Pregnant and kitty litter....?

Question

When should I stop changing/cleaning the kitty litter box??

Answer 1

Yes....you will get sick and give it to your baby....I think it's called Toxioplas something..........

Answer 2

The risk with the cat litter comes from catching Toxoplasmosis. You can google this as well for additional information. A cat can get toxoplasmosis and be asymptomatic (without symptoms) from eating rats, mice, or birds. It is excreted. If your cat is indoors always and you know for a fact you don't have rats, then you are probably very safe in changing the cat litter. Still, to be extra cautious wear gloves and get one of those surgical masks from your pharmacy. Better yet have someone else change the cat litter to be absolutely 100% safe. You can't catch Toxoplasmosis unless you are changing the cat litter (i.e.: bending over inhaling the dust, coming into contact with the excrement).

Answer 3

Toxoplasmosis is transmitted to humans through feces. The cats have picked up the organism from eating mice (the usual vector) or possibly any other small animals that are their prey. If transmitted to a pregnant woman who handles the fecal matter the woman can be infected. It is particularly dangerous to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy.

I just checked in all my veterinary books(about three here) and it is not in any index. I think I read somewhere that 40% to 50% of humans have been exposed to the organism through eating meat and have developed an immunity to it. Your ob-gyn can check your blood for antibodies and you might find out that you could never have a problem.

I think the advice of all the mothers here is excellent. Use plastic gloves when emptying the litter box. I would be inclined to say have your hubby wash the box outdoors if that needs to be done.

If you have an indoor cat who has not eaten a mouse inside your house it would not be something for you to worry about.

Answer 4

Here is the real deal (as explained to me by the OBGYN): You don't have to stop. It is not the litter that causes the problem, it is the cat poop. Cats can have certain bacteria in their poop that can cause problems to you and the unborn baby. If your cat is an indoor only cat, the chances of him/her having this in their poop is slim to none. It is something cats pick up from outside. However, whether the cat is indoor or outdoor you can still do the cat box. You just have to use precautions. My cat is an indoor only cat but I still bought laytex gloves when I was pregnant. I put them on, scooped and bagged the poop, and then washed my hands thoroughly. I had a very healthy 8lb 4.5 oz baby boy... and a thankful cat.

Answer 5

I was told I had to get rid of my cats when I got pregnant but I ask the doctor and they said just be careful with the litter and avoid contact with it......just make sure your hands are very clean ...wear gloves.My son is 10 now and he hasn't been sick at all.
Loretta T

Answer 6

There is a disease called toxiplasmosis (unsure of spelling, and spellchecker was a failure), which can pass from the feces to a pregnant woman, and be a danger to the baby. Have someone else do the litter during the duration of your pregnancy.

Answer 7

theres pros and cons...i changed the litter box all the time when i was pregnant..my sons 4 and healthy... use rubber gloves...the best thing to do is follow your drs advice..if he says no then dont

Answer 8

Most doctors say to give this job to someone else when you pregnant. If you can't get someone, then do wear heavy rubber gloves and wash your hands before touching anything else.

Answer 9

Now!! Toxoplasmosis is a threat. More of a threat if your cats are indoor/outdoor cats.

Answer 10

you should alway keep chaging the cat litter or else the cat will go on the floor or other placs ya dont it to go

Answer 11

As soon as you find out you're pregnant.