Maybe I should ask this in the trying to conceive section...I just keep hearing ppl say they got rid of their cat etc. I mean I know the risk that can come from cleaning up the litter. But I just think it is disgusting to get rid of the cat after you have been taking care of it!
2007-07-01 01:45:10 · 23 answers · asked by Sassafrass 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
There is a misconception left over from times of witch-trials that cats are bad. It used to be the common thought that cats stole the souls or "breath" from babies. Today, we know that's not true.
The new concern is toxoplasmosis from the used cat litter. This is a parasite that causes flu like symptoms that if left untreated can damage internal organs and cause brain damage. A person with a healthy immune system can suppress any infection caused by the parasite, but a pregnant woman has a weakened immune system, so the risk of active infection is increased.
Is there concern when being pregnant and owning a cat? Yes. It it automatic cause to dump your cat at the nearest shelter yesterday? No.
With proper precaution, there is no reason to fear a cat during pregnancy. Cats are clean enough so that they don't actively pass along this parasite through handling. Simply have your partner take over litter box duty. Or wear gloves while cleaning the cat box and scrub up well afterwards. This parasite needs to be INGESTED in order to get in your system, so good hygeinic practices are really all you need to protect yourself.
The other concern is how the pet or cat will handle the arrival of a new human. With proper preperation, animals adjust well. But if they know you aren't comfortable with them and a baby, they'll pick up on it, sighting the baby as a bad thing that has caused this fear in you.
I don't have a lot of respect for people who make a commitment to a pet before baby, but after baby, decide their commitment is over. This isn't about whether animals are good or bad but whether the new mom has stregnth of character and committment.
I personally loved having cats and being pregnant. My son, now 6, belongs to "his" cats. He's learned empathy, compassion, and what a responsibility it is to take care of another living thing. I never had any issues with my cats and my baby. It's been an outright wonderful experience.
2007-07-01 03:24:06 · answer #1 · answered by divineblue_tigerlily 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you don't have to get rid of your cat when pregnant. Only the litter should be cleaned by an other person but you. People think the risk of getting toxoplasmosis is given just by having or touching a cat. That is WRONG. The only way to get it is from the excrements/litter. At the doctor's office they will test you anyways for toxo and if you had a cat the result will probably be positive what means, you already had toxoplasmosis and then there's no need to worry anyways. Though, let someone else clean the litterbox.
2007-07-01 11:09:41 · answer #2 · answered by Orange 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I think it would be disgusting too - something only misinformed people would do.
There is no reason to get rid of a cat if you're pregnant. The only possible risk that comes from them is toxoplasmosis - the disease that humans can contract from a type of worm that cats can carry. It is not hard to avoid - all you have to do is worm the cat regularly (every three months) and there won't be any worms in the first place. Also the only way you can catch them is by rooting around in their litter trays - just wear gloves to change their trays, or get someone else to do it, as an extra precaution.
Any other things you may have heard about cats being a danger to babies is just rubbishy old wives tales.
Chalice
2007-07-01 08:51:51 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
No, of course not! The possible toxin in the litter is only dangerous if you have not previously been exposed to it, and if you have had a cat, it is unlikely that you have not already been exposed. Also, if your cat stays indoors all the time, it isn't going to spontaneously develop this bacteria. As long as you wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap after cleaning the litterbox, you are at minimal if any risk, even if you haven't been previously exposed to the bacteria. If you want to be extra cautious (and what pregnant woman doesn't?) you can wear rubber gloves and a dust mask while cleaning the litterbox.
2007-07-01 09:43:23 · answer #4 · answered by Smiley 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you it is irresponsible to get rid of a cat just because you are pregnant. It is nice to have a complete family with a baby but that does not mean you have to get rid of a pet that you have had for awhile. If the cat poses a threat to the child then it should probably either be worked with or gotten rid of. About the litter, pregnant women are not supposed to take out kitty litter because of the ammonia but most women should have a friend who could take the litter out for them.
2007-07-01 09:10:25 · answer #5 · answered by Teresa V 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't get rid of my cat, but I would avoid handling the litter or the litter box. I know that the risk of getting a disease from the litter/your cat's feces is rare, but no sense in risking it. If you can have someone else take care of litter scooping while pregnant then you should be fine.
2007-07-04 20:07:36 · answer #6 · answered by Taracita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree! There really is no legitimate reason to abandon a cat just because of a pregnancy. I think people use the pregnancy as an excuse to get rid of a cat they really didn't want, anyhow.
A responsible cat owner simple should have someone else clean the litter box or wear disposable latex gloves and a simple cotton mask when cleaning it.
Here is an excellent site on info for toxoplasmosis:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm#prevent
(I know it doesn't say a mask is necessary, it just my own thing.....They are cheap, so why not take an extra precaution?)
2007-07-01 08:50:21 · answer #7 · answered by Yinzer from Sixburgh 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You can have someone else change their litter box. It's not the cat's fault that a person gets pregnant. We actually got our kitty 4 paw declawed upon the arrival of our baby. Because our kittly loves the baby, we didn't want it climbing into bed with him so we put him in our back room for the night.
I agree, it is disgusting to get rid of a cat just because your life doesn't fit it anymore. It would be a different story if the baby were allergic to the cat. Otherwise, changes can be made to accomodate both :)
2007-07-01 08:51:06 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsydayne 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Toxioplasmosis is the risk and its FAR harder to catch than people think -
the cat has to get it from a mouse who has to have it and be activiely shedding it at the time - if the cat has EVER been exposed to it before their is no risk - as such most cats who go out have already been through it and probably their owners too.. as such an "immunity" was already formed...
cats who dont go out (and dont live in mice infested houses) have no risk.
even when the cat is then shedding it (in their poop) the risk of a person catching it is very very rare and the fetus is only effected durring a certain time of the pregancy
2007-07-01 10:35:58 · answer #9 · answered by CF_ 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The risk is only high if you don't be sure to wash your hands throughly after handling the litter box. I've gone through 2 pregencies and have alwaysed owned cats. In fact my first pregency I was never even aware there was a risk.
So I would have to say keep your cat!
2007-07-01 08:50:26 · answer #10 · answered by eskie_mama2 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋