Is it the cat poop or the cat litter that is so dangerous to pregnant women? I have a ferret that uses the litter box, is it bad to my health and baby? Or is this just pertaining to cat poop? I am 31 weeks.
2007-03-20 02:35:00 · 8 answers · asked by yahoocraze 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
QUESTION:
I have a question and I hope that you can answer it regarding ferrets. My future daughter-in-law who is 5 months pregnant has a ferret and she handles it all the time. Is this safe being pregnant? Will it hurt her or the baby? Thanks for your help!
ANSWER:
I am sure you are concerned, I would be with a new baby coming along. However ferrets are just like having a dog or cat, there will be no harm to either as long as precautions are taken.
Pregnant women cannot handle the litter bins of cats, but with ferrets there has never been any danger, but she may want to limit handling this chore to a minimum, just incase.
Now for the baby, I know lots of people who have ferrets and babies, but they are confined to their separate spaces, just as you would with a dog and a cat, until there can be some interaction, with supervision, between the two.
You may have heard stories of ferrets harming, yes, even killing babies, these are true, just as cats have smothered babies and dogs have attacked babies, unfortunately it is the neglect of the parents that has caused this.
As long as the ferret is caged and supervised when out of the cage there should not be any problems. Perhaps you should speak to others who have ferrets with babies and young children, to feel more at ease.
If I can help you with anything else feel free to ask and thank you for caring.
-Angela
Hope this helps GOOD LUCK!
2007-03-20 02:48:46 · answer #1 · answered by jessica s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it safe to change cat litter during pregnancy?
The BabyCentre Editorial Team answers:
Cat faeces can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that isn't serious for you but can pose a danger to your developing baby. Some birds and other animals, as well as some raw or undercooked meats, can also carry the parasite. Toxoplasmosis causes most severe damage to the fetus if a woman comes down with it in her first trimester.
Happily, the odds of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are low, and if you've had it once, you can't catch it again. What's more, it's rare for a woman to be infected for the first time during pregnancy. If you live with cats, the likelihood is even higher that you've already contracted the disease and developed an immunity to it. Read our article on toxoplasmosis for more information.
Experts recommend that pregnant women should avoid emptying the cat litter tray, but that it should be cleared every day by someone else. If you have to do it yourself, always wear gloves. Wear gloves when you're gardening, too, to cut down the risk of infection.
There is a blood test which can show whether you have had toxoplasmosis. If you are worried, speak to your GP about it.
2007-03-20 02:44:29 · answer #2 · answered by misty_4_69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for pregnancy: ferrets do not carry toxoplamosis which may be passed to pregnant women when they change an infected cat's litter box. That is the principal health concern today. If you are still concerned, get someone else to change the litter box.
2007-03-20 02:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by highdle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same question! I have a ferret too so I asked my doctor - they said that it is the cat urine and feces that has what is called toxoplasmosis in it. Ferrets do not have it. They said that it was fine, but they did suggest for me not to use litter just because of the dust. I started using bedding. Plus just in case (i'm one of those new moms that is worried about everything-lol) I have my husband change it but if I have to I wash my hands right afterward and clean around the box constantly.
2007-03-20 02:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by MommyofTWO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to cats it just refers to the fact that cats can contract something called toxoplasmosis (I may have spelled that wrong) which can effect the baby and this comes from eating mice. If your ferrets eat mice than I wouldn't change their box I would get someone else to do it. I know how messy ferrets can be because my family had 8 of them. 2 adults and 6 babies. Either way just to be safe I would have someone else do it. Besides when you are pregnant your senses are bothered which could land up making you sick from the smell.
Good Luck!
2007-03-20 02:49:59 · answer #5 · answered by Nisi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in basic terms around a million in 500 women persons interior the united kingdom settlement toxoplasmosis on a similar time as they're pregnant and notwithstanding in case you probably did seize it this would not unavoidably mean your toddler gets it too. although the prospect of harm to the toddler is greater in case you settlement it in early being pregnant. additionally wash your hands thoroughly after stroking your pets and doing the gardening. constantly make beneficial all meat is unquestionably cooked. There are not many times any symptoms while you're contaminated and the incubation era is between 5-23 days. in case you do have symptoms they'll in all risk be flu-like. in case you think of you have positioned your self at risk, touch your GP or midwife, who can manage a blood attempt to be certain in case you have been uncovered to the an infection and how at present. in case you have gotten smaller it you would be taken care of with antibiotics that very much cut back the possibilities of your toddler being affected.
2016-10-01 05:29:02 · answer #6 · answered by goodfellow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the poop. the litter isnut dangrous
2007-03-20 02:51:43 · answer #7 · answered by Timothy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just stay away from it, let my husband do it.
2007-03-20 04:07:56 · answer #8 · answered by smurfie45 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋