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Is it Safe to keep my Cat now that I am Pregnant?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  Is it Safe to keep my Cat now that I am Pregnant?
           Luckily, it is safe to keep your cat while you are pregnant; however, you will need to be careful of your exposure to cat feces which can cause toxoplasmosis.  Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can be potentially dangerous for your unborn baby.  A cat may ingest the parasite if it is outdoors and catches an infected rodent.       

       If you have had your cat for awhile or had other cats in the past, you may have already had the infection (without displaying any symptoms) and are, therefore, now immune to it.  However, since this may not be known for certain, it is best while pregnant to avoid changing the cat's litter box (get your partner, friend, or neighbor to help you), cover sand boxes, and always wear gloves when gardening in outdoor areas where a cat may have gone to the bathroom.  Additionally, remember to wash your hands on a regular basis especially before preparing or eating food.

 		   

  Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis
           Symptoms of toxoplasmosis tend to develop after 2-3 weeks of exposure to the infection and include:
  • Headaches
  • Muscular aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Fatigue
  • Flu-like symptoms

 		   

  What Toxoplasmosis Could Mean for an Unborn Baby
           While the chances of a mother contracting toxoplasmosis from her cat tend to be quite small today, it is important to understand what effect it might have on an unborn baby.  Depending on when the mother contracts the infection plays a large role in determining the effect, if any, on the fetus.  If a woman develops toxoplasmosis early in her pregnancy, the baby is less likely to be infected but more likely to be damaged should it contract the infection through the mother's bloodstream.  However, if a woman develops toxoplasmosis late in her pregnancy, the baby is more likely to be infected, but it is much less likely to have any damage from the infection.  If a fetus should become infected, it could lead to any of the following:
  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Brain damage
  • Other organ damage

       Take the time to talk to your regular prenatal doctor about any additional questions or concerns you may have about toxoplasmosis or living with your cat while you are pregnant.

   

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Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only.
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