To what extent should I avoid cats during pregnancy?

Question

I have two cats, there is no litter tray in the house any more, and they have access to the cat flap day and night.

Should I avoid picking the cats up? (which is what I am doing at the moment?) Or is it okay to stroke them? Is it okay to have them go in the bedroom?

This may sound mad, but I am paranoid about everything!

Answer 1

always wash your hands after handling, they say and avoid their feeces and stuff as that carries an infection harmful to baby. I have 3 cats, who don't have a litter tray and have a cat-flap like yours and anything that needs to be done with them, like feeding, worming, putting on flea stuff, I've had my boyfriend do it to be on the safe side.

After baby's born, my mum's been banging on about how some cats suffocate babies, whether this is as common as she makes out, or she's just saying it because she doesn't like cats, I don't know, BUT I don't allow my cats upstairs at any time (I hate the purring at night, its so loud! and it keeps all their hair off the beds and things), and am going to avoid having them in the living room as much as possible out of babies way during the day. They have all their food and water in the kitchen which is where their cat flap is.

I guess its a case of do what you feel comfortable with, some people have a big thing against pets and babies, apparently cats suffocate them, apparently dogs carry them off and eat them. Some people think nothing of it, just whatever you feel comfortable with.

Good luck. xxx

Answer 2

The thing that you are trying to avoid is toxoplasmosis. You can pick this up from their faeces which is why the advice is not to go near cat litter. Most people are actually immune to the effects of this and if you have lived with cats for many years this is likely the case with you too.
However, you are doing the right thing in taking precautions. There is no problem with stroking and caring for your cats as normal. You should take normal health and safety precautions and wash your hands after handling them but I'm sure you are already doing this too.
I think you are wise to keep the cats out of your bedroom. It will ensure that the room can be de-haired in time for the baby's arrival as apparently they can develop allergies from exposure to the cat's fur and skin.
Don't worry about all this too much and remember that there are health benefits to you in stroking and caring for your pets as well as very small risks! They will make you less stressed and more relaxed - this is good for the baby too!

if you are really worried you can get your blood tested for your immunity to toxoplasmosis. Then, if you are immune you can relax - if you aren't you can step up the precautions!

Answer 3

You'll be fine, I had a cat when I was pregnant last year (sadly had to have him put to sleep a few weeks ago as he was very ill) and I used to pick him up and cuddle him all the time - both I and my baby were totally fine! My cat also slept on our bed every night!

Its really only cat litter you have to be careful of when pregnant as cat faeces can carry toxoplasmosis which is very harmful to an unborn baby. but as you say there is no litter tray in the house. If you are gardening, wear gloves in case there is any cat poo in the soil.

Answer 4

As long as you don't go near litter tray you will be fine. My cat is trained to go outside as well which was helpful (I'm now 37 weeks gone). Also remember to keep away from gardening as the little delights do their business there!!! Stroking them is fine as is having them in the bedroom, but you may want to start getting them used to not being in the bedroom, as you will need to keep the baby separate from the cat at night and will probably have hte baby in with you at night for the first few months. My cat comes to me now and again to lie against my baby belly (I sleep on my side)! She knows there's something there!

Answer 5

Just don't change any litter. Since you have removed the tray you should be fine. A parasite contained in cat feces is transmittable to you that could harm baby in the first trimester.
You are fine handling the cats themselves.
Congratulations. Enjoy your pregnancy. Best wishes for a healthy, happy baby.

Answer 6

you shouldn't get over anxious about this. the thing you have to worry about getting is toxoplasmosis. this is a single celled parasite that is generally found in cats feaces but can also be found on any warm blooded animal even humans. the important thing if you stroke any animal is too make sure that you thoroughly clean your hands with anti bacterial soap after handling any animal especially before eating or preparing food.
it is best not to deal with cat litters at all during pregnancy to minimise the risk of infection. as your cats go to the toilet outdoors then you are in less of a risk category.
when i was pregnant with my daughter i was also co-owner of three cats so had regular contact. i just made sure i adhere to proper hygiene around them. i didnt have any problems.
hope that i have reasured you somewhat.

Answer 7

Cutie is right its a toxic your cat could Carry you can get your cats check for it if your that scared. But its in the feces so watch out when your planting i would just stay away from that cause you can cause the dust to come up in your face.

But having the cats in the house you can its cool and if iffy about it then wash your hands after you touch them. But there cool to be in the house i had 2 cats and have to kids both cats where there during both pregnancies. Oh and don't worried about that stupid saying that the cat can take the baby breath away no that can't happen the only thing you have to watch out is that cats love heat so when you baby sleeps just shoo them away cause they will want to sleep by there face i think its cute i have a few pics of it nothing scary about it.

Have fun with your cats as much as you can cause they will get jealous after the kid id born lol

good luck

Answer 8

You don't need to avoid the cats except immediately after they go to the "kittybox"(just in case they have remnants of litter on their paws). Definitely stay away from the litter box itself. Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 9

i'm 28 weeks pregnant. I have two cats in my house, and I enjoy petting them, sleeping in the bed with them, and holding them on a regular basis. my pregnancy has been very healthy.

you aren't supposed to be around the litter because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, but the cats themselves are fine.

Answer 10

It's not the cats themselves its a virus that could be carried in the faeces. Don't worry if you dont have litter trays you should be fine. If they have any accidents tho don't clear them up, get someone else too.