I have 3 cats and I love them all very much and cant bear to lose them and I just want to make sure that there isn't any harm they can do to me while I'm pregnant?
Also is it safe to have a newborn around cats??
2007-03-08 07:23:59 · 16 answers · asked by halfdemonrenilia 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
When I was pregnant, my doctor told me it was ok to have cats around as long as I had someone else clean the litter box (something about toxicity or something). Its ok to have a newborn around cats as long as they dont try to lick the milk from her bottle or off her face, and as long as theyre not vicious and you know they wont bite or scratch him/her.
2007-03-08 07:28:50 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats and I had twins. The only thing that would potentially cause a problem for you is if you change the cat litter. Your cats could have Toxoplasmosis which can cause fetal demise. You could have your cats tested for it at their vets. If they are and have always been indoor cats, you shouldn't have to worry as much as you would if they are outdoor cats or go outside to go to the bathroom. Have someone else change the cat litter while you are pregnant. It's safe to have cats and babies at the same time. Just make sure that your cat isn't in your babies room when it is sleeping and that you watch when the cat and child ar around each other. That's all. Other than that... shouldn't be a problem.
Cats naturally look for a warm place to curl up and nap. Until your baby is about 6 months old and is able to push things off of them, I woudn't leave your baby and the cats alone in a room together.
Use common sense and watch your baby.
2007-03-08 15:30:44 · answer #2 · answered by babybunny729 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No the cats are fine...it's the cat poop you have to worry about..
Don't go anywhere near the litter box...have someone else change it for you or get an automatic self cleaning litterbox and make sure that if you do come in contact with it, hold your breath and wash your hands really really well.
WARNING
Pregnant women shouldn't change cat litter boxes because cats can be infected with a disease called toxoplasmosis. Cats can carry this disease because they hunt and eat other animals. This disease is rare in house cats but you would be better off avoiding the litter box anyway. A pregnant woman can catch the infection by touching or breathing the particles (such as dust) from cat feces. You can also get toxoplasmosis by eating raw or under cooked red meat or by touching dirt while gardening that has been contaminated by cat feces.
If a woman gets toxoplasmosis during pregnancy it can affect the developing baby and cause birth defects, particularly in eye and brain development. Therefore it is advised that women who are pregnant ask to have someone else change the cat litter box. It is safe to hold and pet your cat however, so feel free to give your pet all the affection it deserves.
2007-03-08 15:29:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cats can carry toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects if a pregnant woman contracts it. Make sure not to clean the litter box. Have someone else do it. Also watch your newborn for signs of breathing problems because he/she may be allergic to the cats. I would keep a close eye on your cats around the baby because cats are curious and you wouldn't want them to scratch, climb or sit on the baby.
2007-03-08 15:45:12 · answer #4 · answered by Melissa B 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thier is a disease (toxoplasmosis) that you can get not just from cat litter but also gardening and surprise unclean raw veggies. You can have the cats tested for this and if they don't have it-keep them inside while you are pregers (they get it from eating dead critters and pass it in their stool-that is the issue with cleaning the litter). If they do have it then ask your vet for precautions to use while pregers-like hubby cleaning the box, wearing latex gloves etc.
And cats are fine with kids typically. My two are as neurotic as cats get-but they love my son and slept under his crib for months. They are his pals. You need to watch them like any pet-they can hurt a child with a bite or scratch without meaning to do it. Maybe trim thier nails or use soft paws caps to limit scratches (ask your vet for them-20 bucks for a pack that will last about 2 months). With good pet ownership skills, common sense, etc your furbabies and your new baby will likey be pals! Maybe start getting the cats used to sudden noises (cries, rattles, all the baby noise-so it is not a bother to them) and any spots that will become off limits should be off limits now so they can adjust thier routine in advance (so if the baby's room is now thier hang out and that has to stop, let them get used to it now not at the same time the baby and tons of guests start popping in). But it will be fine-NO REASON TO GET RID OF THE CATS!!!! Have a wonderful pregnancy!
2007-03-08 15:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by VAgirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, cats cannot harm you...their poopy can though! :) Cats carry a bacteria known to give you a condition called Toxoplasmosis, and it is transferrable by contact with their feces. I would have another family member change the litter box(es) while you are pregnant. Don't worry, you can keep your kitties! P.S. keep an eye on your cat around the baby, as one answerer mentioned, they do like to curl up where it's warm, and i'd worry about them suffocating the baby! But, the cats mean no harm.
2007-03-08 15:36:52 · answer #6 · answered by Carrie C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you have indoor or outdoor cats? Outdoor cats are more likely to have it. Also, toxoplasmosis can be found in dirt outside, so those that do a lot of gardening should take care to wash thoroughly.
If you have to change the litter box, just be sure to wash your hands well. Also, its not wise to let kitty walk all over you as he/she walks in his litter box, thusly the bacteria can be on its paws. Just be more diligent with handwashing and you'll do fine. Best of luck to you.
2007-03-08 15:37:25 · answer #7 · answered by duckygrl21 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
keep the cats and saty away from the cat box, the cats won't effect the pregnancy but used kitty litter might affect the pregnancy so if you can have someone else take care of the cat box and after you give birth wash your hands after everytime you handle the kitty litter and before you handle the baby.
2007-03-08 15:35:55 · answer #8 · answered by rhinestone 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cats are not harmful to you or your unborn baby BUT their urine and fecal matter is. Dont change your cats litter! That said, when we brought Faith home from the hospital Belle (cat) wanted to sleep right next to Faith, in her bassenett but she "never" hurt her. Belle is now like Faiths best friend everything that Faith does Belle is right there.
2007-03-08 15:33:18 · answer #9 · answered by lollypop_stick 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The cats are fine. Just have someone else clean the litter box
2007-03-08 15:31:34 · answer #10 · answered by gizmo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋