Pregnancy and Toxoplasmosis
We are very attached to Kit, our two-year-old cat, but we are expecting our first child and have heard that cat litter can damage unborn babies. Is this true? Do we have to give Kit up or is there some way to keep her without risking harm to the baby?
Your concern is well-founded. Cats can harbor an intestinal parasite (or protozoa) that is a potential danger for unborn babies. BUT the problem is easily preventable.
Two types of protozoa can be found in cats’ intestines. They usually cause no serious trouble, though one called Toxoplasma can cause severe birth defects if contracted by pregnant women.
Cats can get toxoplasmosis from raw or undercooked meat (rodents, for example). Signs of the disease vary from pneumonia to no signs at all.
Humans contract toxoplasmosis from contact with the feces of infected cats or from eating undercooked meat.
Prevention is the best and easiest “medicine”. See that your cat does not eat raw meat—this may mean not allowing her access to the outdoors. Clean her litter pan daily because feces are not infective until they have been in the litter pan at least 24 hours. Wear gloves when changing litter or better yet, have your husband do it.
For extra protection, empty and clean the litter pan with disinfectant every two weeks. Never throw used litter on the yard or garden. It could contaminate the vegetables.
These simple measures will protect your family from toxoplasmosis and allow you to keep Kit in the family.
All pdf documents require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.