Why is changing the cat litter so dangerous?

Question

I was wondering what exactly is so bad about cat litter boxes during pregnancy, some say its the actually "stuff" in there and smelling it can do damage. Well if thats the case wouldn't it harm that fetus by just being able to smell it in your house.

Answer 1

When you change the cat litter, small spores of bacteria become airborne within the dust. These spores are transported into your body as you breathe and then enter the bloodstream. The bacteria can cross the placenta and affect the unborn child. It is called toxoplasmosis and is dangerous to the immuno compromised, elderly, and of course your baby. Have someone else change the litter . Good luck

Answer 2

What you smell is Ammonia. Cats have a ton of it in their urine. While I don't suggest you go huffing it, just the smell of it is ok. (try putting plain old baking soda in the cat litter, it will cut down on the smell) Their feces is another matter. There is a bacteria in cat feces that can cause Toxoplasmosis. This will harm the baby. Even if you clean the box and wash your hands, the bacteria may not get washed away. Get someone else to do the litter duty while you are prego or if that is not possible, use yellow rubber kitchen gloves and wash your hands with an anti- bacterial saop, then use a gel like Purel. Sounds like over kill, butthis is what my doc told me when I was pregnant. Never can be too safe.

Answer 3

Cat litter poses a problem to pregnant women because you can contract a dangerous condition called toxoplasmosis from moving the litter around (for example, when you're changing it). Moving the litter causes "stuff" (or 'oocytes' as they're called) to be released into the air. Most experts agree that having someone else deal with the cat litter box while you're pregnant is the best line of defense.
Best of luck!

Answer 4

Its contact with any animal feces. There are bacteria in the intestines of all creatures that can cause serious illnesses in the mother and child.

Its more common in some animals as opposed to others. Cats are one of those animals.

The bacteria is passed in the fecal matter, and can be picked up when you change, scoop, sift, or otherwise touch contaminated litter. Its also found in the dust that is stirred up when you clean the box.

Its not the smell, its contact with the waste and litter that it touches.

Answer 5

Toxoplasmosis can affect the developing fetus. My daughter has an in-law who's son is so afflicted. His symptoms are primarily serious eyesight impairment. Google has lots of info on it, such as:

Most infants who are infected while still in the womb have no symptoms at birth, but they may develop symptoms later in life. A small percentage of infected newborns have serious eye or brain damage at birth.

Answer 6

Some but not all cats can carry toxoplasmosis in their feces. That is what is harmful to the fetus. Talk to your OB/GYN about this. You can still take care of the litterbox if you wear gloves.

Answer 7

I had cats with my first pregnancy and my hubby changed the box. The fumes I dont think is what harms the baby it is when you are close enough to inhale the dust and stuff. here is some sites to look at. Good luck!

Answer 8

Its the bacteria in a cats fecal matter that makes it harmful for people as well as unborn children! put the cat box in a place the smell wont travel like in your laundry room or in a spare bathroom! or you can get rid of the smelly kitty and get yourself a dog! sorry I'm not a cat person! why? cuz they stink and just sit there waiting for you to pet them then they shed all over everything and they are very lazy!

Answer 9

Bacteria associated with cat feces causes toxoplasmosis.

Answer 10

Toxoplasmosis is the disease you can get from a parasite in cat feces and this disease can deform your child.