Is it cat poop or pee that is bad for preg. woman, and why?

Answer 1

Toxoplasmosis is an infection you can get from a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It's generally a mild illness with really no symptoms in a healthy person, but if you develop it while pregnant, it can get into the placenta, and affect the baby. Although it's rare, when it does happen, it can result in stillbirths or other long-term damage.

Cats are a natural host for the parasite. They generally become infected from eating infected mice or undercooked meat. If you have a cat, it's important to keep him/her indoors and to feed cooked food or commercial food (not raw food) while you are pregnant. An infected cat doesn't show any symptoms, he/she just excretes oocysts through feces. The oocysts are NOT infectious for the first 24 hours after excretion. Therefore, cleaning out the litter box at least once daily will remove most of the problem.

If you generally handle the litter or if your cats go outside in an area where you garden, it's possible for you to become infected. While you are pregnant, you should avoid these tasks, or at the very least, where rubber gloves while doing so. Some suggest also wearing a mask (like a surgical mask). Of course, if you can get another family member to take over the task, it's best.

Keep your kitty off any counters and wipe counters with warm soapy water and antibacterial cloths if you suspect kitty has been on them.

Since the infection can be carried in other ways, it always best to follow simple precautions while pregnant such as:

1. Cook meat thoroughly and don't each any meat (even to taste it) until it's fully cooked.

2. Don't drink unpasteurized milke or eat raw eggs.

3. Wash or peel all fruits and vegetables before eating.

4. Wipe all counters before preparing food.

5. Wash your hands before eating and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes while preparing food or after being in the garden.

Hope this helps.
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Answer 2

tejas is right. It's the poop. Your worry is toxoplasmosis. Have someone else clean the litter box, don't eat undercooked meat, and don't dig in ( like gardening) in dirt where a cat might have pooped. Those are the three main ways of contracting toxoplasmosis. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

Yes you can get Toxoplasmosis, check this out so you have the proper information. You can be tested for this and so can your cat. Some mothers already have it when pregnant, but you are only in danger if you contract it after you are pregnant. I freaked about this when I was pregnant, so badly, I got rid of my cat! But you can get your cat tested.

http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/toxo.html

Answer 4

40-50% of the human population has been exposed to toxoplasmosis and have deleloped antibodies for it. Your ob-gyn can screen your blood for it so that may eliminate any worries you have immediately.

You can get it from handling raw meat - and that means something as simple as forming hamburger patties for your family. So good hygiene around meat is highly recommended. I am sure the articles you have been referred to will give you all the information you need.

Answer 5

The above answers are all correct - the only thing that I can add is that you (if you're the pregnantone) now have the sheer bliss of watching your partner taking over litter tray duties for the next few months.

Tee hee

Answer 6

The concern is if the cat has toxoplasmosis. Please read the following to understand where the concern lies and how to take precautionary steps as a pregnant, soon to be Mom.

http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/toxop.html

Answer 7

it is neither. The cat litter is what does us harm if you are pregnant.

Answer 8

cat urine is because of the amonia in it.