Introduction
The question of what to do about cats when pregnant is common among expectant mothers, especially first-time mothers. Many women wonder if they need to give up their cat during pregnancy or take other precautions because of concerns about toxoplasmosis. This article will provide an overview of the risks of toxoplasmosis from cats, precautions pregnant women can take, and advice for handling cats safely during pregnancy.
Risks of toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is commonly found in undercooked meat and cat feces [1]. Pregnant women can become infected if they come in contact with contaminated cat litter or soil.
If a woman is infected with toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus. This can lead to severe consequences such as [1]:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Birth defects and developmental problems
The earlier in pregnancy the transmission occurs, the higher the risk of severe problems. Infection in early pregnancy can cause more significant impact on fetal development. Later in pregnancy, the risks are lower but toxoplasmosis can still lead to premature birth or mild deficits after birth [2].
How cats transmit toxoplasmosis
Cats become infected with toxoplasmosis by eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals. The parasite then multiplies in the cat’s intestines and is shed in the cat’s feces (CDC, 2022). The Toxoplasma gondii parasite does not become infectious until 1-5 days after being shed in the feces.
Human infection occurs when the Toxoplasma parasites in infected cat feces are accidentally ingested. This can happen through:
- Not washing hands after cleaning a litter box and then ingesting the parasites later
- Accidentally ingesting contaminated soil where a cat has defecated
- Eating unwashed vegetables that have been contaminated with infected cat feces
Pregnant women are at highest risk if infected, as the parasite can be transmitted to the developing fetus and cause severe illness. This is why it’s critical for pregnant women to avoid exposure to cat feces that may contain infectious Toxoplasma parasites (CDC, 2017).
Precautions when cleaning litter boxes
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that cats can transmit through their feces. Pregnant women are at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis if they come in contact with infected cat feces, which can be found in litter boxes (1). To avoid infection while cleaning the litter box, pregnant women should take the following precautions:
Wear disposable gloves when scooping litter and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Avoid touching your face while cleaning. Dispose of gloves and wash hands immediately after (2).
Have someone else change the litter daily, if possible. The Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after it is shed (3). Frequent litter changing helps prevent spread.
Wear a mask while cleaning litter to avoid breathing in any infectious dust particles (4). An N95 mask offers optimal protection.
Use litter that is dust-free and unscented to reduce airborne particles. Clay and clumping litters produce less dust.
Clean litter boxes in well-ventilated areas and avoid confined spaces like closets.
Thoroughly disinfect litter boxes and scoops after each cleaning using boiling water or bleach. This kills any infectious particles.
Avoid stray cat feces outdoors. Have someone else garden or wear gloves and wash hands after contact with soil.
By taking proper precautions, pregnant women can safely manage litter box duties and reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis infection.
Alternatives for litter box duties
The best way to avoid exposure to toxoplasmosis while pregnant is to not clean or handle used cat litter at all. If possible, ask your spouse, partner, friend, family member, or neighbor to take over all litter box duties for the duration of your pregnancy.
You can also invest in a self-cleaning litter box. These automatic boxes cycle through litter after each use, keeping the box much cleaner than a manual scooping box. Self-cleaning boxes reduce exposure to toxoplasmosis, but it’s still best to avoid handling the litter at all while pregnant. Hire someone to empty the self-cleaning litter box weekly.
As a last resort, consider temporarily rehoming your cats with a trusted friend or family member for the remainder of your pregnancy. While rehoming may not be ideal, it completely eliminates exposure from litter boxes in your home. Make sure your cats go to a safe and loving home during this temporary rehoming period.
According to BabyCenter, avoiding all litter box cleaning and scooping is strongly advised during pregnancy. Ask for help so you don’t have to choose between your beloved cats and your baby’s health.
Safe handling of cats
When handling cats while pregnant, it’s important to take some precautions to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after touching cats, cleaning litter boxes, or gardening. This helps remove any oocysts that may be present on your hands (CDC).
- Wear gloves when gardening or cleaning litter boxes. Be sure to wash gloves afterward (Cornell).
- Avoid rough play or activities that may cause cat scratches or bites. Scratches can allow parasites to directly enter the bloodstream.
- Have someone else handle litter box cleaning if possible.
- Keep cats indoors and supervise them when outside to prevent hunting behaviors.
- Feed cats commercial food rather than raw meat that may contain tissue cysts.
- Avoid stray cats whose disease status is unknown.
Taking precautions allows pregnant women to safely enjoy cat companionship while limiting toxoplasmosis risks.
Feeding cats indoors
It is recommended to keep cats indoors and feed them indoors during pregnancy to prevent them from hunting or eating infected rodents outside. Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, needs to spend part of its life cycle in cats and part in rodents. When cats hunt and eat infected rodents, the parasite can be transmitted to the cat through ingestion. The cat can then shed T. gondii in its feces, which can potentially infect humans (CDC).
By keeping cats indoors and feeding them cat food rather than allowing them to hunt, you eliminate the opportunity for cats to ingest infected rodents and shed T. gondii. Cats that are fed commercial cat food and do not hunt outside are very unlikely to transmit toxoplasmosis (ACOG). Therefore, pregnant women can safely keep their cats indoors and avoid the risks of toxoplasmosis transmission.
Testing for toxoplasmosis
Testing is important during pregnancy to check if you have been infected with toxoplasmosis. There are two main types of tests used:
IgG antibody test – This test checks for IgG antibodies, which indicate past exposure and immunity. A positive IgG means you likely had toxoplasmosis before pregnancy and are not at risk. A negative IgG means you are susceptible and should take precautions (CDC).
IgM antibody test – This test checks for IgM antibodies produced during an active infection. A positive IgM indicates an acute infection that requires prompt treatment. IgM can persist for months after initial infection (Testing.com).
Other tests like amniocentesis can check for congenital toxoplasmosis in the fetus. Testing at regular intervals is important to detect new infections during pregnancy and initiate treatment if necessary.
Treating toxoplasmosis
If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with a toxoplasmosis infection, there are treatment options available to help reduce the severity of infection and risk of transmission to the baby. According to the CDC, medication is available if you are infected during pregnancy, and you and your baby should be closely monitored by your doctor during your pregnancy and after your baby is born
The two main medications used to treat toxoplasmosis in pregnancy are spiramycin and sulfonamides. According to a review in Clinical Microbiology Reviews, spiramycin can help prevent transmission of the parasite to the fetus by concentrating in the placenta (Peyron 1999). Sulfonamides may also be used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat acute maternal infection.
Your doctor may change or combine medications depending on the severity of infection and how far along you are in pregnancy. Close monitoring will help determine if the medications are working or if different treatments need to be tried. The goal is to reduce the parasite load and prevent it from crossing the placenta to infect the developing baby.
While medication can be helpful, it does not completely eliminate risk. Preventive measures, like avoiding exposure and getting tested, are still important even when treatment is available. Work closely with your doctor for the best care if toxoplasmosis infection occurs during pregnancy.
When to reintroduce cat duties
According to the CDC, it’s recommended to avoid all litter box duties for the duration of pregnancy, as toxoplasmosis can be spread to the fetus and cause serious complications. After giving birth, it’s best to wait a minimum of 4 weeks before resuming any litter box cleaning (1). This allows time for any potential toxoplasmosis infection to be detected and treated.
Some sources recommend waiting 6-8 weeks after birth before cleaning litter boxes again, as antibodies from an infection can take time to show up on tests (2). Work with your doctor to determine the right timeline for your situation.
Once the waiting period is over, you can resume litter box duties by taking precautions. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask, wash hands thoroughly afterwards, and try to avoid breathing in any dust while cleaning. It’s also wise to have someone else handle litter boxes in the early months of nursing, until the baby’s immune system develops.
While toxoplasmosis risk is the primary reason to avoid litter boxes, the high bacteria levels in litter can also be problematic. Always be diligent about hand washing to prevent any germs being transmitted to the baby. With proper precautions, cat duties can safely return to your routine 4-8 weeks after delivery.
(1) https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/pregnant.html