[proudmomtoEthan]

I have heard that if you have a cat you shouldn't change the kitty litter while pregnant.

I have an indoor cat and have had him for 5 years. So is this try?

[electriclids]

I've done a lot of reading about this because I have 3 cats. I've read that the danger is mostly with outdoor cats. BUT, to be on the safe side- I'd have DH clean the litter box for 9 months, who likes to do that anyway?

[KDD]

This is true! Isn't it great? DH has to clean the box for 40 weeks!

[KDD]

This is true! Isn't it great? DH has to clean the box for 40 weeks!

ya its true, but we dont have any animals so it doesnt matter for us

[Nyzira]

From the Center for Disease Control:

[/quote]More info on Toxoplasmosis can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis

We have a stray cat that comes in and out. She's an old cat (about 12 or 13) but I'm afraid we'll have to keep her out for good when I come up pregnant.

[PinkFireFly]

You need to be careful about cat litter especially if your cat is an outdoor cat because they are able to carry the bacteria T. Ghondii... which can lead to toxiplasmosis (sp?) This bacteria can lead to causing miscarriage of the fetus to morbid birth defects. It is spread via airbourne and skin to skin contact. Thats why if you do change kitty litter where a HEPA mask and wash your hands... or get DH to change it....

[Sincat]

Our cats are indoors but many were strays/rescues & we have a lot of stray cats in our neighborhood so DH changes the litter boxes for me (he's such a sweetie) & I don't plan on playing in the dirt.

[ZaydensMomma]

Often women misunderstand they cannot clean cat liter while they are pregnant. Do your homework and research on everything.

Like the link said.. keep your cats indoor... you will have no problem cleaning cat litter during pregnancy. I plan to clean cat litter while I can til I cannot bend over. Luckily for me, I use mask over my mouth/nose cuz I cannot inhale litter dust due to my asthma.. so I will use that for pregnancy as well.
I have 5 strictly indoor cats and they are all vaccinated and they don't hunt mouses, birds etc. I'm at lower risk. If you have outdoor cats that comes in and out, then that's a problem.

[Nyzira]

The cat that we allow in isn't even our cat. It belongs to some people across the street but it's a strictly outdoor cat. When it gets cold, we let her in so she doesn't freeze. Therefor, we don't have a litter box. She just comes in to get out of the cold... that's it. I've told Will that she'll be staying out for good... thank goodness the spring is here. :-D

Also, we're just starting a veg and herb garden... So now we're going to have to get some latex gloves for me to wear under my garden gloves.

[KMH]

You have a better chance of getting toxoplasmosis from eating contaminated food than you do of getting it from a litter box. If you want to be extra careful, wear gloves when you handle the cat box.

[kellysensei]

My doctor told me that if the cats are indoor only cats, it's probably safe. However, just to be on the safe side, I am going to have my husband change the litter as much as possible.

[proudmomtoEthan]

Hehe cool thank you for the info. I can't wait until I don't have to change the cat litter!!

[blueberry00]

actually my book "what to expect when youre expecting" says its better if you have cats that do go outside, that way you can be more sure you have already been exposed to the disease and you now have antibodies for it. your body can fight it off, just not the babies. to be safe you can get your cat tested at the vet, or just have dh clean litter. if you have to do it just wash hands. if youre too worried, get rid of cat

[proudmomtoEthan]

Originally Posted by blueberry00

actually my book "what to expect when youre expecting" says its better if you have cats that do go outside, that way you can be more sure you have already been exposed to the disease and you now have antibodies for it.

Trip(my cat) was my DH's families cat(they didn't want him anymore) so when DH and I moved out I took Trip with us. But he was an outside cat for about 3 years before I made him in indoor cat.

[Etph007]

I'd say just let DH do cat duty (if possible) while you're pregnant!

[LucyAnna]

i agree with everyone about getting the dh to do it, or wear mask and gloves if you have too. my SIL had a cat and never touched the box from the time she found out...be on the safe side...
also, they say if you work in your yard (with spring approaching)its not good to be digging in soil either...just a side note....

[Oreobaby]

I can't wait till I get PG and DH can clean out the cat litter...this is the one thing that DH is NOT looking forward to when I get PG...cause he already knows it's coming.

[amazing_love]

I'd just have DH do it. This totally just reminded me of a dream i had last night about a cat! I was trying to pet it, but it was a mean kitty. Yea.. i don't remember much else

[KatieLove]

True, let your hubby change the kitty litter.
Also make sure you give your cats worm treatment while you are pregnant!
Just prevention