2007-01-25 07:50:36 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
no its not bad if u are pregnancy with cat, there is no bad ONLY it's bad when u clean the cat litter it's very bad for u and the baby... so try have someone clean the cat litter... but u still can have cat during ur pregnancy... no worries..
2007-01-25 07:58:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The issue with cats is that some cats that are allowed outside can get a disease called toxoplasmosis. If your cat never goes outdoors you don't need to worry. It's passed through cat feces so if there's a chance your cat could have the disease you should avoid scooping the litter box, and make sure to avoid touching the cat's feet. Otherwise you are relatively safe. Additionally, if you have owned the cat all along and if the cat has toxoplasmosis, and you have scooped litter you've already been exposed to the disease. Make sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap after touching/petting the cat. Just tell your doctor you have a cat and they'll keep an eye on things.
2007-01-25 08:05:57 · answer #2 · answered by kmh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell the doctor you have a cat they will take a blood test to see if you have toxoplasmosis. Don't change the cat litter box and garden outside without gloves. Toxoplasmosis is more commonly gotten from eating raw meat then from cats. If your cat is indoor and hasn't eaten any mice or birds then you will be fine.That is how they get it also if you have had cats for a long time you have prob gotten already and once you have gotten it you cannot get it back.I have two cats and I am 32 weeks I was really nervous about this because my mother in law kept saying that I shouldnt have cats because I will get this. So I did alot of research and asked my doctor and they did the blood test and I am fine but I am still careful!
2007-01-25 08:04:36 · answer #3 · answered by Sheilah b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a small risk of getting Toxoplasmosis from cat litter BUT this risk is small, and can almost be completely eliminated by not changing the litter or wearing masks and gloves.
It is only dangerous to your baby if you contract it for the FIRST time, while you are pregnant, otherwise you will already have antibodies. Cats are also only contagious the first time they contract this infection, so if you have an outdoor they (and probably you) have already had it. If you have an indoor cat they will likely never get it. Generally it is advisable not to get a new cat while pregnant or to start letting an existing cat outside. You can also contract toxoplasmosis from medium lamb and pork.
So really the chances are pretty slim.
Some (admittedly more scarey than it needs to be) info from the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/ToxoWomen.pdf
This is a little better, also from the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm#prevent
2007-01-25 08:03:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its not the cat and not the cat litter.. it is the cat feces that could potentially be dangerous. So as long as you do not clean the litterbox (have someone else do it) and always wash your hands well after handling the cats, you are fine.
It is called Toxoplasmosis.... it is something mainly cats could have that go outside and haunt for mice and birds or that eat canned food, If you have a indoor cat that eats only dry food chances are slim, but still a possibility. Just stay away from the kitty box
I had 3 cats while preggo.. my husband changed the box during that time.
2007-01-25 08:01:14 · answer #5 · answered by Jenni C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, there is no harm in owning a cat.
The only harm is actually from the cat's feces - cats are one of the only animal known to be able to carry a deadly bacteria, toxoplasmosis, in their intestines. Toxoplasmosis can affect cats and most mammals, including human beings like yourself.
Therefore, when the cat uses his litter box, simply have someone else change the litter, wash the pan, change the liner, or scoop out the cat's feces. You'll be completely fine then.
BY THE WAY: it usually takes 2-3 days after the feces is released from the cat for the toxoplasmosis to become infectious, so if you pass on the duty to another family member, make sure they aren't lazy about cleaning it because that cat poop is going to sit there, stewing and growing more and more deadly to you and your child.
Toxoplasmosis causes birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women if the woman is infected - it transfers to the fetus. If you were NOT pregnant, you could still become very ill if you contracted toxoplasmosis.
2007-01-25 08:01:30 · answer #6 · answered by Maggie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not the cat that is bad it is something found in their litter boxes. Toxoplasmosis is found in their boxes and can affect your pregnancy and the baby. This does mean the cat has to be kicked out, it is just that you the pregnant women should not touch or handle the litter box at all, and if you do wash your hands right away. Have someone else change the litter and have it changed often.
2007-01-25 08:00:21 · answer #7 · answered by The Invisible Woman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing about having a cat when you are pregnant is changing the litter box, becuase some cats carry Toxoplasmosis (sp), that can be spread to humans by its poop. Usually cats get toxoplasmosis from eating dead rotting animals I believe, and usually cats that are outside cats get the sickness more than inside ones. If a pregnant woman gets toxoplasmosis is can cause her unborn child damage or death.
If you are single, and the only one that changes the litter, I would suggest making your cat and indoor only cat if it isnt already. Also when you change the littermake sure that you wash your hands VERY thouroghly with very warm water and antibactirial soap.
If you have a husband, make it his chore to clean the litter box regardless of whether your cat is an indoor or outdoor cat, though I would make your cat an indoor cat even if your husband changes the litter just to be safe. Make sure that he washes his hands afterwards too.
Many woman have healthy pregnancies with cats around. One of my friends had 4 boys with 7 cats around the house (they were indoor cats). You just need to take the proper precautions and make sure everything is clean.
Dont get rid of your feline friend just becuase you are pregnant, just be careful and you will be fine!
Congrats on your pregnancy!!!!!
P.s. I would take your cat to the vet and get him/her checked out for any kind of diseases, especially for the toxoplasmoses, just to be safe. Tell your vet that you want to run the tests becuase you are pregnant and want to be safe. I believe that its pretty easy to cure if your cat does have toxoplasmoses, so dont despair. Its better to know about it and get it treated, than to hope your cat is disease free.
2007-01-25 08:15:37 · answer #8 · answered by cleverness_444 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not bad! I have cats. You just can't change the litter box. Well, you could if you washed up really good afterwards but, I wouldn't chance it. There is a bacteria that can grow in the feces but as long as you don't touch it and then touch your mouth and injest it, you'll be fine.
My sister wanted me to get rid of my cats when I found out I was pregnant so I researched it online and talked to my doctor and my husband change the litter for me. It will be fine.
2007-01-25 08:06:47 · answer #9 · answered by loveangelmusicbabies 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, so I have three cats, when I was pregnant With my first I had 8 cats, I did all the feeding and litter box duties with both of my kids, and never had a problem, just make sure you don't breathe heavy and wash your hands and you should have no problems, but you can always tell your hubby that you cant scoop the box until you deliver! That would be a nice break from that dirty job!
2007-01-25 08:02:48 · answer #10 · answered by Marcie E 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋