Cleaning Cat Litter Box While Pregnant

The cat litter box should be cleaned on a daily basis.

Cleaning cat litter box while pregnant.

The concern here is toxoplasmosis a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat poop such as in kitty litter or outdoor soil where cats have defecated. You can change the litter box safely while you re pregnant but it s better to have someone else do this chore if possible. Toxoplasmosis cysts in the litter box require 48 hours to become infective. Even with a litter scoop it s gross but we love our cats so we do it.

It s a popular myth that pregnant women will contract a disease or harm their baby if they continue to clean their pet s litter box but in reality more people contract toxoplasmosis from mishandling and eating raw meat than cleaning kitty s throne. But we can just keep telling our men it s not safe. Just observe the basic rules of personal hygiene and take care of your cat. But it is better to be on the safe side and to ask other members of your family to clean the cat litter box when you are pregnant.

Make sure the litter box is cleaned daily and keep your cat indoors. Cats can make for amazing affectionate companions who sometimes show their love for their owner in mysterious ways. Pregnant women should wear gloves when gardening or working in soil or sand as it may have been used by neighborhood cats and contain cat feces. The likelihood of getting sick after cleaning your cat s litter box is very small.

It s always necessary to where gloves and wash your hands after cleaning the litter box because well you re handling poo. If you do not have somebody to help with this or if a situation occurs where you need to change your cat s litter box use gloves and a mask and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when you are done. The humane society of the united states offers these suggestions. Pregnant women should also avoid handling or ingesting raw meat.

Changing cat litter daily may help cut down your chances of being infected. If you must clean the box yourself wear gloves and then thoroughly wash hands. Feed your cat canned or dry cat food. There you have it you have 48 hours as a pregnant woman to clean out the litter box.

Ask a partner friend or family member to clean the litter box while you are pregnant. It is also a good idea to pass the test for toxoplasmosis. If no one can do it don t be afraid.