Why is cat litter dangerous for pregnant women?

Answer 1

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Though more than 60 million people are infected with this parasite in the United States alone, it rarely causes health problems because a healthy immune system prevents the parasites from causing illness.

However, there is a risk to babies whose mothers are exposed to the parasite several months immediately before, or during pregnancy. Infants who become infected before birth can be born with one or more of a variety of serious mental or physical problems, including retardation, epilepsy, brain atrophy, and blindness.

Because cat feces are a primary host for the Toxoplasma parasite, gynecologists often recommend that women not be around cats, and particularly not empty the litter box, if they are pregnant or plan to soon become pregnant.

Answer 2

The Facts About Pregnancy and Cat Litter

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. Toxoplasmosis is rare among indoor-only cats.

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.

Answer 3

I just had my 4th child and have 4 cats, so I have dealt with this! You can be exposed to toxoplasmosis from feline fecal matter. The spores do not activate in fresh feces, so changing the litter box everyday or more is a must. I believe the spores are released after about 24 hours. The good news is, if you have been around cats for a long time, you probably have been exposed to toxoplasmosis and developed antibodies against it. That is what my dr. told me. Just to be sure and safe, I had a blood test each time, checking for antibodies. Talk to your dr. I didn't tell my husband all of this though, just let him keep cleaning the litter box!!!

Answer 4

Cat litter alone is not at all dangerous, it is the cat feces that is within used litter. The cat feces is know to transmit a virus called toxoplasmosis that can harm the mother and fetus. The chance is higher if your cat is an outside cat since it mostly comes from eating dead mice and stuff. The best bet is to have someone else change the box but if you have to wear gloves and a mask.

Answer 5

Cats can carry toxoplasmosis. Handling their feces can expose pregnant women to it. Most people are infected and get over it without ever knowing they had it. A severe infection can cause brain, eye or damage to other organs but is unlikely in an otherwise healthy person. Babies exposed in utero can have eye or brain damage.

If you have cats you may already have been exposed and are immune which means cat litter no longer poses a threat to an unborn baby. Your doctor can test you to see if you are immune.

Answer 6

It's not the cat litter - it's what the cat puts inside! This can cause toxoplasmosis!

Answer 7

It has to do with the dust that's created when you clean out the litter box. It's dangerous to breathe in when you are pregnant. There are different kinds you can get that don't have as much dust in them.

Answer 8

it can cause toxoplasmosis.if you have been living with cats for a while however you probobly have already been exposed to it and have antibodies.the risk to the fetus is worse in the first trimester and gets less in later trimesters.and the risk of a fetus becoming infected in the first trimester is the smallest.i would give the kitty litte duties to your husband till after you deliver just to be on the safe side

Answer 9

Stay away from the litter box,
have someone else clean it.
Put it far away from kitchen so it does not contaminate what you eat.
Kittie boxes are bad for unborn and newborn babies.

Answer 10

something to do with the chemical in the litter and the smell of cat urine that can make pregos sick. really sucks though because now i have to depend on hubby to change the litter.