My Newly-pregnant Daughter Needs to Give Away Cats - URGENT!

If the cats are healthy, there's no reason to get rid of them, especially if your daughter feels they are part of her family.

My husband travels a lot for work and when I was pregnant I was worried about caring for our cat while he was gone because of the "litter box disease" or toxoplasmosis. My OB assured me that as long as I was careful scooping the poop and washed my hands thoroughly after there was no danger. He said a woman would almost have to rub her nose in the stuff to really be exposed. Just being around a cat is not dangerous as long as the cat is otherwise healthy, which it sounds like your daughter's cats are. And I know I'm not the only pregnant person who has spent nights curled up with a warm kitty.

I urge you to and your daughter to have a talk with her doctor about it and have your daughter screened for it as well for peace of mind. A lot of cats are given away because of unfounded fears of toxoplasmosis.

If it's just a matter of simplifying your daughter's life -- five cats is a lot -- that's another story. But with a minimum of caution, there is no need to give the cats away for fear of disease.

Hi, you don't have to give away the cats unless they are outdoors cats. The bacteria is toxoplasmosis, and cats contract it by eating mice or undercooked/raw meat (and humans can also get it by eating undercooked meat). Then it's a whole series of steps (see http://www.catsplay.com/thedailycat/2003-11-17/bringing_h...) before a human can contract it from a cat: it has to be a recently acquired infection, the cat's stool has to have been in the litter box for more than 24 hours and some of the stool would have to get in your daughter's mouth or eye, so to be perfectly safe, she shouldn't change the kitty litter box during her first trimester. If they are indoors only cats, she should be perfectly fine! Ask your doctor if you have doubts.

Hi M., I am sorry I cannot help you as I am very allergic to cats. I did have some after my first 3 were born due to a mouse problem in my apartment. I think, as difficult as it may be, your daughter should find homes for them. Cats are strong and they will survive. There are so many in my neighborhood and they just keep on having kittens. I know how cute they are, but she must think of her child. My best, Grandma Mary

I have a cat that also was a stray when I became pregnant. I had my vet check for toxoplasmosis and got a blood test myself from the OB. All were negative. I just had my husband change the litter box for me and everything was fine. I now have a healthy, beautiful 10 month old girl. If she does not want to get rid of the cats, she may not have to.

R., Mother of 10 month old Maya

I believe that previous posts covered the issue of Taxoplasmosis acurately. We have had a cat since before I was pregnant with my 2 year old son. The only change we made was for my husband to change the litter box. There were no problems with my first pregnancy and I am pregnant with my second now. I believe that your daughter can have a blood test to see if she has antibodies for taxoplasmosis--if yes the she doesn't need to worry about it. I didn't even worry about it for me since I grew up with cats in the house (even when my mom was pregnant and I was a baby). The only real problem is teaching my high energy toddler to be gentle with my elderly cat!

Hello, congrats on becoming a grandma! I just have a suggestion. She does not necessarily have to give away all the cats. I have two long haired cats and my son is a perfectly healthy 6-month old who is just starting to learn how to pet the cats with supervision. He really seems to love them.
She can get herself tested at the obgyn and the cats tested at the vet for toxoplasmosis and as long as the cats are negative and don't go outside or come into contact with any other animals besides the ones she owns, then it is safe. I still would get her significant other to change the litter box just because of the germ factor even if they are toxo free. Also, she should train them to stay off her bed. And if they will not train, then she should put up a baby gate in the doorway of her bedroom and the baby's room to keep the cat hair off the baby's things. We bought two Moby air purifiers (they have HEPA filters) and put one in the baby's room (our room when he was really small and still in with us) and one right next to the litter box. This seems to cut down on the dust and even some of the fur in the air. Also, studies have shown that kids raised in houses with pets have less allergies. Something to think about.

I believe it's just changing the litter that you need to be careful with....(I had a cat while pregnant, my husband changed the litter)I know you want to be cautious, but I would check with the docter to see what he/she thinks. Maybe your daughter will not have to give them all up.
Good Luck.

Hi,
I hate to sound like yet another cat lover, but besides what was already said about the litter, etc, it might interest you to know that the incidence of allergy is greatly lessened in children that have had exposure to cats and dogs before the age of two.
My siblings and i were all 'gestated' with a former street cat in the house. I think we're all fine. :)
S.