Pregnancy and Cats

You don't need to give up your cat(s) just because you are pregnant

by Jen Holehouse

Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that is present in the feces of infected cats. This parasite can also be found in uncooked meat (especially pork). If the parasite is passed to you immediately before conception or during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or birth defects. However, if you've lived with cats for a while, chances are good that you've already contracted the disease and have developed an immunity to it. If you'd like peace of mind, you can take a simple blood test to identify antibodies in your blood that, if present, mean you were already exposed earlier in your life and you are immune to the infection. In this case, you can continue to care for your cat's litter. If your cats are strictly indoor cats, it is unlikely that they carry the parasite because they get it from catching mice or birds or from other infected cats. You can also have a veterinarian check your cat(s) for an active infection. If they have an active infection, you can board them or move them to a friends house for 6 weeks, after which the disease should no longer be transmittable.

Precautions:

• Test your cat(s) for an active infection. You are unlikely to find an active infection in strictly indoor cats.
• Test yourself for the parasite antibodies. If the antibodies are present, you are immune to further infection and you pass this immunity onto your fetus.
• Have another family member take care of litter box duties. If this is not possible, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after litter box cleanings.
• Wear gloves when gardening in areas that cats frequent.
• Stay away from raw meats and unpasteurized milk.