Taking Care Of A Kitty When Pregnant

Are you getting ready to welcome a baby into your home soon? Congratulations! Becoming a parent transforms your life in countless ways. The new arrival will impact every aspect and every member of your household … including your pets. If you’re pregnant, you might have come across some concerns regarding the safety of being around cats during this time. There is certainly a great deal of misinformation surrounding this topic. We’re pleased to clarify things! A local Brantford, ON veterinarian shares some insights on that topic below.

Toxoplasmosis Basics

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It can be transmitted through various means, including contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals. While many people may not experience symptoms, it can pose risks for certain individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women. Understanding the transmission and potential effects

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that results from a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Most people who are infected do not show any symptoms. Luckily, the majority of cases are relatively mild, leading to minor problems like flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. Nonetheless, complications can occasionally occur. These can lead to more serious issues and may harm essential organs, such as the brain, lungs, heart, eyes, and liver.

Not everyone experiences symptoms. Issues typically arise in individuals who have weakened immune systems. Regrettably, it can also have a significant impact on unborn babies.

Toxoplasmosis: How Common Is It?

It’s likely more common than you realize. More than 40 million Americans are infected with the parasite Toxoplasma. That amounts to roughly one in five.

What Is The Significance Of Toxoplasmosis For Cat Owners?

This is where things become a little … puzzling. You might be aware that the toxoplasma parasite can, in certain instances, influence the human brain and behavior. The way this unfolds, and the role cats play in it, is quite a story, so to speak. It is certainly one of the most unique symbiotic relationships found in nature.

Interestingly, one impact of toxoplasmosis on the brain is that it tends to reduce the sense of fear. This occurs in infected rodents as well. It’s likely you can imagine the outcome when a mouse, whose instinctive fear of cats has been lessened, encounters a hungry cat. (Spoiler: the outcome for the mouse isn’t going to be good.) Research has shown that infected rats do not react to the smell of cat urine with the same level of alarm as their uninfected counterparts. This parasite simplifies the hunting process for Fluffy. In exchange, she assists by dispersing it through her waste.

How Is Toxoplasmosis Spread?

People can acquire the parasite in several ways. One way, and the one we are focusing on, is through contact with the feces of an infected animal. Additional potential methods of transmission include consuming raw or undercooked food, exposure to contaminated cat feces can occur through activities like gardening or changing the litter box, organ transplants, and blood transfusions.

How Do Cats Contract Toxoplasmosis?

Kittens can contract toxoplasmosis by consuming small animals that are infected. Since cats naturally hunt mice, birds, and other small creatures in the wild, this is not unexpected. The parasite is released or transmitted through the cat’s feces. A cat that is infected will shed the parasite for approximately two weeks, but the parasite itself can remain viable for several months. It can be found in soil, water, produce, sandboxes, and pastures. Litterboxes and any areas where an infected cat has defecated pose the greatest risk.

How Do I Lower My Chances Of Contracting A Toxoplasma Gondii Infection?

When it comes to taking care of cats, it’s really quite straightforward.

• Always wear gloves when gardening or working with soil that may be contaminated by waste from wild, feral, or loose cats, as it could contain toxoplasma.
• It’s best to have someone else take care of the cat litter. If that’s not feasible, simply put on gloves when handling or cleaning the cat litter.
• Make sure to scoop the litter box every day. Automated solutions can assist with this.
• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water whenever you touch anything that might be contaminated with toxoplasma.
• Keeping the kitty litter clean is very effective. The cysts remain non-infectious for as long as five days after they are excreted in feces. Daily scooping is your best bet.
• Keeping your cat indoors can significantly help reduce their exposure to various risks. Fluffy won’t be leaving dead mice on your doorstep, and this also contributes to the protection of local wildlife.
• Take basic precautions with food. For example, freezing meat prior to cooking can lower the risk of infection, just as using a food thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper temperature can help. Be sure to wash your produce before cooking, and steer clear of unpasteurized milk and raw shellfish.

Consult your Brantford, ON veterinarian for additional details.

Do I Need To Find A New Home For My Cat?

No! It’s important to emphasize that there is no reason to consider rehoming your cat. This is yet another reason to keep your cat indoors. A cat that has never been outdoors will naturally have a much lower risk of contracting toxoplasmosis compared to one that frequently goes outside. (We’ll save Fluffy’s habit of always believing she’s on the wrong side of the door for another time.)

In fact, our feline pals are beneficial to us in various ways.

Fluffy is good for our hearts! A study from 2009 indicated that having pets can lead to lower stress levels and blood pressure, which may consequently decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study also revealed that individuals who own cats have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, including stroke.

Those soothing purrs possess healing properties. Fluffy produces sounds at certain frequencies, usually ranging from 25 to 140 Hertz. These specific frequencies have been demonstrated to aid in bone healing and tissue growth.

Kitties are great companions for kids. Children who are raised with pets often develop stronger immune systems and experience fewer allergies compared to those who are not around animals.

Our feline pals are wonderful companions for napping and can be playful friends for children. Snuggling with a purring cat can be incredibly soothing!

Ask your Brantford, ON veterinarian for additional details regarding toxoplasmosis and how to care for your cat.

Make An Appointment At Brantford, ON Our Clinic

Is your cat due for a check-up? Feel free to reach out to us at your local Brantford, ON pet hospital whenever you need assistance. We’re here to assist you!