Can kitty litter hurt me and my unborn baby?

Answer 1

Research suggests yes. So have hubby change the box for the next 9 months and maybe put a cover on the box just to be sure.

Answer 2

You should probably try and avoid changing the litter box if possible. The reason being that kitty poop is a carrier for little "eggs" of a one-celled organism call Toxoplasma. Here is the link to the website that the vet clinic I work at recommends. http://www.drgreene.com/21_1644.html
If you need to change the litter box though, don't be too upset about it. Just make sure that you clean it very well. Don't let kitty poop sit too long, change the box often. And clean your hands very very well afterwards.

Answer 3

The actaul kitty litter can not hurt you, it's the cat feces in the litter that can hurt your baby. It is for this reason that you should stay away from kitty litter, and keep cats away from your newborn baby as well. This disease (actaully a sickness caused by a parasite) is called Toxoplasmosis. A growing fetus can become infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite. This can happen if the mother is infected with the parasite while pregnant or before she becomes pregnant. Infection in the unborn child early in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, poor growth, early delivery or stillbirth. If a child is born with toxoplasmosis he/she can experience eye problems, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), convulsions or mental disabilities. (http://www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/toxoplas.htm#Pregnancy)
Prevention:
Order or cook your meat well done.
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat.
Wash your hands, utensils, and cutting boards after handling raw meat to prevent contamination of other foods.
Do not drink unpasteurized milk from any animal.
Be careful not to breathe in dust when cleaning the cat litter box.
Clean the litter box daily so that the parasite does not have a chance to become infectious.
Avoid cleaning cat litter boxes if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Wear gloves when cleaning the cat litter box, then wash your hands.
Place a secure lid on your sandbox to prevent cats from using it as a litter box.
Wear gloves when gardening, then wash your hands.

I am in the process of writting a pregnancy book, I will be posting parts of it on my blog if you wanna check it out at:(http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fus... In my book I discuss many things that doctors neglect to cover with expectant mothers. Hope some of that info is helpful!

Answer 4

Yes! this chore should definitely go to another member of the family during your pregnancy. This is especially true if you have an outdoor cat that may chase mice or birds ect.. They can carry toxoplasmosis in their fecal matter and if you come in contact with it you could contract this disease. It will not hurt a healthy adult but an unborn baby exposed could be blind or retarded from contracting this disease.Best bet stay away from kitty poo til baby is here.

Answer 5

Yes it can hurt you as well as the baby. Bacteria is growing in litter boxes. Either have your hubby do so and someone else. And I know you proably love your cat but doctors also recommend that once your baby is born, the cat will need to go. Or at least keep it away from the baby.

Answer 6

It is not the kitty litter itself that is the problem. It is the feces IN the kitty litter. As long as you wear Playtex gloves and wear a painter's mask you can still clean the litter box

Answer 7

Changing it can. Either board the cat out for now or let someone else change the litter. Cat feces can carry toxoplasmosis, which can harm your unborn baby.

Answer 8

Cat poop :) may carry a parasite which causes toxoplasmosis. This can cause harm to your unborn baby. I say ask daddy to do the doo doo duty. It is the least he can do while you are carrying his baby. If daddy isn't there or able, and if no one else can help you, wear rubber/latex gloves to do it and wash your hands really good afterwards. But, I would say, don't take the chance. My baby-daddy is taking the doo doo duty for now also. And, congrats!!

Answer 9

kitty litter itself no, it is the cat urine that has the toxins that can be harmful for an unborn baby

Answer 10

Yes it can, don't change the litter until after your child is born. If you breast feed, I think you have to refrain from touching the litter then too. I'd check with your pediatrician on that thought.