Hey guys!
My new mother in law called last night freaking out. She had read an article about toxoplasmosis, its apparently a disease you can get while pregnant from changing kitty litter. I read a couple articles about it, and it looks like its only from cats that go outside and hunt birds/rodents or who are fed undercooked meat. Monkey has neither, so I think I'm in the clear. Has anyone else heard of this? I'll have to admit, it did scare me. Its not dangerous really in healthy adults, but the possible outcomes to unborn babies are terrifying!
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/kittylitter
Guess this is one more reason to keep your kitty indoor only!
Jan, hopefully will comment for you.
But Jenny this may be a good job for hubby to take over for you at least while youre pregnant
never can be to safe.
I am surprised that I didn't think of this! It is recommended that you do not change the litter box while you are pregnant.
Yes, it's true. But like you said, it's usually from the cats that are allowed to go outside, or fed raw or undercooked meat. It can be dangerous for pregnant women (actually, for the baby, not woman herself) and immunocompromised individuals. However, the Toxoplasma parasite will usually not be infectious until 1-5 days after it was shed in the feces. So, it would be safest for a pregnant woman to not change the litter box. If no one else can change it, pregnant women just have to be careful, and use gloves, and clean the litter box daily (well, I think any cat owner should clean the litter box at least once a day, period). Also, if a woman has been infected with Toxoplasma parasite prior to becoming pregnant (6 months or so), the unborn baby will be protected by her immunity.
I wouldn't risk it if it were me. And If I had to then LoganTheCat has it right to use gloves & be really clean about it.
I've already told Tommy he's stuck with the job for the rest of the pregnancy (he was thrilled, let me tell you!). Hmm...new husband has become slave, prenatal vitamins make hair and nails better, don't have to change litter box, everyone is doting on me...this pregnancy thing is GREAT! Now we just need to make sure that this morning sickness doesn't make a visit and I'll be happy as a clam!
I was so paranoid Jenny, I didn't have a sip of alcohol, NO soft cheeses.. not sure if you have heard about the cheese thing. I didn't get my acrylic nails done and wouldn't even go into a salon with those fumes. Didn't color my hair because of the chemicals, etc.. The worst by FAR was no caffeine.. I gave up regular coffee the entire pregnancy. Lots of sacrifices, but my 2 healthy babies made it worthwhile
.
Poor Tommy, ha ha.. a slave to Monkey for 9 mos!
I believe it is now understood the risk is much less than once feared. However, best to have someone else take that duty. Use a mask, gloves and wash hands/forearms afterwards. Handling raw meat is an even more common source of infection, so, if you are not a vegan, then handing off the meat prep job will also be a good idea for the same reason. I think the risk is very low no matter what you do, but the consequences are dire. Anyone who has had it will be protected, as will the baby. You may want to be tested. If you test negative keep in mind how many litterboxes you have handled normally and still have not gotten it, so the test results will be good news no matter what they are.
(04-01-2010 01:58 PM)ssjenny1 Wrote: [ -> ]Hey guys!
My new mother in law called last night freaking out. She had read an article about toxoplasmosis, its apparently a disease you can get while pregnant from changing kitty litter. I read a couple articles about it, and it looks like its only from cats that go outside and hunt birds/rodents or who are fed undercooked meat. Monkey has neither, so I think I'm in the clear. Has anyone else heard of this? I'll have to admit, it did scare me. Its not dangerous really in healthy adults, but the possible outcomes to unborn babies are terrifying!
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/kittylitter
Guess this is one more reason to keep your kitty indoor only!
Yes, and you should have hubby change the litter box for your entire pregnancy. My husband always disliked that part of my pregnancies but it's very important. Better safe than sorry even if Monkey doesn't go outside you never know if he could have been exposed or still could be in the future.
(04-01-2010 03:05 PM)ssjenny1 Wrote: [ -> ]I've already told Tommy he's stuck with the job for the rest of the pregnancy (he was thrilled, let me tell you!). Hmm...new husband has become slave, prenatal vitamins make hair and nails better, don't have to change litter box, everyone is doting on me...this pregnancy thing is GREAT! Now we just need to make sure that this morning sickness doesn't make a visit and I'll be happy as a clam!
Enjoy it while you can because very soon you are going to have a teenager on your hands and you will be thinking what on earth was I thinking. LOL!
