Does anyone know why pregnant women shouldnt handle kitty litter?

Question

I was at work ( I do night fill in supermarket) and a bag of kitty litter exploded, I remembered reading prergnant women shouldnt come into contact with kitty litter, but I though it was after a cat had used it. When I was almoast finished cleaning it all up, I decided to look on the packet to be sure, it said not to come into contact period. I 11 weeks and was wondering what harm it can do?

Answer 1

This will tell you why....... http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/kittylitter

Answer 2

People say women should not change the litter box when pregnant because of the threat of toxoplasmosis. This is a disease that your cat can get from eating contaminated animals -birds, mice, etc. If your cat does not go outside and you have never really seen evidence of your cat eating these types of critters, I wouldn't worry. Also, this only applies if you allow the clumps in your litter box to sit for more than 1 or 2 days, as this is how long it takes for the disease to "come out", so to speak. However, I have also heard that eating undercooked pork or other meat carries a threat of toxoplasmosis as well. I just found out that I am pregnant, and I am not worried about toxoplasmosis in the least. I asked my husband to pick me up some face masks from the hardware store next time he goes, simply because I don't want to breathe in the dust that some kitty litters can give off. If you wash your hands thoroughly afterward, you really don't have anything to worry about.

Answer 3

Caution Urged When Emptying Cat Litter When Pregnant
Pregnant women should not change the cat litter box. Cat Litter may contain organisms that can transmit toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease that can harm the fetus. If changing the litter box yourself is unavoidable, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward. Other precautions against toxoplasmosis include:
* wearing gloves when you garden
* washing fruits and vegetables that will be eaten raw, in sudsy water, then rinsing them
* not eating undercooked meat

..... wash your hands and remember like most warnings you are giving in pregnancy chances of it hurting the baby after one time are slim don't over worry but talk to you ob

Answer 4

Yes, cat litter is often infected with a virus. It is also found on the cat's paws, too. When a woman catches it, it's called "Cat-Scratch Fever". This illness can cause birth defects to the baby. It is a serious concern, not just an "old wives tale" or an "urban pregnancy legend".

Get someone else to clean out the box or let kitty live somewhere else until baby is born. Take good care of yourself, someone special is depending on you!

Answer 5

The chemicals in Kitty Litter can harm the birth of the child and cause defects. Go to your G.P and and see if there are any tests you can have to make sure you are alright.
Also you may be able to claim compensation at work, for making you handle and clean up harmful contents.

Answer 6

I would like to know this too, because I have a kitten and my sister changes the litter for me all the time. But I don't know why I shouldn't do it, I have just heard I shouldn't while I m pregnant.

Answer 7

Cat feces carries a parasite called toxoplasma gondii that can be harmful to the developing fetus.

Answer 8

im sure it is only harmful to handle after the cat has used it, do not worry.xx

Answer 9

not new kittly litter. you shouldn't empty your cat's kittly litter because many of them have a toxic bacteria in their feces that can cause birth defects in babies. it has also been shown to cause an increase in schizophrenia.

Answer 10

the disease is called something like toxomplasis and can lead to birth defects or something like that,

Answer 11

because the feces of cats carry bacteria that is extremely unhealthy for your baby. its easily transmittable.