When to stop cleaning cat box?

jim7496 · February 2010

I know that once you're pregnant, it is no longer safe to clean your cat's litterbox. But when TTC, should you have your DH/SO do then as well? My DH has such a bad habit of not cleaning the litterbox regularly, and it gets so frustrating. I want to do it myself, but I heard that even when TTC it is better to stay away. Argh! Advice please?

gymnst1013 · February 2010

You can clean it till you're pregnant

SuperThat1006 · February 2010

The rumor is you can only get toxoplasmosis from your cats one time, but it is recommended not to clean it even if you are TTC. I ignore this rule, but once I get KU (Got willing) we will abide by it.

You can also use gloves and a mask to clean it. DH likes to use gloves and a mask even though his is (obviously) not KU.

TudorRose · February 2010

Personally, I use the 2WW to let my husband do it. But don't tell him that!!

VIQTPie · February 2010

It's advised to stop while you are trying to conceive (at least that's what my dr said). I've read up toxoplasmosis. There is an incubation period that it must go through before it can even be transmitted to you (like 2 - 3 days), so if you clean daily and use precautions (use gloves, wash hands thoroughly), you should not have an issue if you have to do it. If your husband is willing to take on the job, then let him do it. Let him know that you would really appreciate if he would clean it at least every other day so that he doesn't inadvertently infect you anyway.

SimoneSays22 · February 2010

Hi! I have cats, obviously, and looked into this. The likelihood of contracting toxoplasmosis from your kitty's litter box is very low, especially if you have indoor cats. Most cats don't even have the disease so then there's really no risk.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, try to have DH do it. If you need to do it, just wear gloves and wash your hands. The litter box has always been my DH's job, but I don't have a problem changing it if for some reason he can't. I'm just sure to be careful, wash my hands, and not eat the poop.

Here's a good website: https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/toxoplasmosis.html

HTH!

Temp878586125009588 · February 2010

Ali&Luke:
Chances are good that you have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis and in that case, it would be fine for you to change the litter box while pregnant because you would be immune. I wouldn't go off the deep end and stop changing it while TTC, but DH always takes over once I get a BFP.

Your kitty is so cute!

AllSmiles1210 · February 2010

I stopped touching anything that had to do with the litter box since starting TTC. It's a good excuse to not have to do it. I have read though that if you have lived with cats for a long time though that there is a chance that you've had and fought off toxoplasmosis already without knowing it.

jim7496 · February 2010

Thanks so much for the advice. I really appreciate it. I'm thinking I'm going to get a pair of gloves for those days when DH relapses on his "duties". LOL

VIQTPie · February 2010

SimoneSays22:
Hi! I have cats, obviously, and looked into this. The likelihood of contracting toxoplasmosis from your kitty's litter box is very low, especially if you have indoor cats. Most cats don't even have the disease so then there's really no risk.
If it makes you feel more comfortable, try to have DH do it. If you need to do it, just wear gloves and wash your hands. The litter box has always been my DH's job, but I don't have a problem changing it if for some reason he can't. I'm just sure to be careful, wash my hands, and not eat the poop.
Here's a good website: https://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/toxoplasmosis.html
HTH!

That's a great idea Smile LOL

maxmika · February 2010

My advice, start training your husband now to do it. That's what I've done.

Train now, stress less later...

SimoneSays22 · February 2010

LGLDVM:
FWIW, you are at much greater risk while gardening. It's much more likely that there would be toxoplasmosis spores in the soil in your yard than in the litterbox.

You mean I can get out of cleaning the litter box AND yard work, too??? This is the BEST NEWS EVER!!

::running with glee to tell DH I can't pull weeds this spring::

jim7496 · February 2010

LOL I will do my best not to eat the poop. And getting out of pulling weeds is the best news yet! Thanks you guys!

LiLnikkiMe · February 2010

i gladly handed over the scooper to dh once i got my bfp with ds2, but like pps, you most likely have already been exposed.

you just have to make sure your hands are really clean after you change the litter, which is just basic common sense.

Blondee82 · February 2010

I was so glad to see this topic!! I've been "training" DH on doing the kitty litter since before Christmas and we've only just started trying this week. I have to remind him once in awhile, which can be frustrating but if I throw on a pair of gloves and just do it myself, it'll be a step backwards! Besides, I do all of the other house chores, he should do at least one right?

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