Cats and pregnant women. What you need to know if you have a cat and are pregnant.
One of the dilemmas for a pregnant woman is whether to keep the cat close during pregnancy and the baby’s upbringing. We often see on cat-related Facebook groups many women offering their cats for adoption, citing pregnancy as a reason for not being able to keep them.
With the onset of pregnancy, external pressures arise. Family and friends may urge us to give up the cat, claiming it poses a danger to the pregnancy and the baby. Although we love our feline companion, concerns may arise due to external influences, particularly regarding toxoplasmosis. This is often the primary concern raised by those looking to part with their cat.
When you are certain that you are expecting a child, it is advisable to visit both your doctor and the veterinarian for the cat.
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Parasites – Cats and Pregnant Women
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. The main sources of infection include undercooked or raw meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, gardening in soil contaminated with animal feces, failure to follow basic hygiene rules, and inadequate handwashing after handling raw meat.
The host for this parasite can also be a cat, but only if it comes into contact with the feces of other cats, hunts and eats mice and rats – the primary carriers of the parasite – or if it consumes infected raw meat provided by its owner.
Like humans, a cat can be infected with toxoplasmosis only once in its lifetime. Doctors recommend using disposable gloves when cooking, cleaning, or handling the cat’s litter. During pregnancy, the litter box should be cleaned more frequently than usual.
To determine whether you have had the disease or not, blood tests are required. These tests will indicate whether you had the disease before becoming pregnant and whether you have antibodies against it. If you or your cat tests positive for toxoplasmosis, there is no need to worry, as the treatment is generally straightforward and, in the majority of infections, favorable.
So, regarding toxoplasmosis, there are minor risks, and cats and pregnant women can stay together.
Cat Hair During Pregnancy
Cats and pregnant women should coexist harmoniously, even when considering potential allergies to cat hair. If issues with cat hair haven’t arisen before pregnancy, there’s no reason for concern afterward. It is advisable to undergo tests for safety. It’s essential to note that the problem lies not in the cat hair itself but in the bacteria it may carry.
People with weakened immune systems might be susceptible to the bacteria Bartonella henselae present in a cat’s saliva. In the event of a bite or scratch, this can lead to inflammation or a wound that typically heals within 3-10 days. If complications arise, consult a doctor for the appropriate treatment.
To minimize the potential transmission of infections from cats to pregnant women, it’s recommended to deworm the cat regularly. Additionally, use a daily disinfectant in your living space, clean and disinfect the cat’s litter daily while wearing gloves, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, avoid consuming undercooked meat, and ensure that your cat adheres to hygiene standards, avoiding contact with thermally unprepared food.
Happy Baby with a Cat
Doctors say that a baby who is in the presence of a cat will develop antibodies and have a strong immune system. It has also been proven that pregnant women who live with and care for cats are less stressed during this period, thanks to the positive effect of the cat’s purring.
Related: Why do cats have rough tongues and what purpose do they serve?
Therefore, you can continue to enjoy the joy, love, and attention of your cat during pregnancy. In conclusion, be a bit more careful about nutrition and hygiene, and let the cat stay at home.
In summary, cats and pregnant women can be together without risks.
