Litter Boxes and Pregnant Women
Very few women understand the danger that their pet cat could pose them during pregnancy. This is because only a small number have ever heard of the term toxoplasmosis.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that can be passed from cats to humans through contact with the cat's feces. In adults this doesn't normally cause a severe problem and the flu-like symptoms come and go within a few weeks. People who have weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant may become very ill or even die. During pregnancy, the infection can also be passed on to the developing fetus - causing congenital toxoplasmosis.
What causes the infection?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is most commonly found in the digestive system of pet and feral cats, especially if they have raw meat in their diet. Once in the intestinal tract of the cat, the parasite forms oocysts which are then excreted in the cat's feces, in their litter box if they have one. From here it is simple to transfer the toxoplasmosis infection to you as a human.
So, are all pregnant women at risk?
Thankfully the answer to this is no. If a female has already been infected with toxoplasmosis pregnancy will not normally be affected in any way. This is because prior exposure to the toxoplasmosis parasite will provide lasting immunity, and so a second infection, even during pregnancy, will have no effect on mother or fetus.
Toxoplasmosis is therefore only a concern for those women who develop their first infection during pregnancy. This is because they will have no immunity to the parasite and can easily pass it on to their unborn child. It is estimated that 65% of women in the US have had no prior exposure and so are not immune to the effects of the infection.
How can the risk of developing the infection be eliminated?
In order to totally eliminate the chances of developing toxoplasmosis cats that live within the household should be tested and if necessary treated for the parasite. Obviously this can be quite an expense though, so the next best way is to protect yourself from exposure as much as possible.
Pregnant women should ask someone else in the home to clean and empty the cat's litter boxes each day. If this isn't possible then they should at the very least wear gloves when they empty the cat litter and wash their hands thoroughly afterwards.
It isn't necessary to avoid contact with a pet cat. However, every effort should be made to avoid litter boxes and contact with cat feces.
