Dog Community

Cats and pregnancy...

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:17:46 PM

I've heard many times about litter boxes and pregnancy. I didn't have a cat when I was pregnant with the girls, so I never worried about it. But my cat needs to poo in a clean box!

Why is it so harmful? Would it be helpful to get some little masks from the doctors office, and wear them while cleaning?

rwbeagles

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:24:12 PM

Just look up toxoplasmosis. There's tons of info out there on the why's. I had my dh do all litterbox cleaning and stayed away while he did it. IF I had to do it I took the whole thing outdoors where there was plenty of ventilation. You CAN have your cat tested for toxoplasmosis....you can look into that. Like most rarely done tests it's probably pricey and only semi reliable lol! Personally I don't see needing any excuse to NOT stoop to scoop POOP...lmao

magilacudy

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:24:35 PM

Yes it can be very harmful You could get Toxoplasmosus (spelling) Wearing gloves and a mask are pefect if you can't find someone else to do the job. It should not be inhaled or touched.

rwbeagles

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:25:41 PM

Here's a nice link for you...I wouldn't risk it, personally.

[linkhttp://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1228.asp]http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1228.asp[/link]

sillysally

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:26:22 PM

I believe that there is some sort of toxin in cat poo that can cause miscarriage, if I remember correctly.

Just to be safe I'd try to get your SO to do it for you, or your girls if they are old enough. If you MUST be the one to clean it, use rubber gloves, maybe a mask, and throughly wash your hands after ward, but I wouldn't unless you had no othe alternative.

hlb118

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:51:41 PM

Wow, I never knew it was that harmful. Well, the litter box cleaning, I don't think, will ever be done by my other half. He'll clean dog poo, and kid diaper poo, but not cat poo. He likes the cat, but I'm the one that does the feeding, cleaning, etc for all the pets.

So... looks like my daughter will have to help, or I have to get some masks from the doctor, and do it outside. My oldest is 6, so she should be able to do it. I'll have to test her out this evening.

Thank you