Do you really have to get rid of your cats if you become pregnant? If so, why?
2006-11-27 05:17:36 · 16 answers · asked by LuLu 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Have someone else clean the boxes. If you MUST clean them then you need to wear gloves and a mask. Toxoplasmosis can be in the feces. It's usually contracted if cats go outside, but it's better to be safe then sorry. Also let your OB know that you have cats and they will test to see if you have immunity to the disease.
2006-11-27 05:26:48 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you do not have to get rid of your cats when you become pregnant. There is a small risk of contracting toxoplasmosis which cats may carry if they eat another animal (such as a mouse) that carries the disease. A simple precaution is to have some one else clean the litter box or wear gloves while doing it. Here is a good website with some good information http://kidsncats.lisaviolet.com/toxo.html.
2006-11-27 13:34:36 · answer #2 · answered by sevenofus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is something to this myth. But, before you get alarmed and evict "Oreo," understand that most interactions with your cat, like petting, cuddling and feeding, are perfectly safe. The only apprehension you should have concerns the litter box. Pregnant women should not handle cat litter due to a parasite that can be found in cat stool. The parasite, called toxoplasma gondii, can cause serious infections in humans and deformities in developing fetuses. Therefore, keep on showering your cat with attention, just have someone else handle the litter box.
2006-11-27 13:20:07 · answer #3 · answered by Supermom 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Toxoplasmosis can exist in cat feces. Pregnant women can be around cats, but should avoid cleaning the litter box and should keep their cats off of counter tops or other places where food may be in contact with.
2006-11-27 13:20:19 · answer #4 · answered by Jocelyn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only if the cats are going in and out of the house does it pose a threat. If the cat stays indoors striclty, you are safe, but if it goes out then you have something to be concerned about. you don't have to get rid of the cat just don't really deal with the cat's litter box.
2006-11-27 13:21:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not the cat, itself... It's the kitty litter. Cat urine and feces has been known to carry toxoplasmosis which isn't usually harmful to people wil healthy immune systems- unless you're pregnant. It's still not harmful to you, but it CAN be harmful to your unborn baby.
You can keep your cats, but let someone else change the litter box.
2006-11-27 13:22:42 · answer #6 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is safe to be around cats as long as you stay away from the litter box! There is a virus you can catch from the litter box that could harm your fetus.
2006-11-27 13:21:38 · answer #7 · answered by AnnieD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you dont have to get rid of your cats you just cant change the litter box and its because you could pick up some type of parasite from them
2006-11-27 13:26:35 · answer #8 · answered by ELIZY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you have to get rid of your cats....just be aware of something called toxoplasmosis and either have someone else clean their litter box or take extra care when doing so. Talk to your OB/GYN about it.
2006-11-27 13:20:01 · answer #9 · answered by bella36 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My OB said not to be around litter boxes, not cats.
2006-11-27 13:30:57 · answer #10 · answered by dawn_22e672 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋