Cat Question

[Jazz_111213]

I just found out im six weeks pregnant. I know that if you have cats you're not supposed to do the litter boxes. I have two cats and have a question. Am I still allowed/or is it still safe to hold and pet my cats? Is it just the litter box I'm not allowed to touch or are my cats off limits too? I also have two pet rats. Does the same apply? As I am an animal lover I have many pets. Including a dog and an outside dairy goat. What can I do and what can't I do? Thanks and any help is appreciated!
-Worried Animal Lover-

[chelsgrif]

I am 27w2d and I have 2 cats, a rat, a few mice and lots of snakes. :) also have 2 dogs. :) I've worked in the vet industry for 7 years and have always been told that as long as you wash your hands and maybe even use sanitizer aafter you wash your hands you should be fine after handling feces. Also if you handle any of your animals make sure to wash your hands before you eat anything.

[Jazz_111213]

Thanks!!!

[AnnieBrooke]

Toxoplasmosis is only contagious if:

-  the cat has an active case of toxoplasmosis at the time (and I believe it is a one-time thing; i.e., once they have had it, they don't get it again, but check this)
-  the feces are over three days old.  If you are the only cat-box changer, change it every day and you will not be at risk of infection
-  you have not had toxoplasmosis already (it presents as a mild case of the flu.  I had a toxoplasmosis titer done when I was preggers to find out if I was immune)
-  you put the three-day-old fecal material into your mouth and ate it.  (You are not at risk even if you touch your cat's butt and the cat has fresh fecal material there, since it is fresh, and besides, you'd have to put it in your mouth.)

Finally, more people get toxoplasmosis from gardening (it is in the earth, that is where kitties get it) and from eating rare meat, than from cats.

Enjoy your kitties!!!

[Jazz_111213]

Thanks. This is my first and took me by surprise!

[keepingthefaith511]

The concern in changing the cat litter boxes is catching toxoplasmosis from the cat feces, which can be harmful to you and your baby. If you are the only one who can change thr box-keep washing your hands after every litter change and talk with your doctor. Although, if your partner, friend, neighbor, or family member could change it for the next 9 months that would be your safest bet! From what ive heard, touching and handling the cats are fine..but if they have bits of feces on them I could see where this may be a problem. Talk to your ob/gyn or midwife about your concerns and ask for the necessary precautions be taken for an animal lover :) you may have more routine bloodwork done or a list of signs and symptoms he/she could provide. Either way, its better safe than sorry! Good luck :)