I'm very careful about changing the litter.. Actually, i just scoop it and I wear gloves. Am I at risk for toxoplasmosis b/c i really don't have too much help to change the litter.
2007-02-12 16:07:41 · 14 answers · asked by pussnboots333 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Uh.. Ok, getting rid of them is not an option..
2007-02-12 16:59:18 · update #1
If your cats are indoor cats, they won't be exposed to toxoplasmosis. If you have had cats a very long time, then you have likely already been exposed and developed immunity. So in those cases, chances are extremely slim of there being any problems.
That said, if you must change litter, wear gloves and ensure that you wash your hands carefully afterwards. You do not need to get rid of your cats.
2007-02-12 16:15:47 · answer #1 · answered by sparklish 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from cats to humans. If a pregnant woman is infected with this parasite for the first time during a pregnancy the effect on the baby can be severe. You should not handle the litterpan during the pregnancy and should wash your hands after handling your cats. Toxoplasmosis is much more likely to occur in outdoor cats as it is transmitted to the cat through hunting of small animals.
The safest thing to do is get rid of your cats or get someone to change the litter boxes. Your babies life could be at stake.
2007-02-12 16:14:07 · answer #2 · answered by Tenn Gal 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like some others have said, if you have had cats for a while it is likely that you have already had the disease and are now immune. Wearing gloves and washing your hands well should do the trick. If you are really worried there is a test that can be done by the doctor to see if you are immune, ask the next time that you are there. Also, you should always wear gloves when working in the garden as cats may have relieved themselves in your flowerbeds!
2007-02-12 16:23:55 · answer #3 · answered by mom-knows-best 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would avoid changing the kitty litter - just incase. You can never be to careful. Maybe find out some information on toxoplasmosis and get your partner to read it and explain why he needs to change the kitty litter.
Goodluck woth your pregnancy.
Maybe have a read through this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis
2007-02-12 16:11:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you go to the doc and he sends you for your blood tests, ask him to test you for toxoplasmosis. I have a cat, and didnt know if I had ever had it. If you have had toxoplasmosis then you are imune and have nothing to worry about. If you havent had it then you need to be causious. My midwife tested to see if Ihad had it, and if I had ever been around it. I havent had it, or ever been exposed to it. I have had cats all my life, My husband does the litter box, but if you have to do it, continue to wear the gloves, and you can wear a mask too, one like dry wallers do would work, then you wont be inhaling it. I wouldnt worry to much, but I would be tested, you might have nothing to worry about at all. Congratulations.
2007-02-12 16:24:24 · answer #5 · answered by krickee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could still breathe in the germs and bacteria when you stir up the cat feces and litter dust. To stop some of that, you could use a mask. You REALLY REALLY shouldn't be changing the litterbox. Toxoplasmosis is serious stuff...it could make your baby blind or kill it!!!! Better safe than sorry...and it would make me really sorry if my baby got a disease that I could have prevented. But playing with your kitties is still safe!
2007-02-12 16:24:26 · answer #6 · answered by grayhare 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've grown up with cats all your life, you may be totally immune to toxoplasmosis. I would be really careful changing litter anyway just in case.
2007-02-12 16:14:17 · answer #7 · answered by Gail 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two kitties and am 6 weeks pregnant. My husband now has the kitty litter duty :o) no sense in taking a chance! Don't forget about your first 3 "kids" when #4 arrives, Best Wishes!
2007-02-13 04:50:07 · answer #8 · answered by Heidi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find someone else to change the litter box just to be on the safe side...maybe even hire a highschooler to come in to do it...pay the kid a few bucks...I think it would be worth it to be sure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
2007-02-12 18:21:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah just get rid of the cats there a menace to society anyway.
now truly if you change the litter everyday you will be fine as toxo can only be harboured in fecease theat are a few days old so yeah fresh poop no problem old poop stay away and wash your hands with disinfectant when your done with fresh poop also wear gloves and a mask if possible.
hell cant your husband do it.goodluck
2007-02-12 16:13:40 · answer #10 · answered by nomorebabieshaha 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋