2007-10-08 03:34:00 · 10 answers · asked by Ms Tracey Lyn 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
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.
2007-10-08 03:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by ZeroCharisma 4 · 9⤊ 0⤋
IF your cat is a carrier (very few are) then use plastic gloves when changing the litter and you'll be fine.
Actually we've all been exposed to toxoplasmosis if we've already dug in the garden, moved sod around, planted a tree, anything to do with dirt, this is where the organism lives. Most people are immune.
Don't worry about the litter, the cat would have to be a carrier to pass anything on. Just use plastic gloves, or better yet use it as an excuse for having someone else change the litter for you. It's only in the feces anyway, not the urine.
2007-10-08 19:08:46 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not as dangerous as doctors try to tell you..
the concern is the Parasite Toxioplasmosis.
1 the cat can ONLY get it from eating an infested mouse who is shedding the parasite at the time..
2 the mouse will only shed this once
- so ok now what are the odds of the cat being in contact with a mouse who is shedding it?
3 once exposed to the parasite the cat will shed it once and ONLY once...
4 cats who go out will have already been exposed
5 therefore YOU will have already been exposed (and no risk now)
6 there is only a small window where exposure is a problem...
basically if you are concerned - used gloves or have other people change the litter box
2007-10-08 10:44:58 · answer #3 · answered by CF_ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm pregnant, I have 4 cats, and I am not worried one bit. I've had cats all my life- also I garden. Toxoplasmosis can be in the soil as well. So I most likely have an immunity, which I have passed on to the baby. My vet told me that in 30 years he had only diagnosed 2 cats with toxoplasmosis.
2007-10-08 13:38:05 · answer #4 · answered by howldine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats can carry a virus called toxoplasmosis that gets shed in feces. Its not so dangerous for the mom as the baby. Any infection and/or fever is bad for your baby. If you have cats simply wear disposable gloves and a mask when you clean the litter or get your husband to do it. Mine did...what a sweetie!
2007-10-08 10:43:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All of the answers that are here are basically correct. The only thing that I have to add is that realize that the warnings are on the packaging 1) so that people are generally aware of the risk 2) so that the company is protected and lessens its liability.
Its rare like people said, just like the TSS warnings on tampons, but people do need to be aware of these things.
2007-10-08 15:53:55 · answer #6 · answered by luvfurypassionenergybabe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About 40% of the people in the US have been infected and are immune to toxoplasmosis. Your ob/gyn can tell if you are through blood work.
You can get infected from forming hamburger patties for the grill. All raw meat should be handled very carefully!
2007-10-08 10:52:14 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Both other answers are correct... I would maybe even take it a step further just for safety's sake... Wear throw away latex/non-latex gloves when changing the litter. Or have your bf/husband change the litter it's a good way to "get out of it" for awhile... Good luck.
2007-10-08 10:43:55 · answer #8 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ZeroCharisma has it right. It is not in all feces. Only that from the cats that eat infected mice or other small critters.
My husband was so worried about it that he took on the duties of Catbox Changer. I didn't mind one bit!
Google Toxoplasmosis.
Good luck!
2007-10-08 10:43:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't change the cat's litter box when you are pregnent because of toxoplasmosis that is in the cat's litter. It can cause deformaties and blindness in the baby before it is born.
2007-10-08 10:39:32 · answer #10 · answered by rabbitlover07 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋