Pregnancy and Kittens?

Question

My doctor advised me at my eight week appointment to stay away from kittens. Why was this?

I am twenty weeks now, does the above still apply?

Answer 1

cats feces can cause toxoplasmosis, primarily outdoor cats. My OB's opinion is that it is hyped up WAY to much and that our time would be better spent talking about safe seatbelt use in pregnancy. If anything just stay away from the litterboxes if possible, and sandboxes at parks and such as that is where outdoor cats go to the bathroom.

Answer 2

u dont have to stay away from kittens but don't clean or change a cat's litter box. This could put you at risk for an infection called toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that cats can carry in their feces. Toxoplasmosis can harm a fetus. so make sure someone clean litter for you..

Answer 3

I found this Online.

Rumors abound when it comes to cats and babies, and just about everyone you meet has an opinion. However, in order to make an informed decision regarding pregnancy and cats, one must set aside old wives' tales and stick to the actual facts. What are the dangers associated with having both a pregnant woman and a cat in the same living space?The primary risks involve potential parasitic infections that may harm the unborn baby. The most common concern is the chance that the expectant mother may contract a toxoplasmosis infection. A parasitic organism by the name of Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for the problem. This organism can cause serious harm to a developing fetus during its first trimester (such as congenital defects). Cats may come in contact with these toxoplasmosis-causing parasites if they ingest wildlife that has already been contaminated with the parasites. The T. gondii parasite relies upon the cat for its life cycle. It can live quite comfortably in a cat’s digestive tract, passing on its eggs through the cat’s feces.

It important to understand that the only way a cat can pass on the parasitic organisms is through its feces. In order to become infected, a pregnant woman must swallow a parasite or parasite egg.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that an expectant mother not handle cat litter. If she must do so, she should wear rubber gloves and follow extra hygiene precautions. Cat feces must be incinerated or flushed daily. To minimize risk of infection, it is essential that the cat be kept away from kitchen counters and tabletops. Pregnant women should also wash their hands after spending time with their pet cat. Cats should also be taken to their local veterinarian to make sure that their worming and vaccination schedules are up to date.

Interestingly enough, cats are not the sole source of toxoplasmosis. Eating either undercooked meat, or foods grown in soil contaminated with the parasites, also places pregnant women at risk. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables, and not drink unpasteurized milk. As a further precaution, pregnant women should wear gloves when gardening.

Of course, proper precautions must be taken, but it is possible for both cats and pregnant women to coexist safely in the same home.

Answer 4

It's the kitty poop that doctors are worried about b/c of an illness called toxoplasmosis which can cause birth defects.

To prevent getting infected with the disease, whenever you scoop or clean the litter box, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands immediately afterward. Even better, get a friend or adult member of the family to take over litter box maintenance while Mom is pregnant.

Answer 5

Just don't change the litter or you could get toxmoplasmosis. Cats, while lovable pets, are the source of a serious infection that can be a hazard to the fetus. This infection is caused from a tiny parasite named Toxoplasma gondii that can be found almost everywhere. If you do have to change the litter, use gloves and wash your hands really good afterword.

Answer 6

One additional thing is that while it is a danger to get toxoplasmosis, if you have been around cats since you were a child, you probably have already gotten it. It is like the chicken pox, once you get it, you become immune to it. In most cases, toxoplasmosis does not have any symptoms so you don't even know you have it. But don't tell your sig. other, make them change the litter box for the six months!!

Answer 7

i am not sure why he says to stay away from kittens. however you should not change litter... here is a whole site full of information on this!

"Do I have to get rid of my cat?
No. You've probably heard that cat feces and litter are a major source of toxoplasmosis, but that doesn't mean you need to get rid of your beloved pet. It just means you'll need to take some extra precautions."

Answer 8

When my doctor asked if I had cats and I said yes, he told me that under no circumstances was I to change the litterbox. Kittens and cats don't affect pregnancy, just the toxins in the cat litter.

Answer 9

You should be fine to be around kittens and cats, just not the litter box. Their feces can carry a virus that isn't good while pregnant. I can't remember the name.

Answer 10

he probably meant cats in general and that might be because of the risk of getting toxoplasmosis a disease you can pick up from infected cats,through touching thier litter trays etc(coming in contact with their poo)it is very harmful..