Can you have a cat and get pregnant?

If you have a cat and are thinking about becoming pregnant, you may be at risk for toxoplasmosis. T. gondii infects essentially all cats that spend any time outdoors. Cats get this parasite by eating small animals or raw meat that's infected.

Can I be pregnant and still have a cat?

Avoid stray cats, especially kittens. Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant. Keep outdoor sandboxes covered. Wear gloves when gardening and during contact with soil or sand because it might be contaminated with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma.

Can having cats affect fertility?

To date, there is no evidence of a link between common pets and infertility. Having dogs, cats, hamsters or others will not affect your fertility. However, there exist certain parasitic infections that can be passed from them to humans and might have a negative impact on human fertility.

Do indoor cats have toxoplasmosis?

It is unlikely that you would be exposed to the parasite by touching an infected cat because cats usually do not carry the parasite on their fur. In addition, cats kept indoors (that do not hunt prey or are not fed raw meat) are not likely to be infected with Toxoplasma.

What animals should you avoid when pregnant?

In order to protect their own health and that of their unborn child, women who are, or who may be, pregnant should be advised to avoid close contact with livestock animals. This is because infectious organisms may be present in birth fluids of animals, particularly sheep, cattle and goats.

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Can I kiss my cat while pregnant?

People who should avoid close contact with cats include: Very young children. Pregnant women.

Can I be in the same room as cat litter while pregnant?

You can change your cat's litter box safely while you're pregnant, but it's better to have someone else do this chore if possible. The concern here is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat poop (such as in kitty litter or outdoor soil where cats have defecated).

Can I get toxoplasmosis from touching cat litter?

Cat feces with the parasite.

Cats that hunt or who are fed raw meat are more likely to carry toxoplasma parasites. You may get infected if you touch your mouth after touching anything that has been in contact with cat feces. This may be gardening or cleaning a litter box.

Can you tell if a cat has toxoplasmosis?

The most common symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Other symptoms may occur depending upon whether the infection is acute or chronic, and the location of the parasite in the body.

How many cat owners get toxoplasmosis?

About 20 percent of the American public is infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect birds and most other animals but that reproduces sexually only in cats.

What are the odds of getting toxoplasmosis while pregnant?

How common is toxoplasmosis during pregnancy? The chances of getting toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy are thought to be very small. Even if you do become infected for the first time during pregnancy, this doesn't necessarily mean your baby is in danger.

How long do cats carry toxoplasmosis?

Cats get Toxoplasma infection by eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals, or anything contaminated with feces from another cat that is shedding the microscopic parasite in its feces. After a cat has been infected, it can shed the parasite for up to two weeks.

Can you get pregnant and still have a pet?

Owning a dangerous pet is not recommended at any time, especially during pregnancy or if you have a young child. Depending on the pet, it could also be against the law. If you do have one, you should be extremely careful during your pregnancy and with your new baby.

How do I know if my baby has toxoplasmosis?

Most babies born with toxoplasmosis have no symptoms. Symptoms can include eye infections, swollen glands, liver or spleen, or jaundice.

What percentage of house cats have toxoplasmosis?

The prevalence of oocyst shedding in cats is very low (0-1%), even though at least 15-40% of cats have been infected with Toxoplasma at some point. This means very few cats at any one time are actually able to pass their infection on to people.

Can I get toxoplasmosis from my cats paws?

It is extremely unlikely that you would pick up toxoplasmosis by petting your cat or being scratched or bitten by your cat, because the organism is not spread by the fur or saliva. You CAN, however, pick up toxoplasmosis by eating undercooked infected meat, particularly lamb and pork.

What are two signs of toxoplasmosis include?

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, swollen glands and muscle aches. Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma have no symptoms. If people develop symptoms, they usually begin 1 to 3 weeks after being exposed to the parasite. Symptoms usually last for 2 to 4 weeks.

Can a pregnant person contract toxoplasmosis from petting a cat?

Because it's difficult for cats to transmit toxoplasmosis directly to their caregivers, a pregnant person is generally unlikely to contract the disease from their pet cat.

Can babies get toxoplasmosis from cats?

The infection toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Cats are the usual host for these parasites, but children, adults, and other animals can also be infected.

Does washing hands get rid of toxoplasmosis?

The Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after it is shed in a cat's feces. Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning out a cat's litter box. Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.

Why should a pregnant woman not change cat litter?

"The concern when it comes to pregnancy and cat litter is a type of parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis. This is the type of infection that cats can get. They might not have any symptoms of it themselves, but they shed the parasite in their stool.

Is toxoplasmosis curable during pregnancy?

How is toxoplasmosis treated? Most people will not need any treatment for toxoplasmosis. Antibiotics can be used to treat severe infections and are also given to pregnant women with toxoplasmosis to reduce the risk that their unborn baby will become infected.

How common is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the United States it is estimated that 11% of the population 6 years and older have been infected with Toxoplasma. In various places throughout the world, it has been shown that more than 60% of some populations have been infected with Toxoplasma.

Why do cats cuddle pregnant woman?

The body temperature of cats is generally higher than humans, so these pets especially enjoy cuddling with warm people. Since the temperature of your body may be slightly higher during pregnancy, your cat may like to snuggle up with you more when you're expecting.