because of grems?
2007-10-03 15:26:54 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
There is a risk of getting toxoplasmosis which can be in cat feces.
But having a cat is not a problem. Doctors just tell you to let someone else change the litter.
But I've read that if you've been around cats most of your life you're probably already a carrier and are therefore immune so the baby would be at no risk.
I've lived with indoor/outdoor cats since I was a baby and I'm nearly 30 years old now. I've had 3 children with no problems and yes, I still change the litter when I'm pregnant.......I just wear gloves and wash my hands.
2007-10-03 15:31:32 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work with domestic cats and other animals in a vet clinic and wildlife park, i have a 3 year old son and i am 9 weeks pregnant with number 2, its fine to be around cats as long as you dont change there litter box or go in that general area , also just make sure you maintain proper hygiene like washing your hands after touching and playing with them plenty of people own cats and have children
2007-10-03 22:32:01 · answer #2 · answered by w j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most serious problem during pregnancy that involves cats is an infection with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy acquired by contact with the stool from an infected cat. The risk to the baby increases the later in the pregnancy the new infection is acquired. Since cats are normally infected when they hunt and catch small rodents, it is less likely that one would be infected if it is an inside cat. In addition, the most common site for humans to come into contact with the cat's stools outside is probably in the garden -- cats like to bury their bowel movements in the soft soil in the garden. So keeping the cats in reduces the chance of accidentally coming in contact with cat feces. So I vote for keeping the cats indoors and having your husband do the litterpan cleaning until after the baby is born. Wear gloves while gardening. Be very careful not to eat undercooked meat (a more common route for infection) and wear gloves or carefully wash your hands after handling raw meat.
2007-10-03 22:30:57 · answer #3 · answered by There's a party in my tummy! 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Because of a bacteria called Toxoplasmosis.
Cats carry it in their feces (and in their claws from digging in the litter).... if transmitted to your baby during gestation, it can cause a number of birth defects.
However, if you've been around cats for a long time, you're most likely already a carrier, and have built up an immunity to it, therefore rendering your baby safe. The danger comes in if you contract it while pregnant.
Good luck!
2007-10-03 22:30:59 · answer #4 · answered by Impavidsoul 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, toxoplasmosis. Have someone else change the litter (or wear gloves if there's no-one else to do it) wear gloves in the garden and wash your hands with warm soapy water after touching the cat and all will be well.
My husband thought I couldn't touch the cat either, and was always telling it to get away from me...I've finally made him realise that unless I LICK the cat there's no problem!! (now he just gets mad at her when she 'pads' my belly cos he thinks it will hurt the baby lmao)
2007-10-03 22:37:21 · answer #5 · answered by Mandy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cat itself is ok to be around... so your ok there... the really cool thing is that you get to get ot of cleaning the kitty box! When a cat uses the box the feces carries a bacteria that is called something that I can't spell... but basically it is harmful to the baby and you while you are prego, sooooo put down the kitty scoop and say to hubby its your turn! while he is doing that, enjoy the cat! lol
2007-10-03 22:32:53 · answer #6 · answered by Katie K 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i know that you are not supposed to change a cat's litter box or be around the feces because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. The cat itself, however, is not a problem.
Personally, my cats have been a great source of comfort during my pregnancy.
2007-10-03 22:29:40 · answer #7 · answered by georgiegirl422 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
the cats themselves are harmless. Like with any animal, wash you habds after you pet them. But you cannot change the litter box or clean up feces. Cat feces can carry toxoplasmosois, which can cause stillbirth. Its very rare, in america its almost unheard of, but don;t take the risk,
2007-10-03 22:31:28 · answer #8 · answered by parental unit 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Impavids is right, plus if your cat never goes outside there is no risk.
You are more at risk for this from handling raw meat in your kitchen than from an indoor cat.
2007-10-03 22:32:34 · answer #9 · answered by gingerdaisy43 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've never heard this. I've only heard not to be around the litter box or feces while you r pregnant
2007-10-03 22:35:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋