by Miranda Miller-Smith

Created on: March 21, 2010

Women have a reason for worry during their pregnancy if they own a cat: Toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic infection that is caused by the organism Toxoplasma gondii. This infection can cause symptoms that are similar to the flu. Toxoplasmosis is characterized by body aches, fever, headaches, fatigue, a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.

It should be noted that cat feces is not the only way to contract this infection. It can also be contracted through consuming infected food or beverage, and by using contaminated items such as utensils, cutting boards, consumption of unwashed fruits and or vegetables and the possibility for contraction is also available from organ transplants.

The question is should pregnant women dispose of their feline friend to avoid the risk of contracting this parasitic infection? I don’t think that is necessary nor does it indicate responsibility on behalf of the pet owner.

To avoid Toxoplasmosis the pregnant woman should avoid changing the cats litter box if possible. This duty should be regulated to the husband or boyfriend, or to another member of the family for the duration of the pregnancy. If this is not possible, the pregnant woman should take the necessary precautions before performing this task. She should use rubber gloves to protect her hands from coming into contact with the feces of the cat, and it might be a good idea to wear a disposable face mask to avoid inhaling the dust from the litter box and also to help avoid the unpleasant scents that can be the product of the cat litter.

After changing the cat litter and properly disposing of the dirty litter the pregnant woman should take the time to wash her hands and arms with warm and soapy water. Even if she has donned the rubber gloves. It is a good precaution to take!

As long as the pregnant woman has the litter box changed on a frequent basis and if she has to change it herself as long as she does so in a proper manner there is no reason to part with her furry feline friend. 

I am almost 8 months pregnant and I have a cat. I cannot imagine the stress it would bring to my life to have to part company with my trusted friend.

If there is no one to help with the changing of the litter box in the home, an idea to consider is to either ask a friend or neighbor for help, the simple request of help will probably solve the problem for you. Or, you might ask a neighborhood child or teen for help and offer to pay the child a weekly fee for their assistance. If paying a neighborhood teen $5 a week saves you from the chore and insures that you won’t contract this infection, it is money well spent in my opinion. Chances are, after discussing the situation with the child and his or her parents they will be happy to offer their assistance and it will help to teach the youngster responsibility and the value of a dollar.

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