My cat is 3 years old. I wanted to make sure its okay to be around her and pet her while I'm pregnant. My mom was telling me not to handle the cat litter though, is this right?
Thanks in advance for any helpful feedback.
2007-08-28 05:41:45 · 20 answers · asked by sweetienat123 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
We have four kids, and have had cats while pregnant with all of them. The only real danger froma cat is from bateria in the litterbox. You should not change the litter while pregnant.
Beyond that, it is safe to have a cat in the house while pregnant.
2007-08-28 05:51:39 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Correct, Toxoplasmosis is carried through cat feces,
and having an indoor cat does not protect you from it.
Also the litter box would be better off in a different part of the house if possible. And I would not let the cat into the babies sleeping area, now or after,
I know it is supposed to be an old wives tale and I am not superstitious,
but there is a chance that a cat can accidentally smother a young baby, and I just wouldn't want to chance it.
Sounds like your mom is a good help to you, congratulations
2007-08-28 06:20:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i am 11 weeks along with my 3rd baby and at the moment am living with 3 cats, 2 of my own and 1 that i am taking care of for a friend. It is perfectly safe to live with a cat. Your mom is right about the litter though. cat urine and feces ( i think both) carry a parasite or something that can cause toxoplasmosis..all i know is that you can't change the litter and it would be better if you are completely out of the room when it does get changed because the dust can rise up and you could breathe it. relax and enjoy your cat without having to do the icky litterbox stuff! probably the only time you can totally get out of changing it!
2007-08-28 05:46:55 · answer #3 · answered by Tresa R 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, do not touch the litter box, I would even put it in a room you don't go in. When I was newly pregnant I got massive headaches every time I came home, did not know why. We asked my Dr. and finally figured out that it had to be the cat. I had not heard of cats being that dangerous. Gave the cat to a friend and never had another headache like that since. I would limit your time around the cat, or consider placing it with a friend. Remember, even if you don't touch the litter box, your cat walks right through it, digs in it, then jumps to your lap, where you pet it, walks across the floor you touch with your bare feet, and most likely jumps on the table where you eat. All cats do, even if you don't see them. Too dangerous for you or your unborn baby.
2007-08-28 05:59:05 · answer #4 · answered by howdesdoit 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
living with your cat is fine. If you have someone else to do the litter box, have them do it. If you do not, like I don't, my Dr. said it would be fine if I wear a mask and gloves and wash my hands well after wards. The main thing is a type of disease, I guess, that many cats carry. If you don't already have it, then it can be harmful to get while pregnant. My Dr. said that since I have owned cats my whole life and many have been outdoor and indoor cats, I probably already have it. Cats that are strictly indoor, usaully don't even have it. You can do a blood test to find out if you have it or if you cat has it. If you already have it, you can go ahead and do the litter box as before. I personally am just using the mask and gloves and am just fine.
good luck!
2007-08-28 05:50:50 · answer #5 · answered by Kali's Mom 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is fine to live with a cat you just can't change the litter boxes. I have three inside cats and three outside/inside cats. Just wash your hands after any play or cuddle time with them. Other than that you shouldn't have any problems. My mom had cats when pregnant with me and I was just fine. Also I have heard that after the baby is born that a cat can smother them trying to get milk from it's mouth and so far I have found no truth in it, just that is an old wives tail.
Good luck with your pregnancy.
2007-08-28 07:01:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes it is safe to be around your cat, nothing will or could come of that.
Although your mom is right about the litter box. Cats can carry parasites in there poop that could cause ou and your baby problems just have someone else change the litter box and you will be fine.
I have 2 cats and this is my second pregnancy while having the 2 of them and nothing has happened to me or my babies.
2007-08-28 05:50:37 · answer #7 · answered by mary m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hoe so, Ive ALWAYS had cats :) Seriously, yes hold, pet and love your kitty!! Your mom is right abotu her litter though, cat feces sometimes has somethign in it called taxoplasmosis that whiel wont affect you can be fatal to your baby. Most women who have had cats all of their lives have already been exposed to it and their is no harm BUT the testing for that is really expensive and hey!! gives us an excuse to make someone else clean the box!!
2007-08-28 05:47:39 · answer #8 · answered by Betsy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being around the cat is fine.. But when it comes to change the cat litter it is a big NO NO. There is something in the cat urine that is harmful to the baby. So have someone else to change it for you...
2007-08-28 05:51:42 · answer #9 · answered by Emily 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yea pass off the litter box cleaning to someone else in your house. It's your time to sit back and relax :P You can still pet the cat and have her around you.
2007-08-28 05:46:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋