do i have to get rid of my cat now?

Question

Sorry to have so many questions. My friend told me that her mother got rid of their family cat when she got pregnant because cats can make the fetus sick. Is that true? Will I have to give my cat away?

Answer 1

No, you won't have to get rid of your cat. However, you need to make sure not to touch or be near the litter box. It can make both you and the baby sick. You should also make sure to wash your hands really well after every time you pet your kitty.
Hey, you don't want to have to smell that darn litter anyhow so let someone else in the family change the box.

Answer 2

No, I have had my two cats through all three pregnancies (at 32 weeks with number 3) and we are fine. You cannot change the litter, cat feces may contain toxoplasmosis which will not even cause as much as a cold in most people and kids but can do some serious damage to a growing fetus. It becomes more dangerous as the baby ages so if you changed the litter before you knew you were pregnant, don't freak. If your cat is an outdoor cat, be careful to wash your hands after to pet them (cats use their paws to bury their feces and then use them again to bathe themselves). If your cat is an indoor cat, you can have him/her tested for toxoplasmosis in order to make you feel better but it is a common bacteria and can be picked up quickly. You cat will not steal your child's breath, but some cats like to sleep on their people and that can pose a problem for your little one. When my babies are little, that cats are not allowed in the bedroom and the door is shut when the baby is sleeping. One of my cats loves babie and one could care less. The are nice to have around and have been a part of my family for a long time. You will not have to give your cat away. Just ask someone else to change the litter and wash the area well every week.

Answer 3

No you don't have to get rid of your cat. Cat's CAN be a carrier of something called toxoplasmosis. It's a bacteria that you can inhale when scooping thier feces so the simple short solution is to just let someone else scoop the box. If your cat is an indoor only cat, you can take your cat and have them tested at the vet(they just do a test on their feces) and they will tell you if your cat is a carrier or not. Either way you should still use safer practices if you clean the box such as wearing gloves and a paper mask like you can get at homedepo in the paint section.

Answer 4

NO that's not true. There are some things that your doctor can talk to you about, like cleaning the box and such. I have had 3 children and had cats. The cats were better with the babies than the dog! Your friend is obviously not a doctor, nor very intelligent from the looks of it. That kind of ignorance is worrisome! Next thing she will tell you is that cats smother babies by laying on their face, because of the milk smell. PLEASE!!!! Good job asking some folks with intellect! Good luck. Nana

Answer 5

Keep the cat. Just make sure someone else changes the litter and you stay away from the litterbox. Used kitty litter carries a germ that causes toxoplasmosis which can cause fetal birth defects or death.

It really upsets me when people get rid of their pets because they're having a child. Kids benefit greatly from having pets around!

Good luck!

Answer 6

Only by handling contaminated fecal matter (not litter soiled w/urine) can you catch toxoplasmosis. And then only if your cat has the parasite. The chance of contracting are minimal even if your cat has it in her system. It is best to have someone else change the litter or use gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. We have three cats and I am 20 weeks pregnant and my ob/gyn said that everything will be fine as long as my husband cleans the litter.

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregcomplications/1461.html

Answer 7

You should be cautious of the Kittly litter, in fact do not go near cat feces because of toxoplasmosis that can harm your fetus.
Once your baby is born then you will have to make another decision that is best for you. I had to get rid of my cat because he became very territorial and started spraying my house. Hopefully that will not happen for you. If you do decide to keep you cat try and make sure to keep the cat hair away from your baby.

Answer 8

No thats not true. The doctors tell you to stay away from the litter box because there is something in the litter that is harmful to pregnant people, and infants if they touch it, or breathe it in trying to clean it. So as long as you make sure someone else cleans the litterbox, and your not in the same room as it when its being cleaned youll be fine. I have two cats, and didnt have one problem during my pregnancy. I just made sure to stay away from the litter box like my doctor told me to. You can also talk to a vet, or your doctor about things babys can contract from pets, and how they can contract it, and just follow the directions they give you to make sure your environment is as clean, and safe as it needs to be. Its simple, and something you shouldnt worry about. You dont have to get rid of your pet. My kid is four years old, and still as healthy as ever. We have three cats now, a dog, and a rabbit. He loves them. We just be sure to keep him away from the litter box, and keep the animals up to date on thier shots, and worm meds so they dont contract anything when they are outdoors that can effect him.

Answer 9

No the only thing u have to worry about is cleaning the cat tray because cat faeces contain a type of but or something of that kind called toxoplasmosis which can cause blindness and other things in the baby.

I have two cats and two healthy kids so dont worry.

Answer 10

I am 39 weeks and 5 days preg and the doc told me that I didnt have to get rid of my cat, but you should not come any where near the litter box. Ther is something in there urine that can be bad for you and the baby. Call your OB and ask her for sure. good luck