Pregnancy and cats-does anyone know the risks

Hi everyone

Just a wondering if anyone knows the 'rules' on having a cat whilst pregnant? My parents have recently moved and can no longer keep our 23yr old family cat so have given her to me to look after. Im 20wks pg with my second child,I know its usually safe if you've always had the cat and you take the correct precautions (washing hands,no kitty litter) but just not sure on the risk when bringing a cat in mid way thru pg.
I have been very careful with hygene but my 2yr old is crazy in love with the cat and is always hugging and kissing her and its hard to catch everytime she's been with the cat to wash her hands (altho I'm trying my best! :lol:)

Thank you in advance :)

Does your cat go outside? I know that risks are significantly reduced if they stay inside all the time (i have two inside cats).
I would think as long as you are worming them and bathing them regularly there would be no increased risk. Make someone else do the litter as well so your not exposed any infection that way.
Cats are relatively clean animals, and i know they do probably carry alot of germs, but as long as you are vigilant about cleaning up after them and cleaning your house on a regular basis i dont see why you should stress :lol:

My understanding with cats is that the main risk area is with cleaning up their litter, rather than with the cat itself if that makes sense. Cats are carriers of the bug that causes toxoplasmosis, which is bad for foetuses if the mother contracts it. But easy to avoid if you can either get someone else to clean the litter up (regularly), or wear gloves when you do it & wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

I read somewhere that the risk for catching toxo from a cat is about the same or less than gardening without gloves on... so basic hygiene should cover you, and get someone else to do the litter. The bug needs 24 hours to grow enough to become infectious in the litter anyway, so changing it often is another help.

Yeah, what Shades said. You're more likely to get run over than get anything nasty from your feline friends :)

Yep basic hygiene is really all. Cats are incredibly fastidious and clean, so your only real concern is contact with their litter. And it's best to keep the cat inside (although of course it's best not to let your cat roam anyway!).

Actually we are getting a new kitten in a few weeks, as company for our 2 year old cat, cos I'm worried he will get jealous of the baby. I'm not worried abut toxo - just make sure someone else cleans the litter.

Actually, I recall that my initial blood tests showed I was IMMUNE to toxo haha! But i didn't tell my DH cos I wanted to get out of changing the litter *chuckle*

I worked in a vets while UTD with DS, you just have to watch the kitty litter, wear gloves, and try to make sure you dont get any scraches apart from they enjoy you old friend...

Yeah, I think the risks are extremely low.
Lol Talia, I made DH clean out the kitty litter for 2 years while ttc... just in case...

You can also request your OB / GP to include a toxo screen in your next BT - if you've been exposed to toxo, you'll have the antibodies already and your risk is greatly reduced...

I was quite worried about this during my pg (I was quite worried about everything during my pg ;)), my SIL has cats who have the run of the house and walk all over the dining table and kitchen bench. I asked my OB whether I should stay away from SIL's house, and he said that the risk of catching toxoplasmosis was very low indeed and not to worry about it.

I have 3 indoor only cats...and we're fine. Hubby does kitty litter and all else is good :)

I have a cat, I cleaned her kitty litter while pregnant with all three, just used rubber gloves. She is a long haired cat and I have to brush her everyday too, so you should be fine, just remember to wash your hands is about all I would say.
My OB asked if I had a cat and I think one of tests done was to check for Toxo and came back fine.

Just thought Id add to this discussion.
Im a vet nurse and the vets I work with said its not really the cats u worry about with catching toxo, while they still can give it to you (just washing hands after cleaning litter is fine), but your more likely to get toxo from unwashed fresh produce.

We have always had cats when I am pregnant and only thing I don't do is the cat litter, I still pat and cuddle them, even sleep in bed with us. :) never had a problem.