cats & pregnancy (Toxoplasmosis)

[Tom]

Anyone know much about cats & pregnancy? (Toxoplasmosis)

My wife and I would love to get a kitten sometime in the near future. We've done a little reading about the Toxoplasmosis issue and know that at a bare minimum she wouldn't be going near the litter box. Not a problem... But does that totally eliminate risk or should we just wait until after the baby is born to be on the safe side?

Also we thought another reason to perhaps wait until after the baby was born to get the cat, might be that the cat would be coming in to the baby's house and not the other way around. In other words, if we got the cat now I guess there is some chance the cat might get territorial and react poorly when the baby arrives. If instead we bring the cat in to the house after the baby arrives that shouldn't be an issue.

[mamab]

We had cats before I got pregnant. My husband changed the litter box, so I wasn't at risk of toxoplasmosis. Just keep her away from the litter box, that should be fine. She doesn't need to handle the litter at all.

As far as cats being territorial, I think it depends on the cat. We had a Siamese cat when my oldest son was born. The cat came over, sniffed him, then curled up at the end of the carseat. After that, he often sat by the baby, but he never tried to hurt him, never tried to lick him in the face. He was great. I think if you got a kitten, you'd be fine. Besides you might need the practice.

I would suggest, however, that if you do get a cat and plan on keeping it in the house, that you have it declawed (at least on the front feet). That would alleviate any chance of "Cat Scratch Fever."

[Tom]

Thanks mamab. We're working on a decision...

[whoanelly]

we have two cats as well...they were here long before the baby both of them have been awesome with her ( getting into things a little when they are looking for attention, but never anywhere near the babe)

when i was pg, dh changed the litter and i stayed away. for the few times that hubby was away, i had a box of rubber gloves from the pharmacy nearby and would just pull out a disposable pair and go to town. no worries.

watching kids with animals is a joy...and animals with kids as well. hope itall works out

whoanelly

[Tom]

We're far enough through the pregnancy at this point that I guess we've kind of decided by default. I do miss having a pet so I guess pretty much as soon as possible after the baby comes home we'll be getting one.

[Kaytee]

Just wanted to say I am or was a registered Veterinarian technician before getting prg. There is a small chance of getting toxo from cats yes, but that is outside cats. If your cat is vaccinated and well taken care of, inside only, the chance of your cat getting tox is slim to none. Your wifes chances of getting sick from eating lunch meat are higher. And yes they say she should not eat lunch meat while pregnant.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Kaytee

Just wanted to say I am or was a registered Veterinarian technician before getting prg. There is a small chance of getting toxo from cats yes, but that is outside cats. If your cat is vaccinated and well taken care of, inside only, the chance of your cat getting tox is slim to none. Your wifes chances of getting sick from eating lunch meat are higher. And yes they say she should not eat lunch meat while pregnant.

Awesome - I couldn't have asked for a more qualified response -- thanks so much! We've made it this far without getting the kitten so I'm thinking the general idea between my wife and I at this point is just to wait. As I mentioned besides the Toxoplasmosis concern we had a slight concern about any kind of possible territorial issue the cat might have when we brought baby home - so we're thinking we'll bring the kitten in to baby's house instead of the other way around.

Originally Posted by Kaytee

Your wifes chances of getting sick from eating lunch meat are higher. And yes they say she should not eat lunch meat while pregnant.

I'm also glad to hear another supporting statement regarding this. We keep getting some odd reactions from people when we tell them certain things my wife is avoiding - lunch meat is one of these things. Particularly from our parents and grandparents we keep getting the "we didn't do that back in the day" kind of statements.

[Kaytee]

Yep you'll get that from everyone. The best thing to do is avoid all the risks you have control over and not stress over ones you can't. I also get crap about my daughter being in a rear facing carseat still at 15 months. One she is only 19lbs so legally she is not big enough to forward face, but also the law is a MINNIMUM not a requirement. She will be rear facing till she is at least 2 then we will reevaluate. Do what you and your wife feel is the best for you and your child.

[steph2005]

just dont let her change the litter box...to be safe you should change it...Personally I would not get a cat but thats only because I see how my son is (hes 16 months) and most cats wouldnt be able to handle him....I got him a cat when he was about 8 months old and he was constantly hitting it and pulling its tail...The poor kitten was so terrified of him....lol....we had to get rid of it because they didnt get along at all....I like dogs better with babies because most dogs can put up with the torture.....lol.....

[Kaytee]

lol I'm sorry I'm imagining a 8 month old chaseing a poor cat around the house! We have 2 cats and 3 dogs and they all handle Nichole differently. Sam (cat) could care less if Nichole sticks her fingers in his nose, Sassi(cat) stays away from her at all cost lol. Ally McBeagle (dog) will sit there until Nichole touches her, then she gets up and moves. Strider (dog) could care less as long as he gets attention and she throws his ball, and Chewy (dog) stays away for the most part.