Is it safe to change the cat’s litter box when I’m pregnant?

Your cat’s Litter box is not the place you want to be near if you are pregnant. Cleanliness is a virtue that cannot easily go away no matter what one’s condition might be in. As a cat owner or a cat carer, one must be responsible for handling our furry felines with much care, not just because they have needs similar to ours but because they are also prone to diseases and contaminations which might endanger their own lives as well as others around them. So much more concern should be placed when a member of the family is pregnant, as they are more prone to possible viral attacks. Ideally, when one is expecting, they should not exert much effort in doing household chores, let alone even be exposed to possible materials that can be contaminated. One such task that can put a pregnant woman at risk is the cleaning and changing a Cat’s litter box. But there really is no need to panic—as long as proper measures are made, then everyone in the household will be safe. Still, let us further assess the points that make this litter-changing chore a hazard.

HOAX OR FACT?Based on study, cats are in danger of being infected with the parasite called T. Gondii when they ingest raw food or anything that came from outside as these have unknown bacteria that can upset their stomach and entire bodies. These types of bacteria will come out of their poop, and once exposed, would serve a danger to those around them, and could even infect the soil or the sand where they have deposited their mess. A development of this parasite would eventually lead to a Toxoplasmosis Infection, and although individuals who are not pregnant can only catch the basic flu at exposure, those carrying babies would have graver effects.So yes, this issue is very much a fact. In the case that a pregnant woman would indeed get infected with Toxoplasmosis, it would be the child who would bear the worst symptoms, and the harmful effects can vary from blindness to epilepsy and even miscarriage. Still, this is not a sign to give away a cat just because another member of the family is coming along. As long as these precautions will be followed, one would not need to fear about any stress-inducing effects.

Based on the study, cats are in danger of being infected with the parasite called T. Gondii when they ingest raw food or anything that came from outside as these have unknown bacteria that can upset their stomach and entire bodies. These types of bacteria will come out of their poop, and once exposed, would serve a danger to those around them, and could even infect the soil or the sand where they have deposited their mess. A development of this parasite would eventually lead to a Toxoplasmosis Infection, and although individuals who are not pregnant can only catch the basic flu at exposure, those carrying babies would have graver effects.So yes, this issue is very much a fact. In the case that a pregnant woman would indeed get infected with Toxoplasmosis, it would be the child who would bear the worst symptoms, and the harmful effects can vary from blindness to epilepsy and even miscarriage. Still, this is not a sign to give away a cat just because another member of the family is coming along. As long as these precautions will be followed, one would not need to fear about any stress-inducing effects.

 
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE PREVENTION
That is why cleanliness is a must. As per usual, droppings in the Cat’s litter box should be cleaned regularly, because exposing them in the air would trigger further bacteria development. Daily scoopings should be automatic. It is advised that someone else who is not pregnant should do this chore, but if this cannot be avoided, then a mask and gloves should be used to ensure that no part of the soil or the excrement would be touched by the bare skin.  You could also hire a pet sitter as this is a service that is offered by a professional pet or cat sitter.  If you are in the Union County area of North Carolina, call Love and Kisses Pet Sitting as this is something that they offer as well

You can reduce your chances of getting the infection during pregnancy by taking these precautions:

• Have someone else change the kitty litter – you’ll never have a better excuse!
• If you have to change the litter yourself, do it once a day. It takes at least 24 hours for the litter to become infectious.
• Wear gloves while changing the kitty litter or gardening.
• Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Also, indoor cats are basically safe from this infection as long as their meals and playthings are properly seen. And for every time that a pregnant woman would play with a cat, then they should wash their hands as thoroughly as they could.
It is always better to be safe than sorry, and to keep other aspects of a pregnant woman’s health in check, then consulting with a physician and a veterinarian would never hurt at all.

admin