Felines.

as1baby · October 2013

Anyone have a cat and not know what to do now that they are preg? I have two adult cats at my house (I raised from kittens practically the last 5-6 years and live alone with) and a kitten that the SO bought for his kids at his house. I was going to have my cats become outdoor cats but one is declawed and idk what to do. I read about the effects of the cat disease and am freaked out a tad. At the moment, I'm going to buy a kitty litter house box with the filter on it and put it in the basement.

Amy+Ryan · October 2013

My husband will clean the cat box while im pregnant. I think you can be in the same house as the litter box, you just cant clean it or mess with the dirty litter. As long as your SO can do it until you deliver the baby you should be fine. I wouldn't let a declawed cat outside because of the risk other wild animals getting to it.

BettyBoop86 · October 2013

DH has been doing it for a while. I'm afraid that my cat will be mean to the baby. She is very mean to me, but oinly to me. I'm hoping our dog will be the little bean's protector and keep the cat away.

earichar23 · October 2013

I'm worried about our cat as well. My DH doesn't yet realize he's on litter duty but he will soon enough. Mostly I'm worried about how kitty will react to baby. She's not friendly to strangers and usually avoids children. I'm hoping she just ignores the baby.

Marnie0901 · October 2013

So, toxoplasmosis? I would just wear latex gloves and a mask when you change the litter if you still have to do it yourself.

Cheekers2010 · October 2013

Agree with A+R. I have two cats. My DH cleans the litter boxes when I'm pg. If you are single, there are some simple precautions that you can take like a self cleaning litter box and wearing gloves when you change the litter. This doesn't have to be a big deal at all.

It would be just cruel to force your two indoor cats (especially the declawed one but even the ones with claws) to become outdoor kitties.

And, a word to the wise. Stay away from the google. Half the time or more you get worse case scenarios when you look things up. Talk to your care provider. Hopefully they will give you more balanced information.

Chill.

tealowl · October 2013

**lurker from TTGP board**

Have someone clean your litter box for you.

Also, domesticated cats may not fare well if you just put them outside to brave the elements after being housecats for years. And, declawed cats have no way to defend themselves.

I cleaned my litter box when I was pregnant w/DD, I wore gloves and a painters mask, she turned out fine. She does have an extra head though....

as1baby · October 2013

Because one is declawed and they are both such spoiled indoor kitties, that's why I didn't want to put them outside and wont. Stupid google, anyone else get freaked out by little things right now?

BettyBoop86 · October 2013

Oh stay away from Dr. Google. It will freak you out about everything!!!

Cheekers2010 · October 2013

as1baby said:

Because one is declawed and they are both such spoiled indoor kitties, that's why I didn't want to put them outside and wont. Stupid google, anyone else get freaked out by little things right now?

See my above response. Dr. Google=evil

Amy+Ryan · October 2013

Just say no to Google! It will make you crazy. Our cat is also a little psycho but when we moved back into the house where she is and our son was 6 weeks she did fine. They might surprise you and love the baby.

Edit: words are hard sometimes

2010weddinggal · October 2013

*lurker from Dec 13*

If you have had cats your whole life or a majority and been around a cat box your chances of contracting toxoplasmosis is very slim. I say that because at some point you may have already had the illness and now are immune. If you are scared just wear gloves and a mask, I clean my three boxes and I just wear wash my hands and I'm ok. OP please do not put your cat who is declawed outside he will have no way to defend himself if a problem arises.

RoxanneA · October 2013

I wouldn't worry about it. If these disease exists you've likely already been exposed and are fine. I have 3 cats and have cleaned the litter box all 3 times and my kids are just fine.

JuniperGaze · October 2013

I've read that if you have lived with your cats for a while you have already been exposed to the disease and likely developed an immunity which should be passed on to the baby. Your SO should still be the one cleaning the litter though. Please don't kick your kitties out!

Ashlynn07 · October 2013

Lurker from May 14...my husband works overseas so I'm stuck on kitty duty but I wear a mask & gloves. Easy! My blood work came back that I wasn't immune to toxo but I've had my cats 6 plus years and they are both indoor kitties. Cats with toxo get it from catching & eating mice/vermin or being in contact with cats with toxo...so it's unlikely your cats have it if they are strictly indoors. No need to get rid or unessecarily put your kitties out.

ksuRN09 · October 2013

Google is a terrible way to self diagnose. It will only make you more nervous.

I agree with PPs. I think you'll be fine as long as you take precautions if you have to change the litter box yourself.

Pooka8 · October 2013

Last pg I made sure that they tested negative (took a stool sample to the vet) and then had H deal with the kitty litter while I was pg. My cats never had any problem adjusting to having a baby around. This time we just have one cat (one had to go live with my mom when we moved overseas). I don't have the luxury of having H deal with the litter box for now because he's deployed. I just plan to take a sample to the vet again and then use gloves when I clean the litter box. I'm worried about it with only 1 indoor cat, especially if I have the piece of mind that he is free of parasites.

Want a personalized experience?

Felines.

Re: Felines.

Choose Another Board

Search Boards