Pregnant women and cat litter: A risk for expectant mothers you should be aware of
Pregnancy is a time of heightened concern for expectant mothers, and one potential threat they should be aware of is toxoplasmosis, an infection transmitted from cat feces. This parasitic disease, caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, could lead to miscarriage or severe complications for the unborn baby.
While most people don't know if they've had toxoplasmosis, blood tests can confirm past infections. However, for pregnant women, it's crucial to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting this infection.
The safest approach for pregnant women when handling cat litter is to avoid cleaning the litter box if possible, as direct contact with cat feces may contain the parasite. If cleaning is unavoidable, wearing disposable gloves and a dust mask, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after, and keeping the litter box very clean by scooping at least daily are all recommended measures.
Moreover, keeping cats indoors and feeding them only commercial cat food, not raw meat, minimizes their risk of becoming infected and shedding the parasite in feces. When gardening or handling soil, wearing gloves is also advisable, as these can harbor toxoplasmosis.
Studies show that following these steps significantly reduces the risk, especially if cats do not hunt or eat raw meat. Women who have been previously exposed to toxoplasmosis often have protective antibodies, but these measures add an extra layer of safety for those without immunity.
It's important to note that toxoplasmosis can also be caught from handling raw or undercooked meat, not washing hands after handling raw meat, and coming into contact with pregnant sheep and lambs.
If a pregnant woman contracts toxoplasmosis, she should contact her doctor, who may give blood tests to determine if the infection has been passed on to the baby. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in infected individuals include a high temperature, tiredness, aching muscles, and a sore throat, which usually clear within about six weeks.
The risks of anyone catching toxoplasmosis by changing a litter box are very low, especially if the tray is cleaned promptly and hands are washed afterward. Indoor cats carry a lower risk compared to outdoor cats.
In summary, the best approach is to avoid litter box duties or use gloves and masks with thorough handwashing if unavoidable, keep the litter box clean, keep cats indoors, and maintain good hygiene practices when handling soil. By following these guidelines, pregnant women can significantly reduce their risk of contracting toxoplasmosis and ensure a safer pregnancy.
This article was last updated in July 2025 by Megan Milstead. It's always best to be cautious if you are pregnant and suspect you have encountered infected material.
- For expectant mothers, it's essential to be aware of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease transmitted from cat feces that could lead to miscarriage or severe complications for the unborn baby.
- To reduce the risk of contracting this infection during pregnancy, keeping cats indoors and feeding them only commercial cat food, not raw meat, is recommended.
- Wearing gloves and a dust mask while cleaning the litter box, washing hands thoroughly after, and keeping the box very clean by scooping at least daily are all crucial precautions for pregnant women.
- Toxoplasmosis can also be caught from handling raw or undercooked meat, not washing hands after handling raw meat, and coming into contact with pregnant sheep and lambs.
- By following these guidelines, including avoiding litter box duties, using protective gear when unavoidable, keeping the litter box clean, keeping cats indoors, and maintaining good hygiene practices, pregnant women can significantly reduce their risk of contracting toxoplasmosis and ensure a safer pregnancy.
