[curlyfry]

O.k., so here's the dilemma. There was a litter of baby kittens (4-5wks. old) at my husband's job and the place was going to "get rid of them" so my husband and a couple of his friends took the kittens. I have never had a cat before, (although in my first trimester, I lived with a friend of mine who had a cat) and I'm just kind of concerned about toxoplasmosis. I heard it's especially harmful later on in pregnancy. I called my Dr.'s office and they said just to have him change the litterbox and everything would be fine. I can't imagine getting rid of the little sweetie because she's the cutest thing I've ever seen and after 5 days I'm already attached to her! But, at the same time the articles I'm reading on the internet are kind of scaring me and I definitely don't want to harm my baby. Does anyone have any suggestions, or am I just worrying for nothing?

 

[Katt2005]

I've never had a kitty either, so I have no real advice for you. But I just wanted to say congrats on the lil cutie!!

I wouldn't think you'd have to get rid of it, cause your pg. Just do like they said and have someone else change the litter, and maybe keep it somewhere away from you, or by a well ventilated area if you can. And maybe have him change it out side if possible, so the dust doesn't get through the house so much.
I hope someone else has some great advice for you. I would hate for you to get rid of the lil cutie!

 

[LacieD]

I've read a lot of things that say that the whole toxoplasmosis thing has gotten really out of hand--that there really isn't as much of a risk as people make it out to be. Definitely have your DH change the litter, and don't be around when he does it (outside is a great place for it), but I definitely wouldn't worry about not having the cat because of it.

Plenty of preggo mamas have cats without any problems.

 

[Music-mommy]

I've had cats all my life. If the cat is an indoor cat, there's really no concern at all, because toxoplasmosis is a parasite that they get from eating raw meat, mice, birds etc...

but even if it's an outdoor cat I wouldn't worry, just don't change the litter, if you touch his bum by mistake, wash your hands.

If you do have to change the litter then wear rubber gloves.

 

[Melaniee]

I had two cats during my first pregnancy and one now. It's fine as long as you don't handle the litter (or are very careful). Another good reason for Dh to do the box!

Honestly, though, I wouldn't get a kitten this close to becoming a new mom. We'd had ours for a few years and they got really neglected once Ds came along (just for attention, not food, etc.).

 

[Galatea]

Yeah, and apparently lots of people are already immune to toxoplasmosis by the time they get pg anyway. I just make dh change it but when I have to I wear gloves and wash my hands. No big deal. Don't read too much on the internet - way too much to worry about.

 

[Full Heart]

Yup what they said. Dh changes the litter box. I have had cats my whole life though and am probably immune. I have 2 cats now and when I have to handle one of their accidents I just wash my hands quickly afterward.

Michelle

 

[curlyfry]

Thank so much everyone!

I am learning slowly but surely that you can really get over anxious about every little thing if you let yourself! And, sometimes the internet has too much information (also some well meaning friends!) Hey, this is a great excuse to have Ry change the litterbox anyway...so I'm going to milk this one as long as I can...Maybe toxoplasmosis is harmful if you're nursing too?

I love this little kitten. Her name is Leia, and she's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. She loves to nuzzle and cuddle, and meows in the highest pitched squeak. I do worry she'll get neglected once the baby comes, but we'll do the best we can.

Thanks for all of the advice!

 

[Autumn Breeze]

We got my cats when I was about this pregnant with ds. It just meant dh had to clean the litter box, and any messes that were on the floor (which luckly only happend once, and while he was home). We told my OB at the time we got cats, and she said the same thing, so long as you don't change the litter box you'll be fine. .

Oh, and yes, milk the litter box thing for when your nursing...just because litter box duty sucks!!!!!!!!!!

 

[SimplyMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaMommy We got my cats when I was about this pregnant with ds. It just meant dh had to clean the litter box, and any messes that were on the floor (which luckly only happend once, and while he was home). We told my OB at the time we got cats, and she said the same thing, so long as you don't change the litter box you'll be fine. . Oh, and yes, milk the litter box thing for when your nursing...just because litter box duty sucks!!!!!!!!!!

:LOL

Great advice, DoulaMommy!

Congrats on your new kitten, Curlyfry!

 

[allbrightmama]

We adopted our cat during this pregnancy. Our pregnant vet said I would really have to be consuming a decent amount of cat poo for the baby to be in any real danger. She said we should err on the side of caution and have dh on litterbox duty. DH scoops daily so we don't really worry about tracking issues. Common sense and occasional hand washing should be all you need.

Is it true that you can be tested for immunity to toxoplasmosis?

 

[Autumn Breeze]

Yes, you can be tested for an immunity to toxoplasmosis.

 

[curlyfry]

I actually talked to my Dr. about this yesterday. He said that the test is so bad that he doesn't even do it unless someone specifically requests it. Sometimes it comes back positive then there's no way of knowing if it's affected the baby or not, but you have to go on to have all of these stressful tests anyway...he said it's not even worth it.

I took little Leia to the vet this morning and she's perfectly healthy. No worms, good temperment, so everything looks a-ok.