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March 2016 Moms
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Any cat owners?

katesalehkatesaleh member
in March 2016 Moms
Hi ladies! About a week before we conceived, we took in a stray kitten (est. 6 weeks old). Vet gave it a clean bill of health and started vaccinations. Fast forward to a week ago, and I'm pregnant. We weren't really trying so hard to conceive (temping etc.) but it happened quickly. Now what do I do about the little cat? I've stayed away from the litter box since I found out I was pregnant. Is it better if I give him up? Reading about toxoplasmosis has really spooked me but then again so has everything else.

Any advice?
Thanks!
-Kate (4 weeks, 5 days)
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Re: Any cat owners?

  • andrea0418andrea0418 member
    Lots of people have cats and many other pets while pregnant and with kids.
    If you feel like you can't take care of the kitty and give it the attention it needs then maybe you should consider rehoming it.
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  • katesalehkatesaleh member
    Thanks for replying, but my concern isn't giving the kitten attention, it's the risk of Toxoplasmosis.
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  • andrea0418andrea0418 member
    Is the cat going to be strictly an inside cat? I believe the risk greatly decreases but have your SO change the litter box.
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  • StormiewinterStormiewinter member
    We have a cat and had him throughout the first pregnancy. It is fine to be around cats as the bacteria is only passed through cat feces. Lol just make sure Dh is the only one who touches the cat litter (this is my dh's least favorite part of pregnancy). Also if it is an indoor cat you are less likely to be exposed, cats get the parasite from eating animals that are carrying it. If you are worried about it you can ask your OB to test if you are immune, if you have had cats in the past you may have already built an immunity. A vet could also test yor kitten for the parasite.
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  • katesalehkatesaleh member
    Got it, thanks! He is an inside cat at the moment, but was a stray. We took him in at 6 weeks. Husband is on litter duty now, but I'll have to resume when he's gone. I'll wear gloves and a face mask to be safe. Will also talk to my OB at my 8 week appointment. Thanks!
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  • RRC216RRC216 member
    edited July 2015
    @Katesaleh  I would have him tested for Toxoplasmosis since he was a stray. If he does, then I would find him a new home. Not sure I'd take the chance keeping him around and treating him. If he doesn't just be cautious. Some cats can accumulate feces around the nail and nail beds. I would wash your hands after handling him. Keep the liter box away from the kitchen and your sleeping area. I don't have any cats but I am a groomer and have decided to stop grooming them in the meantime. Too many cats and always dealing with poop on the bums and feet. Very rare I see a very clean cat! Hope this info helps!

    Guidelines for Pregnant Women

    • Avoid all contact with the feces of outdoor cats.
    • Feed indoor cats a commercial diet so that the cats will not become infected.
    • If it is necessary to clean the litter box of an indoor cat personally, do so with gloves. Scoop the litter twice daily, then wash hands thoroughly.
    • Carefully wash hands and all utensils after preparing raw meat for cooking.
      Cook all meat to at least 151 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • It is wise for women to avoid kitty litter boxes when pregnant, and to wear gloves if they garden. Perhaps someone else could disinfect the litter box with boiling water every week during the first two trimesters. Having another person change the litter box daily can also help remove egg-cysts before they can mature and become infectious. Prevent your cat from eating undercooked meats and wild rodents to reduce your cat's risk of becoming infected. Make sure meat is cooked to at least 150 degrees, and fruits and vegetables are well washed. Wash your hands and kitchen surfaces after handling uncooked meat or unwashed vegetables, and avoid touching your mouth in the meantime.



    image

    Mommy to my Angel baby Domenico Anjelo M/C 11 weeks 12/20/2014
    C/P 4/15/2015 5 weeks
    BFP 6/15 /15 Due: 2/25/16

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  • bagel37bagel37 member
    I have 2 cats, and my dh knows he is on litter duty. Also, when you go for your first blood tests you should tell your Dr you have a cat before and they can add the extra test for you. Last time I was pregnant, I got tested. Both my cats are strictly indoor (and one was a kitten we bought before we knew I was pregnant but brought home after) and had the cat test (sorry, I don't know the name of the blood test) and I was fine.
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  • mdr619mdr619 member
    We have a cat (and dog and fish)...I just didn't and won't be dealing with any pet clean-ups during pregnancy. 
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