me having a cat and ttc-ing is no secret. I adore both kids and children. So, when i wrote on my FaceBook that i was thinking of adopting another kitty while ttc, raise an alarming concern from my friend. She asked me to think about it carefully.
I was really puzzled at first and then i found out why. Cat POO!
caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, it is generally a mild infection with flu like symptoms. Many adults have the infection and never even realize it. If you have been infected with toxoplasmosis prior to getting pregnant, you have probably developed immunity to it. Toxoplasmosis is only a danger to your baby if you have an active infection during your pregnancy. Consequently, if you have had it before getting pregnant you will most likely not develop the infection again.
The effects of the toxoplasmosis are mild to the mother but may cause miscarriage, congenital defects, damage to the eyes, brain, or other problems.
Did that scared you enough? Hehe.. Well that doesn't mean that you would have to throw the felines away for good. This are the things that we can do to keep both child and cats around :)
- Do not change cat litter My suggestion would be asking your other half to do it for you. But, if you really have to DIY, then use gloves and a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you are done.
- Stick to canned or dry cat food
- Keep your cat indoors
- Do not take in a new cat or a stray cat
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling your cat
Feeding raw meats my lead to exposure to toxoplasmosis as it may contain the parasite.
Eating mice, or other small animals containing the parasite is a common way that cats acquire the parasite.
As adorable as they can be, this is not the best time to take in a new cat. Stray cats may be more likely to carry the parasite.
You are probably not going to get infected just from touching or playing with your cat but it is a good idea to wash your hands after handling your cat.