My cat attached me

[SWEETPEA1975]

Wow I am sooo worried
I am 12 weeks pregnant and my cat just attached me out of the blue yesterday, he did quite the number of me, I actually had to get 2 stiches on my thigh
the doctor gave me a cream antibiotic for the wounds and told me to really keep an eye on it because an infection can mean trouble
I am sooo worried that if I do get an infection it will harm my baby
I am not finding any info on this on the web, do any of you know anything

P.S.  I called the vet and he told me cats can sense when you are pregnant some get protective and some get jealous, he thinks the attach was part of his jealousy, no idea what I should do about the cat now ... any suggestions???

[jen_KE]

I agree with aweeonetolove's post.  A lot of what she said was great advice, especially about the treats.  My cats are beloved members of the household, but they do get jealous at times.  One seems to get upset when I cry and jumps at me.  I have learned to keep my distance during those times.  Cat's do have quite the personality!!  
Since my cat is somewhat aggressive, I was always worried to bring babies around, but I recenlty had my friend's baby over and the cat was just very curious, sniffing her and looking at her -a lot :)
Also, what some of the posters have said about Toxoplasmosis is right - it is serious, but extremely rare.  If you have an indoor cat, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that he has it.  Get him checked though.
Good luck with your pregnancy  and hopefully that is the last you have to deal with a cat issue :)

[tricia448]

i dont have a cat...but i would seriously consider placing her in another home. hopefully the attack wont bring on an infection...but what if the cat attacks again? another thought..is ..what if the cat attacks the newborn baby (cause if jealousy) you now know she has it in her... was it really all worth it?dont get me wrong though...i am an animal lover....so its real easy for people to say get rid of it...but just consider your health and the babies.

[ZevasMom]

I never ever thought I would say this, but, I think that the cat must find a new family.  I used to be so fanatic about my dogs... Until Zeva came along... I do still love my dogs, but NOTHING takes her place... The dogs have been great with her, but, if they EVER...  I remember when she was just a few months old and one of the dogs got too close to her, my husband freaked out!  So far, so good...

[aweeonetolove]

Toxoplasmosis is indeed something to be concerned of, that's why pregnant women should not clean litter boxes and to a lesser degree, drink unpasteurized goats milk.  The only way to contact it is if you come in contact with an infected cat's feces.  Have your cat tested to put your mind at ease.  I am sure that you have nothing to worry about or your Dr. and Vet would have put up a red flag.  The only way for your cat to get toxoplasmosis is by ingesting an infected bird or mouse or infected raw meat or soil.  So if your cat is an indoor cat, you more than likely, have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Cats, in general, can react to pregnancy and babies differently.  My one cat really does not like babies but is willing to keep her distance.  My best friend's cat attacked her early in pregnancy too.  She left the cat alone and kept her distance for awhile.  She also kept treats in her pocket - everytime her cat approached her NICELY she gave her a treat. This encouraged 'nice' behavior.  By her 5th month, the cat loved to sit on top/leaning beside her little pregnant bump.  It was really cute.  Her cat had problems again when the baby was born. She did her reading though and things were fine.  Ask your Vet and look online, I am sure you will find some great resources that will help your cat get over this.  If your anything like me, I can't imagine getting rid of my pets.  I love my two cats.  They are like children in some ways, they just require time and patience. I'm sorry that she attacked you - It does sound violent.  I hope you can find a way to calm your cat down and have your household return to peace.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!

[Helen72]

Taxoplasmosis is very rare and develops only if your cat eats raw meat (e.g. kills some unfortunate bird in your yard) AND you do not clean the litter very often. If your cat is an inside cat or does not eat raw meat and you clean her litter regularly you have nothing to worry about.  Like Lexima said, you can test your cat to be sure.

[Lexima]

The bacteria that socgirl is talking about I believe is called taxoplasmosis.  For your piece of mind you can test you cat to find out if he has it.  Before we started ttc we tested our cat and the blood showed that she didn't.  But I would still be careful around the litter.  It all depends if your cat is indoor or has she interacted with other cats.  Any vet can do a blood test.

[babyalive]

Sweetpea, I am so very sorry about your cat attaching you!!!  I had a similar thing happen to me a long time ago.   My cat also attached me, he went for my face though, luckily I didn't need stitches.  Drs. worry about something called "Cat Scratch Fever", just like the Ted Nugent song from the 70's.  (you may be too young to remember!). I was misdiagnosed with Cat Scratch Fever about a year later I discovered it was actually Lyme disease.  But, you were treated at the ER given a topical antibiotic right away which will fight any infection the cat scratches may want to give you.  Try not to worry, but if your wounds start to swell, become tender (more than they already are) and especially if you get a fever call your dr. right away.  You'll need to start oral antiobics if that happens.  But, again try not to worry, Cat Scratch Fever is rare when you've been treated with a topical antiobic.  Keep us posted and stay away from your cat as best you can.  I'm sorry about what you're going through.

[1nana]

Get rid of the cat!

[socgirl]

pregnant women have to be careful handling cats because of a bacteria that can live in cat feces...which is why pregnant women should not handle litter without wearing gloves, etc.  I forget the exact name of the illness...but i think it's toxoplasmosis.  If people get it and they are not pregnant...the illness is relatively minor.  however it can affect the health of the unborn baby.  You can have your cat tested to see if it carries this bacteria.  Also, since your cat scratched you, it may also depend on how recently he went to the litter box...if he had any fecal material under his nails, it could be a problem.  but if he didn't have fecal material under his nails, you will be ok.  It sounds like a rather vicious attack from the cat...if it continues and he becomes a real problem, you may have to consider giving the cat up...on the otherhand, i think he will get used to it and the jealousy will pass.  good luck, but i think you'll be ok...you went to the doctor and got checked out and right now you are doing everything that you can.