Is it safe to keep a cat during pregnancy?
Yes, you can keep your cat. You may have heard that cat feces can carry the infection toxoplasmosis. This infection is only found in cats who go outdoors and hunt prey, such as mice and other rodents. If you do have a cat who goes outdoors or eats prey, have someone else take over daily cleaning the litter box. This will keep you away from any cat feces. If you have an indoor cat who only eats cat food and doesn’t have contact with outside animals, your risk of toxoplasmosis is very low.
- An unborn child contacting toxoplasmosis or cat feces disease can lead to symptoms which may be severe enough to cause a loss of life while still in the womb, or lead to that child being born with a disability.
- Toxoplasmosis or cat feces disease is particularly dangerous when contacted during the first trimester of a pregnancy.
- Avoid allowing cats onto your bed as this will increase the risk of contacting bacteria and parasitic infections.
Prevention for those who have cats at home
- Pregnant women should ensure that their food is properly cleaned and cooked. When eating fruits, be sure to first wash, and then carefully peel off the skin. Last but not least, always wash your hands before you eat anything.
- Avoid any contact with soil and sand, especially with regard to your cat’s litter tray. If such contact is absolutely necessary, ensure that you wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
- Feed cooked cat food to your cat because they can contact bacteria from unhygienic and unclean food, especially raw cat food.
- Do not allow cats onto your bed because not only will this increase the risk of contacting bacteria and parasitic infections, it will also increase the risk of an allergic reaction to the cat’s fur, resulting in symptoms associated with allergy or numerous other respiratory disorders.
- Avoid all contact with stray cats.
- Be sure to take your cats for vaccination as the suggestions of your vet.