my step mother is coming to stay with my dad next w/e she is pregnant and i wondered whether thats ok as we have a kitten she will not be touching any cat bowls or litter tray and prob only stroke the kitten at most as shes not realy a cat person. will that cause her un born baby any probs?
2006-10-05 01:58:10 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
No not at all unless she fancies changing the litter tray for you.
2006-10-05 01:59:56 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask your step mum if she has ever had a pet cat. Most people are exposed to toxoplasmosis as kids if they had a pet cat and once youve had it your immune to catching it again. Toxoplasmosis can harm an unborn baby, but if you take precautions such as the ones youve mentioned (not letting her touch litter trays) and she practices good hand washing before eating/preparing food/ touching her face then its unlikely (although not impssible) that she would catch toxoplasmosis. If you want to put your mind at ease see your vet about having kitty treated. They can give an injection that will make sure she is toxoplasmosis free, provided you keep her away from other cats she wont become reinfected untill long after your step mum has left.
2006-10-05 02:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by psycgirl25 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't a good idea to have the cat around with a woman in the first trimester because even though she won't be touching the litter tray or any faeces cats tend to clean themselves all over with their tongue so the germ could be on the cat hair itself and if she stroke it then it could be transferred. It could cause problems with the unborn child, even though it is only a remote chance do you really want to risk it, I wouldn't. Could you give the cat to someone for the weekend?
2006-10-07 23:55:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Touching the cat and playing the cat will NOT cause any problems........the kitty litter will cause TOXOPLASMOSIS
Because toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects in children, pregnant women sometimes assume that they must get rid of their cat. This is entirely unnecessary, as a few simple measures will thoroughly safeguard against catching the disease, especially from your cat. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect your cat if she eats prey already harboring the parasite or comes into contact with contaminated soil.
Note that cats who contract toxoplasmosis do not always show symptoms. To prevent getting infected with the disease, whenever you scoop or clean the litter box, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands immediately afterward. Even better, get a friend or adult member of the family to take over litter box maintenance while Mom is pregnant.
Eating raw or undercooked meat is the most common way that humans contract toxoplasmosis. If you eat meat, wash off all surfaces and utensils that touched raw meat, and don't prepare meat and raw foods like salads on the same cutting board. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
If you garden, wear gloves when working in the soil. The toxoplasmosis parasite lives in the dirt, so also wash your hands well after gardening. Many people naturally acquire an immunity to toxoplasmosis, and will not pass it on to their unborn child. Your doctor can test to see if you are in this group.
2006-10-05 02:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by Joogie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No this will not cause any harm to her un born child unless she cleans the cat litter tray out, but make sure she washes her hands after she has touched the cat especialy if she bites her nails, and before meals
2006-10-05 02:54:31 · answer #5 · answered by vicky s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So long as the house is clean and the kitten isn't allowed up where food is prepared or eaten, should be okay. Be sure to have antibacterial soaps for washing hands in bathroom and kitchen. Hopefully, litter box will not be in the way.
2006-10-05 02:03:51 · answer #6 · answered by auld mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pregnant women should not be cleaning the litter box. That is the only restriction. Otherwise, petting and playing with cats can help reduce stress!
2006-10-05 03:56:19 · answer #7 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im pregnant and ive got 4 cats, midwife said that isnt a problem but shouldnt change the litter tray,thats all, tell her wash her hands after strokin the cat but other than that,dont worry.
2006-10-07 06:16:18 · answer #8 · answered by catwoman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your kitten will not cause harm to her unborn baby. As long as she is not cleaning out the litter tray.
If she is to stroke the cat just remind her to wash her hands before eating etc...
2006-10-05 02:17:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only cat poo would be dangerous to her, just make sure she stays away from the litter tray.
2006-10-05 02:00:38 · answer #10 · answered by OriginalBubble 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋