Why is cat litter bad during pregnancy

In this photo, Dr. Katie is demonstrating proper personal protective equipment for litter box cleaning if you are pregnant. Pregnant women who clean the litter box should wear gloves and a mask, and thoroughly wash their hands when finished. Masks and disposable gloves are available at many stores and online.

Many people have had a lot of questions about being safe around animals during pregnancy. The most commonly asked question is “Is it safe to be around cats when you’re expecting?” We hope to answer that question and maybe give a few more tips about being safe around pets when you or a loved one is expecting.

Is it safe to be around cats? The short answer is yes, but precautions should be taken to protect the mother. Generally when people ask this question, they have the disease toxoplasmosis in mind. Toxoplasma is a parasite that can be very harmful to an unborn baby if the mother acquires the infection for the first time during pregnancy. It can cause miscarriage, neurological defects (brain damage), blindness, and other symptoms. Some of these symptoms may not be apparent at birth, but they may become evident as the child grows. Cats pick up this infection by ingesting small animals (mice, birds, etc). For this reason, we recommend keeping your cat indoors to minimize hunting of small prey. Infected cats shed the parasite in the feces. It takes one or more days for the parasite to develop in the cat’s feces to an infective form.

How would a pregnant woman become infected with toxoplasma? Interestingly, most people acquire toxoplasma by eating undercooked meat or contaminated produce. A pregnant woman can also become infected by inadvertently ingesting contaminated cat feces or inhaling litter dust while cleaning the litter box.

Here are some tips quoted directly from the Center of Disease Control on preventing toxoplasmosis (https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/pregnant.html):

Have someone who is healthy and not pregnant change the cat’s litter box daily. If this is not possible, wear gloves and clean the litter box every day, because the parasite found in cat feces needs one or more days after being passed to become infectious. Wash hands well with soap and water afterwards.
Wash hands with soap and water after any exposure to soil, sand, raw meat, or unwashed vegetables.
Cook all meat thoroughly; that is, to an internal temperature of 160° F and until it is no longer pink in the center or until the juices become colorless. Do not taste meat before it is fully cooked.
Freeze meat for several days before cooking to greatly reduce the chance of infection.
Wash all cutting boards and knives thoroughly with hot soapy water after each use.
Wash and/or peel all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox. Wash hands well afterward.
Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling in less developed countries.

Do you have questions? Feel free to give us a call at 573-875-3647. If you have an idea or a question you’d like answered on a blog, leave a comment here or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MyZooAnimalHospital)

MORE INFORMATION

Remember, if you are expecting, it’s even more important for your pets to be healthy and up to date on vaccinations. Schedule an appointment today to get your pet checked out and up to date. Call us at 573-875-3647.

Everything you need to know about toxoplasmosis

Have you been wanting to get out of changing your cat’s litter tray? If you are pregnant, you have a legitimate reason to pass this chore on to your partner.

Cat faeces can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that poses a danger to your developing baby.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma Gondii that can affect the unborn child if a pregnant woman becomes infected.

The parasite can also be found in undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk and garden soil.

“In pregnant women the parasite can cross the placenta and negatively affect the foetus, resulting in an increased risk of birth defects,” says Red Nose Chief Midwife Jane Wiggill.

“It can also cause skin rashes, nervous system damage, brain damage, liver damage, eye problems, and even miscarriage.”

But, explains Jane, there are small changes pregnant women can make to minimise their risk.

“Pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with cats, especially the litter tray,” Jane says. “Ensure your partner takes over all handling and cleaning of your cat’s litter tray as soon as you decide to try for a baby, and make sure litter trays are cleaned daily.”

Jane also advises taking precautions when preparing, handling or eating meat.

“The parasite can be found in muscle tissue of undercooked lamb, pork or kangaroo, so it’s important to wash your hands after handling raw meat, and make sure meat is cooked thoroughly.

“Avoid eating rare or medium-rare meat dishes, and also thoroughly wash chopping boards, knives and kitchen utensils that have come into contact with raw meat,” Jane advises.

Toxoplasmosis can also be found in soil. “Make sure you wear gloves while gardening, and wash vegetables to remove any traces of soil,” Jane says.

And what should you do if you think you have come into contact with the parasite?

In most cases, Jane explains, toxoplasmosis has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur they can include swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and pains, headache, and fever.

“If you are generally feeling unwell and are pregnant, please see your GP as evidence of infection can be found through a blood test,” Jane explains.

Check out other articles to to help you on your pregnancy journey.

Topic: A Vet Explained Why Pregnant People Really Shouldn’t Be Cleaning Cats’ Litter Boxes

When you’re pregnant many things — like undercooked meat and fish and caffeine — are off-limits. Pet parents should also add cleaning the family cat’s litter box to the list of no-nos, if possible. While this daily task is a chore most people would gladly give up without question, there’s some important science to back it up, according to Dr. Stephanie Austin, a veterinarian and medical director at Bond Vet.

Why Are Cat Feces So Dangerous For Pregnant People?

When people think of diseases that can be spread from cats to humans, they often think of toxoplasmosis,” explained Dr. Austin. “Toxoplasmosis is a disease that is the result of infection with the ‘toxoplasma gondii’ parasite. Humans can also get this on their own from eating infected meat, as well as various other sources including the handling of infected soil.”

She emphasized that consistently using good hand hygiene after doing the litter boxes is crucial. “Cats typically become infected from eating contaminated meat or the infected feces of another cat. If your cat is infected, it’s important to practice very good hygienic standards and hand-washing when handling their feces,” she explained. “It is also generally a very good idea to wash your hands thoroughly after handing their stool. If you were to somehow ingest infected feces after cleaning the litter box, you can become infected as well. This can pose an even greater risk for pregnant women, as the risks that come with transmission are heightened while pregnant.”

What Should Pregnant People Do If They Have to Clean the Litter Box?

Dr. Austin suggested taking a look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines, which recommend feeding cats only canned or dried commercial food and cleaning your kitty’s litter box every day. She also provided some insight as far as precautions go if you don’t have a partner to take over the task entirely.

“If possible, avoid changing cat litter. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterward,” she said. “It’s also helpful to make sure you change the litter daily, as the Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until one to five days after it is shed in a cat’s feces. It’s also recommended to avoid raw or undercooked meats as a form of cat food.”

Topic Discussed: A Vet Explained Why Pregnant People Really Shouldn’t Be Cleaning Cats’ Litter Boxes