why can't you change cat litter if pregnant?

Question

i just read an answer from someone else Q's, and gave her the advice of not changing cat litter, i've also have her of that, but why?
am also new to cats..what is the BEST litter out there cruelty free, and enviroment friendly?

Answer 1

There is an parasitic organism that is sometimes present in cat feces, and it causes a disease called toxoplasmosis. This can can cause severe birth defects if the pregnant woman comes into contact with it. It is rarely found in indoor cats, but all you have to do is eithe wear disposable rubber gloves when changing the cat box, or ask another member of the household to take over the cat box duties while you're pregnant.

I use Tidy Cat litter. It's hard-clumping, and dust-free. It's not flushable, but even the ones that are will eventually clog up your toilet or sewer line - it happened to me, and my ex (a plumber) advises against it.

Answer 2

You can change cat litter if you wear plastic gloves when pregnant, but it is best to have someone else do it. There is a rare bacteria called Toxoplasmosis, see info below. It should explain everything you need to know.

Toxoplasmosis
An Important Message
for Cat Owners
How can I protect my cat from
toxoplasmosis?
Protecting your cat from toxoplasmosis may
also help to protect you from toxoplasmosis.
· Feed your cat commercial dry or canned
food.
· Never feed cats raw meat because this can
be a source of Toxoplasma infection.
· Keep indoor cats indoors so they do not
become infected by eating small animals.
Do I have to get rid of my cat?
No, you do not have to give up your cat.
Owning a cat does not mean you will be
infected with the disease. It is unlikely that you
would be exposed to the parasite by touching
an infected cat because cats usually do not
carry the parasite on their fur. In addition, cats
kept indoors that do not hunt prey or are not
fed raw meat are not likely to be infected with
Toxoplasma. But, if you are pregnant, planning
on becoming pregnant, or have a weakened
immune system, it is important to protect
yourself from infection.
Can toxoplasmosis be treated?
Yes. There is treatment for toxoplasmosis.
In an otherwise healthy person, mild symptoms
typically go away within several weeks to
months and treatment is not needed. However,
treatment may be recommended for an
otherwise healthy person with eye disease that
is due to toxoplasmosis.
A woman who becomes infected during
pregnancy can be treated with medication that
may protect her unborn baby from
toxoplasmosis. Mother and baby should be
watched closely during the pregnancy and after
the baby is born.
· Change litter boxes daily.
· If you are pregnant or have a
weakened immune system, ask
someone else to change the litter
boxe. But, if you must change it,
wear gloves and wash your hands
with soap and water afterwards.
· Wear gloves while gardening and
wash your hands after gardening.
· Cover any outdoor sandboxes when
not in use.
· Avoid stray cats, especially kittens
· Do not eat raw or undercooked
meat.
Protect Yourself from Toxoplasmosis
Protect Your Cat from Toxoplasmosis
· Feed your cat only commercial dry
or canned food.
· Never feed your cats raw meat.
· Keep indoor cats indoors.
For more information on toxoplasmosis go to:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/
toxoplasmosis/default.htm

what is the BEST litter out there cruelty free, and enviroment friendly? The World's Best Cat Litter. That is really what it is called.

There are more litters that are cruelty free, and environmentally friendly listed on the site I listed below as source. It is a great cat site.

Answer 3

There is a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii in Cat's poo that can cause a disease called "Toxoplasmosis". Usually you get it and don't even notice because it's fairly easily fought off by healthy immune systems. The problem is caused because the baby can be infected and it can cause stillbirth and long term problems. Just have someone else change the litter box and you should have nothing to worry about. We have 6 cats and my wife had no problems whatsoever when our child was born.

Answer 4

It is not the litter itself that is the problem. The litter creats dust. The cat poops, the dust flies when you dump it and in th eair could be teeny tiney little buggies that are known to cause unborn babies to be sick. In layman's terms that is the deal. Many ways to avoid this, have the cats poop tested, put the little box outside (for God's sake), have someone else dump the box, or have the cat executed. Just kidding.

Answer 5

i don't know about the best cat litter, but pregnant women shouldn't change litter b/c cats carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to the baby if the mom hasn't been exposed previously in her life. a pregnant woman can get a test at her doctor to see if she has already been exposed, which if she has cats or grew up with them than she probably has. if she has, then she is immune and is free to change the litter.

Answer 6

A pregnant woman should not come in contact with cat litter or cat feces because it may contain a pathogen that causes toxoplasmosis in the mother. This disease can cause birth defects or sometimes death in infants.

Answer 7

There is a amobea in cat poop that is toxic. To perfectally healthy people their immune system can take care of it. This amobea can transfer over the membrane that seperates the mother and fetus where its toxins are more harmful and can't be stoped in time by the mothers immune system

Answer 8

I think it is the poo itself, not the litter, that causes the problem. I has something to do with a pregnant women scooping litter, you GYOBN can answer any questions you may have.

Answer 9

Blue Julie has it 100% correct. When I was pregnant and my vet heard he told me to stay away from the kitty litter and its dust. I think the disease is called toxoplasmosis.
Here is the CDC link:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm

Answer 10

there is a parasitic disease that is carried in cat's fecal and no its not the litter itself...try getting someone else to do it for you


here's a link about the parasitic disease, Toxoplasmosis