Emptying cat litter tray while pregnant….?
I have two cats and Im concerned about toxoplasmosis. I cant get anyone else to empty the litter tray but when I change the litter every 2-3 days I do wear gloves and wash hands afterwards. I empty any solids as soon as I notice them and again wear gloves for this and wash hands afterwards. Do you think this should be ok? has anyone out there had to do the same?
thanks
Tagged with: cats • gloves • litter tray • solids • wash hands
Filed under: Cat Litter Box
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There is a blood test you can get, I believe its called IGG titer, it will check to see if you are immune to toxoplasmosis, and if you are infected with it currently. I had the same concerns because I had no choice but to change the litter box because my husband was going away for 6 weeks for training (military). I mentioned this to my doctor and he ordered the blood test, 2 days after the blood test, I got the results that I am immune to it, meaning I’ve been exposed to it and I can not become infected again, and that I wasn’t currently infected. It sure made me feel better to just know. Before I got the results he told me if I wasn’t immune to wear rubber gloves and a mask and to change the litter every day and wash real good afterwards. I believe you can even test your cat to see if he or she even carries toxoplasmosis, not all cats have it, just give your vet a call, but I’d first ask your doctor for the blood test and if you aren’t immune then get your cat tested.
I agree with Sabs, wear a dust mask as well as the gloves and given that you take proper precautions when changing the litter it will be fine, I had to do when pg with my 2nd as we got a new kitten, and even though it was one of my step daughter’s job to do, I did it a few times as I can’t stand there being any faeces in it sitting there all day if the cat uses it say in the morning after the kids go to school, so someone had to do it. and I wore gloves, mask, and wash the gloves before taking them off then wash your hands as well. As long as you do these things you’ll be fine.
Well, if you want to be 100% sure that you are safe from toxoplasmosis, you can get your cats checked for it at your local vets. If any of your cats were or are outdoor cats then there’s a chance they could have contracted it. If they are and have always been indoor cats then they most likely don’t have it.
But if you can’t get them tested, then you can prevent exposure to it by wearing long gloves, and a scarf or a mask so you don’t breathe in the the dust and yes wash your hands and face after every cleaning.
Wear a dusk mask or scarf too just to be extra careful.
Most people that have lived with cats have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis and never even noticed it because it’s just like a cold. Chances are you have already had it and therefore I don’t believe you can get it again BUT my theory is when your pregnant you should never take chances. I have a 6.5 month old and she’s not allowed to even come in the room for about 20 minutes after I changed the litter ( her father used to do it while I was prego )
Providing you are making sure you wash your hands properly, I think you should be ok. But obviously, there is an increased risk of germs, etc, so it would be best if you didn’t do it.
So how can an expectant mother avoid toxoplasmosis? Here are some tips:
Don’t handle or eat uncooked or undercooked meat.
Clean cutting boards, counters, plates, and utensils that have been in contact with meat.
Keep your cat safely indoors and away from wildlife.
Have someone else clean the litter box daily.
Wear rubber gloves and follow with a thorough hand washing if you must clean the litter box. Scoop feces as soon as you can, and at least daily, since it takes one to five days for feces to become infectious.
Feed cats only commercially prepared cat food.