It has always been upsetting to read of a mother-to-be talking about getting rid of her cat. Why should the arrival of a blessed newcomer to the family signal the automatic rejection of another family member? Equally dismaying are comments that "My doctor told me I'd gave to get rid of my cats."
While it is true that cats can carry the toxoplasmosis parasite, which can cause miscarriage and/or birth defects, the whole story is that it is extremely rare for the disease to be transmitted by a cat. Pregnant women have a stronger chance of contracting the disease by handling raw meat or gardening with bare hands. In fact, the chances are that you have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis by those activities. According to the CDC, "More that 60 million men, women, and children in the U.S. carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but very few have symptoms because the immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness."
If you are pregnant, or hope to be pregnant, there are several precautions that can be taken to completely avoid the specter of toxoplasmosis. Read this article by Gary Loewenthal for complete details.
Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Anna Furman
Other Reading on Pregnancy and Cats
Toxoplasmosis (Don't get rid of the kitty!), by Robin Elise Weiss, Guide to Pregnancy
Did My Cat Give Me Toxoplasmosis and Cause My Miscarriage?, by Krissi Danielsson, Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss Guide.
Toxoplasmosis:
An Important Message for Cat Owners, by the CDC (Center for Disease Control.)
Comments