[Tamimomof5]

I was planning to buy a ragdoll kitten for months now. My name got put on a waiting list and our kitten was born July 7th. I had no intention of having more children....this kitten was going to be our new baby. Well things changed and now I'm torn over whether to get the kitten or not. The kids will not be happy if we don't.... especially my youngest. She picked the kitten out and can't wait until we bring him home in a couple of weeks. I'm very worried about toxoplasmosis though.....the kitten would need to be indoors since ragdolls are such a placid breed. Unfortunately this means we will need a litter box.... which means risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. How many of you have cats? We used to have a cat a few years back but he was an indoor/outdoor cat. He didn't need a litter box. I can't help but worry. I really don't want to disappoint the kids though.....they were looking forward to a new pet.

[Banned-drama.geek]

As far as I understand, as long as you don't change the litter box, there isn't an issue. Assign DH, or even one of the kids (maybe an older one?), the job of changing the litter while you're pregnant.

I've also heard as long that if you wear gloves and a mask while you change the litter, you'll be fine. But I'd be re-assigning the task anyways.

[ThaiSpice]

When I had my little girl, we had indoor cats/litterbox. Everything turned out fine, but DH was in charge of the litter box (which is why now we have an outdoor cat ).

[MaineBean]

Ditto the others- just have someone else do the litter box.

[Number5OnTheWay]

I have had a cat every time I've been pregnant. However, I just delegated the duty out. Eventually, it became habit, and I have not had to change the litter box. The risk of toxoplasmosis is from you actually coming into contact with the kitty's "business" so having someone else do it and washing their hands really well with soap and water should not cause any issues for you.

[Purple_cat]

I have indoor only cats with litter boxes and I just have my husband do the scooping while I am pregnant. I also got him to stick with it while I was nursing last time and while we were ttc.

[katinagj]

Get the kitten!! Just have someone else change the litter box! We had 2 cats when I was pregnant with my son Noah. My husband just changed the box. I forgot to remind him he has to take over that duty again... boy will he be happy.. haha

[seri0uslyc0nfused]

Get it!! Like the others said, just don't change the litter box!

I want a kitty!!!! My husband hates cats and dogs though (my mom now has "custody" of my cat and Yorkie).

[Tracy87]

Aww I love my cats. I also love that dh has to clean the litter box!! definitely get the kitty. I wish we could let them outside, but we live on a corner lot in our neighborhood and I'm too worried about one getting hit by a car.

[redfishbluefish]

I have 3 cats and like the other ladies I just don't change the litter.

Also, if the cat has never been outside the chance of it actually carrying toxoplasmosis is very rare. The cat gets the parasite from eating things like mice and stuff outside so an indoor only cat wouldn't likely catch the parasite.

[KrissyS]

My hubby will never change a box as log as he'a were mask and wash your hands really good you will be fine

There is also a test u can have done on the cat to see if he has it call the owner maybe she test for u

[Banned-drama.geek]

Curious, does this extend to dogs too? I usually go around our backyard weekly and pick up the dog's poo, plus when I'm walking him or at the dog park (when it's cool enough to go back), I pick up his poo. Is this a no-no? Is it only a cat issue?

[KrissyS]

I think just cats

[nameetog]

We have only indoor cats, have had them far longer than my my kids ; ) Like others said just don't change the box.

[Kenya]

We had a cat when I was pregnant with Olivia and I still changed the litterbox. He eventually wanted to become the indoor/outdoor cat he was before we moved across the country and ended up always going outside so we nixed the litterbox shortly after she was born.

[MamaFish]

Aww, get TWO kittens!!! They're so much fun to watch playing together and cleaning each other

[blueeyes25s]

to what everyone says, don't clean the litter box, have someone else change it. I have 2 kitties and DH takes care of the litter box duties. Ragdoll cats are awesome cats for kids too!

[Grace]

Oh I love ragdoll kittens! I agree just asked dh to tend to the litter box for now, and don't forget to post a pic of your newest fur baby when you get it.

[sarahlorrain]

Agreed, just don't change the box. Also, make sure that you will have a place to put it where baby can't get to it when he/she is older.

That being said, I second the request to post pictures when/if you get it!