Problem with what the doctor told me

**ItsASecret** · 07-31-2011 11:01 AM

why isn't this written on the kitty litter packages, or is it?

Might be on some, even Veteranarians will say there is nothing to worry about. The actual parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is extremely rare in the natural environment. What needs to happen is a mouse gets infected by the parasite then a cat finds that mouse and eats it, then that parasite must get passed the cat's immune defense in order to become infected, then that parasite must make it out of the cat in the feces, and then the parasite must last in the feces (they often die within 24 hours, and if exposed to high temperatures they will also die). From there someone needs to pick up the feces and the parasite then, if still alive, needs to be transferred to the human host, and again must get passed the hot water or soap used when that person washes their hands. Even if infected from handling kitty litter that parasite would then need to get passed the human immune system in order to cause harm. If infected your immune system would be destroying that parasite before you even knew you had an infection. Toxoplasmosis is very very rare. And if the cat is an indoor cat then the chances of catching something like that are very slim.

The much more probable thing that happens with cat owners is the cat gets upset that the baby is around and they kitty starts rough playing with it, as any animal may do due to jealousy.

**JadedQueen** · 08-01-2011 04:55 AM

Here's all the technical info:

Ever heard someone say that pregnant women shouldn't change the kitty litter? Did you think is was an old wives tale? It's not.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasiteToxoplasma gondii. It affects almost all animals including humans. Toxoplasmosis is not dangerous to the normal healthy adult. Many people do not even know that they have the infection as they might only have mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. Toxoplasmosis is dangerous to the unborn child where the infection can affect the baby's eyes and brain. It is very uncommon and the records show only fifteen recorded babies affected per year. (compared with 800,000 births) in the United Kingdom

Toxoplasmosis is the reason women should avoid cat boxes (and rare or uncooked meat) during pregnancy. It is caused by a parasite.

Everyone can be affected by this however, it is usually not a problem for an adult to have toxoplasmosis. However in the immunosuppressed patient, or a newborn, you can have serious illness, prematurity, miscarriage or death occur.

Doctors used to tell pregnant women to get rid of their cat. However, this is not necessary. Many people who have owned cats, have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis. There are screenings available to see if you have been exposed and therefore have life long immunity.
Here's what you can do to prevent toxoplasmosis in pregnancy:
bullet Never empty cat litter trays-if you really cannot avoid doing so wear rubber gloves, and wash your hands afterwards. Disinfect cat litter trays daily for 5 minutes with boiling water.
bullet Always wear gloves for gardening and wash your hands after touching soil.
bullet Never eat raw or undercooked meat-be particularly careful of lamb and pork, but even hamburgers can contain the parasite. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat. Wash kitchen surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat.
bullet Always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to ensure there is no soil contamination.

So, don't panic, and don't get rid of your pet. Remember you can always talk to your vet for more information as well as your health care practitioner. Very few babies, 15 out of 800,000 in the UK every year, ever have this disease, but it's nice to know that we can help prevent it.

**Darling** · 09-29-2011 07:55 AM

Thanks everyone,
I am now wearing a face mask, and washing my hands after cleaning the box.

**DSemcho** · 09-29-2011 09:12 AM

I'd suggest getting one of those mats that goes around the box that scrapes the litter off his paws. But yes, you are fine as long as your fiance cleans the litter box himself.