Litter box about a litter box!

avazirian · December 2014

okay so like many of you I saw a post called litter box that was
I'm posting because I saw people had thought it was actually about it.

If this already exist let me know I will delet it.

So litter box.. Anyone getting help in the litter box cleaning?? What makes it so bad for pregnant women. I have been staying clear because I have been told it's bad for pregnant women. But then my MIL total cat person said after I pet my cat I have wash my hands because it's harmful.

sassypants2010 · December 2014

Depends if your cats are vaccinated and outdoor/indoor.

Jennym2b · December 2014

It comes from a disease some cats can carry. My fiance has been cleaning the boxes for me just to be safe but chances are I already have the antibodies. It is dangerous because it can be dangerous for baby too but if you have the immunity there's no risk. I'm just not positive on how you know. I know the risk is from cats that aren't indoor only and not up to date on all vetting. I have fostered over a hundred kittens from all conditions and that's why both me and my midwife agree chances are I have immunity to it BUT better safe than sorry. My boys are all indoor only. Even if yours is/are I'd be safe too. If you can't get help use gloves and wash your hands. For God sake pet your cat.

holliberry28 · December 2014

I clean the litter box sometimes when DH "forgets." After reading "expecting better," pretty confidant that my vaccinated, indoor cats don't have toxoplasmosis.

Ladymouse · December 2014

It's best to avoid cleaning the litter box. If you must, use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.

Apollo11235 · December 2014

Toxoplasmosis infection is risky because it can cross the placenta, just as listeria is usually harmless to non-pregnant people but can cross the placenta and harm the baby. Toxoplasmosis generally found in soil and the feces of outdoor cats, so you should avoid contact with those and wash produce thoroughly (since it has contacted soil). Indoor cats, to my understanding, are less risky but could still be infected so it's a good idea to take precautions with the litter box. Petting your cat shouldn't be an issue, though.

eeyoreem · December 2014

If you've had cats most of your life you probably have been exposed in the past and are not likely to have an issue. We have fostered a ton of cats and kittens so I know I am immune by now so I'm still on duty. Dh refuses to do it so I'm suck with it. I wash up throughly afterwards and I've been fine so far. I did it with ds too.

delujm0 · December 2014

Cats get toxoplasmosis from eating raw meat. So if you have vaccinated indoor cats that you've had for a long time it's almost certain that if they have it, you've already caught it. If they don't have it now and are indoor cats they're highly unlikely to get it. There is no risk to you or the baby if you already have it when you get pregnant. The only risk is if you get it for the first time while you are pregnant.

Just don't get a new cat while pregnant. And I'd avoid scooping a box for a cat that goes outdoors but most outdoor cats don't use a box so that's not really a concern.

littlechemist · December 2014

holliberry28 said:

I clean the litter box sometimes when DH "forgets." After reading "expecting better," pretty confidant that my vaccinated, indoor cats don't have toxoplasmosis.

This - DH is on regular duty just out of extra precaution, but I won't hesitate to do it if he's working late or out of town. Especially since our cats are indoor-only and have been vaccinated. Just make sure to wash hands thoroughly immediately after.

Schnurette · December 2014

I bought an awesome new litter box that you just sort of roll onto it's top and then back again and all the "mess" gets collected into a little drawer that you pull out and dump.

IT IS AMAZING!

hjdaniels0415 · December 2014

DH does it and I'm very thankful. If I had to or have to at any point, I'll just be careful and wash my hands after. My cat is indoor and I haven't clean his litter box in over a year. Something I'm so thankful my husband does!

heatheremanderson · December 2014

You are more likely to have the antibodies for toxoplasmosis from eating sushi or undercooked meat than from your cat. The vaccinations that are given to cats (whether they are indoor or outdoor) do NOT prevent against toxoplasmosis. They typically prevent for FIV, Feline Leukemia, Feline rhinotrachitis, panleukemia and calicivirus.

Regular fecal analysis also do not test for toxoplasmosis. The only way to truly determine if your cat is a carrier is to run an antibody titre on your cat ( which I wouldn't bother because if they have had any exposure it will test positive regardless if they are current carriers or not). The test is expensive and as someone who works with animals and has studied parasitology and zoonotic diseases (parasites and diseases that can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa) the risk from your cat is lower than you getting into a car accident two minutes from home.

If you do have to scoop litter boxes - it is best advised to use latex examination gloves and thoroughly wash your hands following. Most moms however use it as an excuse as often the odours can cause some unwanted nausea

jesscmv · December 2014

I work at an animal shelter and I am not allowed to clean any cats boxes even though I am most likely immune to toxoplasmosis. I occasionally clean one not even realizing I do it, but I just make sure I wash my hands really well. Just don't touch the cat turds then put your hands in your mouth

avazirian · December 2014

How many of you here like to just go with it that its bad to clean the box and leave it to your husband/SO HAAAHAAA. I let my hubby clean the box I did it 90% of the time now leaving it to him LOL

arbray73 · December 2014

My doctor said it was OK as long as I wash my hands.

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