get someone else to clean the litterbox for you while you're pregnant lol)

Answer 6

What you're refering to is toxoplasmosis.
"Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasitic protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii. Feline infection by Toxoplasma gondii is fairly common, however we rarely see disease caused by this parasite (generally disease is see in kittens, the old, and immuno-compromised animals). The parasite is seen in three different forms: cyst, oocyst or tachyzoite. Most felines contract toxoplasmosis from meat that is raw and/or contaminated with any of the three stages of parasite. When a cat ingests such meat (raw meat, a rodent, other prey) that is infected with the parasite, the parasite moves to the wall of the small intestine where it will grow and mature. At this point the cat will excrete oocysts (in high numbers) in his/her feces. These oocysts are what is infective to other animals and humans (pregnant or not).

The best way to avoid Toxoplasmosis is to simply avoid any possible contact with feline feces. Thus a pregnant woman's best defense is to make sure not to change the litter or clean the litterbox, and to not bring any new cats into the home during the pregnancy. These simple steps in conjunction with taking care to not eat uncooked or undercooked meats, or unpasteurized milk products should be enough to keep mom-to-be safe from any potential infections."

Copied from "The Pet Professor" website.

Answer 7

Only real concern is pregnant women around dirty cat litter. The ammonia and bacteria in the dirty litter, can cause harm, if your skin makes contact with it.
Other than that, do you really want a hyper lil' kitten, when you're about to have a newborn baby in the house? Might have your hands full.

Answer 8

As long as the kitten is healthy and has all shots, you will not be infected with anything. Just don't touch the kitty litter. After changing it, be sure and wash your hands well, before touching any part of your face.

Answer 9

Its not an issue as long as someone else cleans the litter box. there is bacteria in the cat poop, i dont know how likely it is to infect you, but if it does can lead to complications with your pregnancy and sometimes even cause you to lose the baby. as long as you stay clear of the litter box and dont handle the cat feces you'll be ok... if in doubt talk to your doctor.

Answer 10

The danger of cats and human pregnancies is in the contents of the litter box.

I would not own a cat/kitten during my pregnancy unless someone else changed the litter box.