Early pregnancy and changing cat litter?

[PrincessWinnie]

Okay, so what is the final verdict on changing cat litter when you're in early pregnancy? I'm not quite 5 weeks as of today, and I own a pet sitting company here in Virginia. It didn't even occur to me that I have a boatload of cat-sitting visits scheduled over the holiday weekend and I FREAKED. Thankfully one of my other sitters is happy to take them on, but before I get into my busy season (mid-June through late August) I need to have an idea of what I'm in for.

[~Adorkable~]

Go get tested for the antibodies for toxoplasmosis , one you have gotten it in the past you don't get it again. And then where gloves and a dust mask anyway since there are other things that are maybe not as serious but still should be avoided.

Most folks that have lived with cats even indoor ones had had too before.

As for this weekend, thank your friend and take her up on the offer.

[PrettyHippie]

I do have to say that I was sure that I had had it considering I've spend my entire life around MANY cats, worked in a vet clinic, grew up on a farm around sheep, found many cat "treats" over the years digging in my gardens . Darn cats thinking my gardens are a litter box. Basically I've been around so many of the possible Toxo. exposures out there...I've NEVER had it! I couldn't believe it. So yeah, don't buy the whole "most people have had it" thing. I actually wish that I did have immunity so I wouldn't have to worry about it. Here's the thing though, if you do have to do a litter change wear some type of mask so you don't breathe anything in and wear gloves. Once you're done wash your hands well in warm soapy water and you should be fine. Don't sweat it too much just use caution and care. Oh, and the other thing is the kitty droppings have to sit for 24 hours before they can become infectious so if the box is being changed everyday then it's WAY unlikely it would be an issue. And that's assuming the cat even has it to begin with!! I really hope this helps a bit. All in all I just say get checked to start and go from there!! Best wishes...

[lunarlady]

The risk of getting taxoplasomosis from cat poop is very low. Remember you have to ingest it (eat or inhale) to catch it. Just getting some on your skin won't do it. To be safe, I would wear a mask when changing the litter. I wouldn't even do gloves, just wash my hands very well afterward.

I belevie the statistic is about 30% of people have had it at some point. Cats are the most common carriers, esp. outdoor cats that catch and eat rodents.

For myself, I still scoop my cat's litter when she has a BM. I just use a scoop and hold my breath. (More for the smell, honestly. Super pegger nose has drawbacks.) I make my DH do the dump and change when it is time, but if he wasn't around, or it was really bothering me, I would just wear a mask in case of dust. As the PP said, if the poop is less than 24 hours old, it is not contagious so no worries.