Toxoplasmosis And CATS

[Dixielane]

Ok so I am not even preggo yet.. But TTC and I might have already conceived this month it seems. Tomorrow I was supposed to adopt a nice little neutered cat. He really needs a home. But - he is an indoor/outdoor cat.

Would you adopt a cat or be worried about toxoplasmosis?

Since he is indoor AND outdoor should I not get him? We wanted him as a family pet but also to help run the mice out of the house.

Help I am really sad thinking we can't give him a home now. And I don't even know for sure if I'm pregnant, but I have a strong suspicion I am... What to do???

[MN BabyDust]

I say go for it. You just have to be careful with the litter box (have someone else scoop it if possible, and wear gloves and a mask if you have to.) There is another thread about cats from a day or two ago you should look at with info on toxo.

Sometimes my cats are naughty when my back is turned and get on the counters, so I wipe them with a Clorox wipe before I start cooking in case any little bacteria are on their paws. I have 3 cats and am pregnant with no trouble. All my family members are cat people who also have been pregnant and it's been great. With a little carefulness regarding litter, there is no reason cats and pregnant women can't live together and snuggle lots!

[scottishmommy]

I'm not positive, but I think you can get him tested. Otherwise, don't handle his feces. If you garden, use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when you come inside. You may want to wipe your kitchen counters with water and vinegar or a bleach solution every day. I personally wouldn't worry too much about it. Just be careful.

[Dixielane]

So y'all still wouldn't worry even tho he will go outside some and no doubt eventually come in contact with mice? We live in the country so we were hoping he'd help make our place a lil less desirable for mice!

[akind1]

I wouldn't worry at all; just do as PP said and be careful of litter. Now if he goes entirely outside, you only need be concerned when you garden.

Have you had indoor outdoor cats before? if so, I think you may be able to be tested to see if you have already been exposed. (prior to pregnancy)

Now, once the baby is born you may want to take some precautions to make sure the baby is safe from the cat; we got a cat tent for a co-sleeper, for example.

[Dixielane]

Originally Posted by akind1 

I wouldn't worry at all; just do as PP said and be careful of litter. Now if he goes entirely outside, you only need be concerned when you garden.

Have you had indoor outdoor cats before? if so, I think you may be able to be tested to see if you have already been exposed. (prior to pregnancy)

Now, once the baby is born you may want to take some precautions to make sure the baby is safe from the cat; we got a cat tent for a co-sleeper, for example.

yes, I used to rescue ferals and neuter and spay them and I had 2 of my own. I always was snuggling dirty, tamed barn cats. Ick. Lol

[mareseatoats]

Originally Posted by Dixielane 

yes, I used to rescue ferals and neuter and spay them and I had 2 of my own. I always was snuggling dirty, tamed barn cats. Ick. Lol

You were probably already exposed, in that case . I was the same way as a kid, we always had cats and my aunt and uncle had a feral cat colony, so no doubt I was exposed at some point. DH still cleans the litter box right now, though. I think the advice about the counters is good, too. But totally get the little guy! You don't want mice around, anyway.

[erigeron]

Agreed with others in the thread. Get the cat, just make your husband change the litter box. My parents had 4 cats when they had my sister and me. We all got along great!

[Curlyfry7]

You have a higher risk of getting it from gardenign or eating undercooked meat. Also, in regards to the litter box, the oocysts need 24 hours to sporulate and become infective, so even if YOU scoop it morning and night you would be OK. (not saying don't have DH do it anyhow, LOL)

In terms of YOU being tested, I'm a vet and have worked in the field for roughly 20 years and I got tested with my 1st 2 kids and was negative. I didn't bother getting tested this time around. If you test the cat, be careful what kind of test he's getting-tests that test for antibodies only tell you whether or not he has been exposed in the past to the organism-not whether he is currently infected and possibly shedding toxo. Two tests a few weeks apart that showed an increase in the antibody levels would indicate an active infection which would be more concern for shedding.

I can honestly tell you I don't worry about it-not saying YOU shouldn't, just that I don't and I have a much higher "risk" of being infected than the average person. If you follow the previously mentioned hygiene and care recommendations, you should be fine!

[crazykittymomma]

I have 12 cats and I'm still scooping the litter boxes (b/c the husband isn't reliable about it). Granted mine are all indoors. I did the same while pregnant with my daughter with no worries. I just wash my hands really well when I'm done and I don't breathe in while I'm stirring up dust.