What a useful thread! I was just thinking these things myself.

We have two cats and I couldn't imagine getting rid of them. They are my children also!

You poor darling. I can't imagine what you thought when the doctor said those things to you.

Everyone's suggestions seem very common sense, and certainly what I've been doing. I clean the litter as husband claims he will vomit and have been using gloves. No accidental faeces in my mouth so far!