Hello! I am 8 weeks pregnant and we have had a kitten for about four months. I've never had a cat before in my life so I know I am not immune to Toxoplasmosis. Anyway, my husband has been changing the kitty litter and we don't let the cat outside, so he hasn't ate a bird or mouse or anything. I just have read that there are really any symptoms for the disease and wanted you guys all just to reassure me that everything will be fine. ;o) Thanks!
2007-08-23 08:46:01 · 8 answers · asked by Melanie 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
you will be fine. i talked to a vet . ONLY cats who go outside and eat a bird or mouse that is infected or raw meat that is infected will get this disease. the only way you will get it is if you eat their poop. or dont wash your hands after changing the litter box
2007-08-23 08:53:40 · answer #1 · answered by Olivia's Mama 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Here are some tips to help you avoid exposure to toxoplasma during your pregnancy:
Do not allow your cat to go outside your home where it may come into contact with toxoplasma. If possible, have someone else take care of your cat while you are pregnant.
Have another family member change the cat litter box and then disinfect it with boiling water for 5 minutes.
If you must handle the chore of changing the litter box, wear rubber gloves to avoid contact with the litter and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Use work gloves when gardening and wash your hands afterwards. Cover children's sandboxes when not in use (cats like to use them as litter boxes).
Control flies and cockroaches as much as possible. They can spread contaminated soil or cat feces onto food.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat (or poultry) and unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Wash your hands thoroughly before you eat and after handling raw meat, soil, sand or cats.
Avoid rubbing your eyes or face when preparing food, and wipe the counter clean afterwards.
Avoid eating raw eggs and drinking unpasteurized milk.
Blood testing for detecting past or recent exposure to this parasite is available, but is not routinely done. If you are not tested and you don't know if you're immune or not, or if testing does not show immunity from previous infection, you can still take steps to protect yourself and your unborn child.
i have two cats i try to avoid changing the litter but ive had cats for years so i may of had it and be immune
good luck hope that helps
2007-08-23 15:57:54 · answer #2 · answered by ♥ mum of 4 ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep everything will be fine.
You may have been exposed to it before even without having cats. It can also be in raw meat and dirt where cats may have gone to the bathroom.
It's only carried in feces and takes 24hrs to develop so as long as your DH is cleaning the box every day you should be fine.
As an extra precaution you can take a stool sample in to the vet and have it checked if it would make you feel better. Once you get the all clear as long as your kitten stays indoors it shouldn't get it.
2007-08-23 15:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i got a kitten and found out i was pregnant a week later. the chances of an indoor only cat having it are very slim, just as long as you dont mess around with her poo (not like you would want to lol) you will be fine. ALSO, you can get toxoplasmosis from garden soil and dirt outside, so try to avoid gardening if you can,
2007-08-23 15:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by sugarplumfaerie52686 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dont worry youll be alright, if your really concerned about it the doctor can test you for it, but as long as you stay away fromthe litter box youll be fine. I have 3 cats and I never got it, I even changed the litter a couple of times, but ive been around cats all my life. But You should be okay :)
2007-08-23 15:55:35 · answer #5 · answered by ladyjmama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will be fine. Toxoplasmosis is very rare in north america, almost unheard of really. But you don't want to take the risk, so leave the cat box for hubby!!!! Good luck!
2007-08-23 15:53:15 · answer #6 · answered by parental unit 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can actually have your kitten tested for it. Call your vet and find out. That would certainly allay your concerns. However, if your kitten has already attacked you as kittens do, if she/he had toxo, you likely were already exposed.
BTW, despite all the goings on about cats, the majority of women who get toxo while pregnant get it from undercooked meat, not cats.
2007-08-23 16:05:36 · answer #7 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you'll be fine!
just let hubby do the box.
(you could if you HAD to if you use gloves & a dust mask & wash well afterward. one of my friends changed her cat's box her whole pregnancy & just washed as normal afterward--no problems)
2007-08-23 15:55:57 · answer #8 · answered by Ember Halo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋