Pets and Hep C

I was diagnosed with hep c 4 years ago, I haven't been to a doctor in 2 and am about to get back on track with taking care of myself. I now have a kitten and two guinea pigs, both who's cat litter and cage are in my room.
I'm just wondering since I do have a weaker immune system, is caring for my pets something that can possibly hinder my health?
Also have you guys heard of toxoplasmosis in relation to cat litter etc.

sincerely,

concerned pet howner

[copyman]

I do not think there is any danger with caring for your pets. I have heard  the warning about cat litter and danger with pregnant women but never someone with Hep C. The only danger I see is your Guinea pigs getting eaten by you cat :-)

[meki]

You know - that's not a bad question.

I think Toxoplasmosis - is a valid concern for those with weakened immunities - however - maintain clean habits (using gloves and a hepa mask ---- think painting mask you can buy at Wal-mart or some store) when changing litter or cleaning cages.

I don't think you should be inhaling the cat litter odors - however, if you keep it very clean, you should be alright - at least in my opinion.

Never touch the feces - and keep your hands clean.

Keep the litter box clean on a daily basis - and use small amounts of litter that you can dump daily so that the cat is not tracking feces that may be contaminated onto your bed/floor/clothing - etc.

Vacuum regularly and keep items wiped down.

Perhaps purchase a Hepa Filter system to keep your air cleaner.

But - OVERALL - I do not think pets pose THAT much of a problem.

If you're worried - the suggestions above might help.

Much luck to you - and I sincerely hope that you do start to get on a healthier track --- keep up with your HCV diagnosis - and becoming healthy - decide if TX is right for you - and if it is - maintain your health.

Meki

[Marcia2202]

In general, I don't think it is such a good idea to have a litter box in ones bedroom. I used to keep the litter box in the toilet  and when I started breeding Siamese cats I put the litter boxes in a back room we had.  I don't think it is good to sleep in a room inhaling constant fumes of litter.

Marcia

[Rockerforlife]

Pets should be safe to have while treating for hep c...im more worried about the poor cats  and giunea pigs dying...if you get Riba Rage,then its goodbye kitty

[moahunter]

"if you get Riba Rage,then its goodbye kitty "
My little dog bore the brunt of my rage a few times (when she took to long to go out and do, do-do's). I still feel guilty about slapping/kicking her a couple of times during this period.

[Rockerforlife]

What?....you actually did abuse your little dog...maybe thats someting you may have kept to yourself..not good...i just hope their ok...and yes ,you should feel quilty.

[meki]

Nah - moa - I'm glad you mentioned that. There were times I wanted to literally KILL my kid... Thank the good Lord I didn't though.... I turned around and walked out and slammed a door... Before I could touch her --- but I could have --- if I hadn't had less restraint --- truly have hurt her.... I could feel it boiling inside of me ---- and that just wasn't the "real" me.

And IF there had been a dog that I was alone with - I dunno - I might have felt the same way.

There WERE days of Riba Rage --- where it came on so suddenly - so INTENSELY --- that I can imagine it would have been very easy to become physically VIOLENT --- and I am a totally non-violent, peace loving, animal lover, child caregiver...

It was totally bizarre..

We're talking RAGE --- red --- not knowing what you are doing --- rage...

Maybe all those Road Ragers were on Riba?

LOL!

Anyhow - I certainly hope you did not kick your dog too hard --- and it was more of a heavy push --- and I certainly hope you are no longer abusive --- but if you are --- then please go talk to someone who can help --- OK?

Much hugs - and understanding.

Meki

[yami0520]

thanks for all your help and input. I am going to take your advice on the whole kitty litter box being in my room and I'm also gonna be smarter about the way i clean the box out. I figured out what the riba rage was referring to, but I'm not doing treatment now or prob anytime soon.
sincerely

-yami

[alagirl]

I think that particularly during the latter part of treatment would be the time to be the most concerned about things like toxoplasmosis and other bacteria (or all of tx, but particularly the latter portion your immune system is pretty well spent).  I got my worst infections right after I treated (and I treated for about twenty-six weeks or so, which is the last half for people who do the year of tx).  So if and when you treat, you may want to get some help with changing the litter and that type of thing, especially during the latter portion, or at least wear gloves and then wash your hands thoroughly (I'm sure you do that anyway).