How to deal with Cat Litter when Pregnant

Now days, most households are keeping either cats or dogs as pets. Pets are the sources of entertainment that help people to relax after long day. However, keeping pets might contain some risks. We are told that there are various kinds of contagious diseases transmitted from pets to humans.

What Diseases are possibly transmitted from Pets to Humans?

Common pets found in today’s houses are cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles. There are indeed several diseases that can be transmitted from these pets into humans, from the light disease to the most severe one. Cats and dogs are potentially transmitting fleas and ticks. Although it is impossible for those fleas to multiply in human skin, they can cause disturbing itches and rashes. Besides, those pets are believed to spread worms into human body. With birds, we are told to be cautious of the probable presence of the virus of H2N1 or the bird flu virus that can transmit from birds or chickens to humans and lead to death. As for reptiles, Salmonella is the most common bacteria found in this kind of pet. These diseases can be transmitted through viruses and bacteria that may be found in pets’ bodies and litter. Cat’s litter is believed to be the most harmful since it might contain toxoplasmosis virus that is dangerous for humans.

Why is Cat Litter Harmful when you are Pregnant?

Cat’s litter—pee and poo are dangerous when you are pregnant, since it can pass the virus of toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is harmful because it shows no symptoms after infection. Infected cat’s litter will be harmful and has the chance of passing the parasite within 24 hours to 18 months after excreted. Toxoplasmosis is not causing major harms to people with good, healthy immune system. However, it is really harmful for pregnant woman because it might infect the placenta and your unborn baby. The effects of this disease is major when you are infected in the third trimester. Toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and damage your baby nervous system.

However, do not worry if you are a great cat lover. Despite its chance of spreading the parasite, your cat does not deserve to be get rid of when you discover you’re pregnant. You can still keep the felines as your pets with cautious steps on handling the litter.

How do I deal with Cat Litter when Pregnant?

Felines are in fact, the natural host for parasites. A cat might be infected by Toxoplasmosis gondii from uncooked meat or contaminated water. The parasite then reproduce in the cat’s intestine. This is the reason why cat litter might be harmful when you are pregnant. It is because there are millions of oocysts excreted through the feces. There are some tips on how to deal with cat litter when you are pregnant to minimize the risk of getting infected with Toxoplasmosis.

1. If possible, get somebody else do the task. If you should do this by yourself, be sure to remove the cat poo from the litter box right away within 24 hours.
2. Always wear disposable gloves when do it and wash your hands clean after you’re done. You are also advised to wear mask to avoid contamination through the air.
3. Place the litter box in a clean corner of the house and be sure to empty it as soon as possible. Do not put the box outside as it might be contaminated by parasite from mice or other animals.
4. If your cat suffers from diarrhea, treat it right immediately. Clean the feces thoroughly and dispose the litter sand immediately. Rinse the litter box with rubbing alcohol or fill it with boiled water before re-use it.
5. Do not re-use the litter sand whatsoever. Change it after disposing the cat litter to make sure there is no parasite grow in there.
6. Wash your hand after touching your cat, because if it is infected with Toxoplasmosis, the parasite may stay in his fur.

You should also remember not to take another cat when pregnant and always pay attention to your hygiene to keep your pregnancy safe.