is it ok for a pregnant woman to have a cat?

Answer 1

yes but make sure it is thoroughly cooked 1st

Answer 2

Yes, it's fine. The concern, as some others have said, is the possibility of getting a Toxoplasmosis infection from the litterbox. Let your doctor know that you have cats, and they will screen you for Toxoplasmosis. If you already have the antibodies (from having had a previous infection at some point) then there is no concern from it. In 'normal' adults (i.e., those who aren't pregnant) the symptoms of toxoplasmosis aren't that different from the cold/flu, and most people don't know they've had it. If you don't have the antibodies for it, then you need to use extra care in cleaning your litter box.
Ideally, you would get someone else to do it for you. If that isn't an option, wear rubber gloves and a mask, ventilate the room if possible, clean the litterbox as soon as possible after the cats use it, and at least 1 time every 24 hours, and be sure to wash your hands well after you're done.
The following is some information on the risk of this infection during pregnancy:
The consequences for your baby can range from mild to severe. It's unclear whether toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, though in some cases it can result in stillbirth or death shortly after birth. Congenital toxoplasmosis can affect your baby's brain, causing structural and neurological problems, such as mental or motor developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.

Answer 3

Yes you can have a cat, I have three inside and three inside/outside. The only thing that you need to watch is the litter boxes and if at all possible have someone else clean them. If that is not a possibility they need to be cleaned every day the toxpolomis in the cat poo takes 24 hours before it can become harmful. Also as a precaution where gloves and something over your face (it makes you feel better) and wash your hands when you are finished. One other thing if you have had the cat for a while you have most likely built up a tolerance to the toxpolomis and then you have a very small chance of getting it while you are pregnant.

Good luck they check your blood for toxpolomis at your prenatal apt. just be sure to tell them you have a cat. They should have your results back by your next apt.

Answer 4

It is OK to have a cat but have someone else clean the litterbox.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that can threaten the health of an unborn child. The parasite multiplies in the intestine of cats and is shed in cat feces, mainly into litter boxes and garden soil. You can get the parasite by handling cat litter or soil where there is cat feces.

Answer 5

If the pregnant woman wears protective gloves etc. she should have no problem with litter box. I've never heard of any problems that arose from a pregnant woman having a cat.

Answer 6

Yes just do not change the kitty litter :)

My friend was freaking out coz she thought she has tox.....(i forgot the name) coz she was had about 3 cats and could smell cat pee throughout her whole pregnancy, and she had the test done and everything was normal, its basically a big problem if u change the litter, so best leave it up 2 someone else :)

Answer 7

its ok, but i would recommend, if you can, finding a new home for it. Cat feces have a toxin called toxoplasmosis that is very harmful to a pregnant woman and the baby. Do not handle the kitty litter, have your husband or partner take on that chore from now on. Plus once the baby is born you have to be careful that the cat does not get into the crib and smother the baby. I would just as soon get rid of the cat.

Answer 8

Most of your answers here are correct on the toxoplasmosis and cat feces. Cats get it from eating animals they catch. Most adults who've been around cats have an immunity already. 100% indoor cats are much less likely to carry it but still have the chance. Use precautions if you must clean the box but there's no real reason to worry.
People tend to focus very much on cats (and all pets for different reasons) but you are just as likely to contract toxoplasmosis from eating meats as you are from kitty litter.

Answer 9

yes, i was pregnant and we had 2 cats. the only thing a pregnant woman cant do is change the cats litter box

Answer 10

i think u have to be careful if it has a litter tray about handling it as theres something in there that can cause a problem. im sure lot of pregnant women have cats so u just need to find out what it is exactly to beware of and be careful.

Answer 11

yes it is, but it is NOT okay for a pregnant woman to clean the litter box! Somehow she can get sick from it and might harm baby. Tell her to stay away from the kitty litter box!