Catholic Online Forum

Hello All,

I was just reading another thread about KB and he was saying his wife is pregnant and he now changes the cat litter each week.

First of all KB, congratulations!

Secondly, I do not wish to alarm anyone who is pregnant and may have cats, but I would like to say that I once had a friend who came to feed my cat whilst I was in London visiting my mum for the weekend and she was pregnant.

She would not change the litter and her husband did it instead.
The reason was that apparently there is something in cats urine which is potentially harmful to a pregnant woman and it must be avoided. Strictest hygeine must be exercised.

I just felt I ought to let you know as I know how virile and productive you brothers and sisters are and I want you all to be safe.

God bless,
Maria

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Maria

Maria C is correct. You can have your cat tested, it is more common in outdoor cats. I think the disease is something like toxoplasmosis???

It is caught by cats that are most likely to have caught an animal (ie mouse or small rodent).

EVEN MORE IMPORTANT than the litter is the garden! If you garden use gloves and a mask, the disease is inhaled when the dirt is stirred up. Strays and outdoor cats that are likely to have "gone" in your flower beds are also the most likely carriers.

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MariaToribia
Christ said, "I am the Truth"; he did not say "I am the custom." -- St. Toribio

bump

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Maria

Yes, the disease is toxoplasmosis and is caused by the bacteria toxoplasma gondii.

A pregnant women should also avoid, in addition to changing the litter and gardening, handling raw meat. Pregnant women should also be careful of drinking untreated water in underdeveloped countries.

A litter box should be changed daily by someone else. Feeding cats canned or dried commercial food and keeping cats indoor can prevent them from contracting the bacteria. Also avoid getting a new cat or kitten when pregnant.

All knives, cutting boards, and any kitchen equipment that came in contact with raw meat needs to be thoroughly washed. Properly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

Outdoor sandboxes should be kept covered when not in use and pregnant women should wear gloves when coming in contact with sand.

Women who have been exposed to the bacteria before becoming pregnant have built up an immunity to it and if they are exposed again while pregnant, the baby is likely to be fine. Women who have not been exposed should be extra cautious because if they are exposed to the bacteria for the first time while pregnant, there may be effects for the baby.

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Cosette P.

Yes--very dangerous, and if possible, pregnant women should avoid this. For example, if the husband is out of town, it's better to change the litter than leave it to fester. Just be very careful, ventilate well, and wash up well after you're done.

On the other hand, to sort of balance this out, it's also rare, at least in the US.

My first OB, who could have delivered my mom, told me that he had only seen one case of it in about 30 years, and it was two years after the baby was born in that case, so it wasn't a problem. He was the most practical doctor I've ever had. He never actually delivered any of my children, but I follow his advice when it conflicts with my current doctor.

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Rose West
"May God help us not to spoil His work" (Bl. Mother Theresa)

Wouldn't it be easier to get rid of the cats????

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Bob C

That was our final solution, but really, that was because I'm deathly allergic to them.

Some women are quite attached to their cats, though, and pregnancy only lasts nine months.

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Rose West
"May God help us not to spoil His work" (Bl. Mother Theresa)

BobC, with all due respect, NO!!!!! At least for me My cats were my first babies.

Rose West is correct, the disease is rare in the USA. There is a simple screening that the mother takes to see if she has the immunity. The cat usually does not get tested from what I understand.

If one has an indoor-only cat (which is best for the cat's health) and the cat has had regular veterinary care, then the risk of Toxo is extremely rare. It is true that it is more likely for one to get the disease from the garden or raw meat than from the cat.

It is a shame that so many people think it's acceptable to get rid of pets so easily. Allergies, I can understand- medications for the human can only give so much relief, sometimes not enough. But a pregnancy, move, or litter box problems with the cat can be worked through with a little bit of thought.

Pets are 'people' too!

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Peace from Cara
~ Praying for... her non-Catholic husband since 22 Feb 1998, their daughter, DH's Mom (my 2nd mom), and the repose of the soul of her brother. RIP, DWG: 4 Aug 1964 - 4 July 2008 ~

It is important to note that one is exposed to all the cats in the neighborhood via ones lawn. That's where dogs get most of their fleas.

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- Joe Kelley

Death is only a shadow across the path to Heaven.

And foxes and hedgehogs spread fleas. They can never be eradicated.

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Maria

Cara,

While I easily admit I am not a cat person, and prefer dogs; I would not hesitate to dispose of a dog that was somehow a hazard to the health of anyone in my family. Why should it not be the same for a cat? If the cat is the proplem get rid of the cat...seems simple to me.

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Bob C

Bob-
There is no need to get rid of a cat from the risk of Toxo. If the mother can't find someone willing to scoop the box for her, all she needs to do is wear gloves and a mask (because the disease is inhaled) while scooping and disposing of the dirty litter. The same rules should also be applied if she must work in the garden or handle raw meat. Then she must thoroughly wash her hands after, which everyone is supposed to do anyway.

It is heartless to get rid of a pet over a temporary situation like pregnancy.

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Peace from Cara
~ Praying for... her non-Catholic husband since 22 Feb 1998, their daughter, DH's Mom (my 2nd mom), and the repose of the soul of her brother. RIP, DWG: 4 Aug 1964 - 4 July 2008 ~