Cats during pregnancy

[abbynalacharlie]

Has anyone had cats during their pregnancy? I am worried about taxoplasomy (is that how you spell it?) I have two cats, both are indoor only cats. We have never seen a rodent in our house, so the chance of them eating raw meet is rare. My husband changes the litter box abotu every other day. What are the chances of getting the disease. I love my cats and don't want to give them up!

[April162010]

While i was pregnant, i cleaned my  4 litter box with gloves and mask for my face not to breath the litter dust twice a day + i got a test for my toxoplasmosis which I am positive... meaning i had the infection and i am immune to it because  it is already in my system (toxo is not a disease its just  and  infection that can be fix with antibiotics..just like a cold) and no only cats can give you toxo, also your garden, vegetable from the supermarket or restaurant or eaten red _raw meat so be advice ..(dont blame the cats).....

Pet owners need to be clean, clean your houses ( vinegar and clorox) that will keep you healthy and your pets healthy

I have a super healthy baby boy!  

Cats and dogs rock!  remember to spay and neuter!  do not give away your pets..they need you, they love you

[abbynalacharlie]

Thanks guys! That helps. To answer mamafonetry's question...cats can carry taxoplasomy in their feces (uasully outdoor cats). It can also be found in sand boxes and gardens, where cats frequent. It is also found in undercooked meat and unwashed fruit. It has flu like symptoms, if any. It can cause brain damage, blindness, and stillbirth. It's one of the few diseases that can be passed on to your unborn child through the placenta.

I have had cats my whole life- I was just recently tested (b/c I am a paranoid obnoxious human being). But if I had taxoplamosis before when I was younger would it still show up? I heard that once you have had it then your are immune? I had cats all during my childhood and then again as an adult. I just wonder how common it is or if this whole thing is blown out of proportion?

[NataliesMommy]

I had a cat during my pregnancy.  As long as your husband changes the litter box, you are just fine.  It is the cat feces that you should not come into contact with.  It is perfectly fine to hold the kitty and pet it, just dont change the box.  Congrats on your pregnancy.

[Jame0223]

I didn't even know cats could have an effect on a pregnancy. Wow. How would that effect it?

[mamaofonetrying42]

I dont know much about the disease. all I know  about cats during pregnancy is that you cant changes the litter. I had 2 cat during a 1st pregnancy everything when find!