Cats And Pregnancy

Are you planning to welcome a baby into your home soon? Congratulations! Becoming a parent is life-changing in every way. That new arrival is going to affect every element and everyone in your household … including your pets. And that brings us to today’s topic: cats and pregnancy. If you’re expecting, you may have heard rumors about the dangers of handling a cat while pregnant. There is definitely a lot of misinformation on this topic. We’re happy to set the record straight! A local Coquitlam, British Columbia vet offers some insight on that below.

What Is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The vast majority of those who are infected remain asymptomatic. Fortunately, most cases are fairly mild, causing minor issues such as flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. However, sometimes complications do arise. These can cause more dangerous problems, and can damage the vital organs, including the brain, lungs, heart, eyes, and liver. 

Not everyone is susceptible to symptoms. Problems are usually seen in people with compromised immune systems. Unfortunately, it can also seriously affect unborn babies.

How Common Is Toxoplasmosis?

It is probably much more common than you think. Over 40 million Americans carry the parasite Toxoplasma. That comes out to about one in five.

How Is Toxoplasmosis Relevant To Cat Owners?

This is where things get a bit … purrplexing. As you may have heard, the toxoplasma parasite can, in some cases, affect the human brain and behavior. How this unfolds, and how cats come into the picture is a bit of a tall tail, so to speak. Let’s just say it is definitely one of nature’s most unique symbiotic relationships. 

Curiously, one effect that toxoplasmosis has on the brain is essentially dulling the sense of fear. This also happens in infected rodents. You can probably guess what happens when a mouse whose natural fear of cats has been damped down comes into contact with a hungry feline. (Spoiler: it’s not going to end well for the mouse.) Studies have also found that infected rats are not as alarmed by the scent of cat urine as uninfected ones. In other words, this parasite makes hunting easier for Fluffy. In return, she helps by spreading it through her feces.

The effects on the human brain are still being researched, but let’s just say they work in the kitty’s favor.

Here are a few key points about it:

• The toxoplasma gondii parasite is a single-celled being. bacteria, some algae, and protozoa are also single-celled beings, or unicellular organisms.
• One in five Americans carry the Toxoplasma parasite.
• Infection rates in some other countries may be as high as 95 percent.
• Toxoplasma gondii is the number one cause of death from foodborne illness in America.

• The parasite can be found all over the world. 
• Severe cases of toxoplasmosis can cause major damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs.
• Most people with healthy immune systems will not have any symptoms or complications. 
• Immunocompromised people and pregnant women are at the highest risk.
• Even if your cat tests positive for Toxoplasma gondii, they aren’t likely to shed infectious parasites.
• Most cats are asymptomatic.
• Cleaning up kitty litter is also extremely effective in preventing spread. The cysts do not become infectious for up to five days after being passed in feces. Therefore, daily scooping alone is a great help in protecting against infection.
• Keeping your cat inside can also go a long way toward preventing exposure. Not only will Fluffy not be dropping dead mice on your step, this also helps protect local wildlife.

How Do People Contract Toxoplasmosis?

There are a few ways people can pick up the parasite. One—and the one we are focused on—is by coming into contact with the feces of an infected animal.

Other possible methods of transmission include the following:

• Eating raw or undercooked food
• Contact with contaminated cat feces, whether through gardening or changing the litterbox. 
• Congenital Transmission from an infected mother to the fetus
• Organ transplant
• Blood transfusions

How Do Cats Get Toxoplasmosis?

Kitties can get toxoplasmosis by eating infected small animals. Given that kitties live on mice, birds, and other small critters in the wild, this isn’t a surprise. The parasite is shed—or spread—in the cat’s feces. An infected cat will only shed the parasite for about two weeks, but the parasite can survive for months. It can live in soil, water, produce, sandboxes, and pastures. Litterboxes and any other place an infected cat may have defecated carry the highest risk.

How Can I Reduce The Risk Of Getting A Toxoplasma gondii Infection?

As far as cat care goes, it’s quite simple.

• Wear gloves whenever you are gardening or handling soil that could potentially be contaminated with waste from wild, feral, or even just loose cats, as the soil could contain toxoplasma.  
• Ideally, have someone else deal with cat litter. If that isn’t an option, just wear gloves when changing or cleaning cat litter.
• Scoop the litterbox daily. (Automated ones can help with this.) 
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water any time you touch something that could have been contaminated by toxoplasma.
• Taking some basic precautions with food is also important. For instance, freezing meat before you cook it can reduce chances of infection, as will using a food thermometer to make sure it’s hot enough. Wash produce before cooking it, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and/or eating raw shellfish.

Ask your Port Coquitlam, British Columbia vet for more information.

Do I Have To Get Rid Of My Cat?

We can’t state this enough: there is absolutely no need to rehome your cat. This also is another reason to keep your kitty indoors. A cat that has never been out is naturally going to have a much lower risk of contracting toxoplasmosis than one who is constantly in and out. (We’ll save Fluffy’s tendency to always think she’s on the wrong side of the door for another post.)

Is Toxoplasmosis Part Of The Crazy Cat Lady Mythos?

This is where things take a bit of an unusual term. You’ve likely heard the term Crazy Cat Lady. While this was initially meant in an at least somewhat condescending manner, many have openly embraced the label. Fluffy, of course, is also unbothered.

There has been a lot of confusion here, due to rumors about a link between childhood toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia. Owning a cat became one of the markers to look for. However, no evidence has confirmed this. In fact, research from Cambridge found no link between childhood cat ownership and later psychosis.

We can actually go a bit further here, and point out that several studies have shown how kitties are actually beneficial to us in many ways.

Here are a few key points on that:

• Fluffy is good for our hearts! A 2009 study showed that the presence of pets has been associated with reduction of stress and blood pressure and therefore may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The same study found a decreased risk for death due to cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) among persons with cats. 
• Cats’ purrs have healing qualities. Fluffy rumbles at specific frequencies, which are typically between 25 and 140 Hertz. These exact same frequencies have been shown to help promote bone healing and tissue growth. 
• Kitties are also good for children. Kids that grow up with pets tend to have stronger immune systems and fewer allergies than those that don’t. 
• Our feline pals also make great napping buddies and playmates for kids. Cuddling up with a purring cat can be very relaxing! 

Ask your Port Coquitlam, British Columbia vet for more information about toxoplasmosis and cat care.

Is It Safe To Be Around Cats While Pregnant?

Yes, absolutely. Fluffy may actually be a wonderful source of comfort during pregnancy. She also makes a pretty good cuddle buddy and playmate for young children. Just take the precautions we mentioned above. You can also get a catproof top for your crib to keep your feline pal out of it. That’s it!

Keep Your Cat Healthy By Visiting Our Coquitlam, British Columbia Clinic 

Is your feline friend overdue for an exam? Contact us, your Coquitlam, British Columbia pet hospital, anytime. We’re here to help!