i have two kittens and i am 6 months pregnant. is it really dangerous for me to get near their litter box?

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.[1] The parasite infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. Animals are infected by eating infected meat, by contact with cat feces, or by transmission from mother to fetus. The most common means of transmission to humans is raw or undercooked meat.[2] The illness is usually minor and self-limited.

Up to one third of the world's population is estimated to carry a Toxoplasma infection.[3] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that overall seroprevalence in the United States as determined with specimens collected by the third National Health and Nutritional Assessment Survey (NHANES III) between 1988 and 1994 was found to be 22.5%, with seroprevalence among women of childbearing age (15 to 44 years) of 15%.[4] During the first few weeks, the infection typically causes a mild flu-like illness or no illness. After the first few weeks of infection have passed, the parasite rarely causes any symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. However, people with a weakened immune system, such as those infected with HIV, may become seriously ill, and it can occasionally be fatal. The parasite can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and neurologic diseases and can affect the heart, liver, and eyes (chorioretinitis).

There's this thing called toxoplasmosis. There is a risk for but it is actually quite rare. You don't have anything to worry about. Just being near the litter box isn't going to be a problem. The problem would be if you touched the litter with your bare hands, the litter has the toxoplasmosis, and you didn't wash your hands. Since this is rare (the toxoplasmosis), you could clean it if you wanted to. Just wear gloves and if you want to a mask to put over your nose and mouth. If you are still concerned about it continue having someone else clean it. I would also recommend talking to your vet (or any vet). They should be able to give more in depth information.

The only way for toxoplasmosis to enter your body (and the baby) is through ingestion. Cats spread it to one another because they bury their waste, then clean their paws by licking.

The safest thing would be to avoid physical contact with your cats' litter box; let your hubby do the cleaning! If you are the one stuck doing it, be sure to wear rubber gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands after doing so. The same thing applies if you're doing any outdoor gardening...your own cats, or neighborhood cats, may have used the soil as a littlerbox!

Being in the same room as the litter box(es) will not harm you or your baby.

Congrats, take care, and have a beautiful kid!

I clearly believe she is also to young to be pregnant. At 6 months, she may not have adequate protein to nurse her kittens, which might provide her seizures if she doesnt have adequate protein for HERSELF. Make sure shes getting a lot of meals. Dont be afraid to fatten her up, she will drop many pounds when she has her kittens, even more then she had before she used to be pregnant. In view that shes having kittens at 6 months, she is a kitten herself. She would possibly not live so long as the normal cat is supposed to. Probably eight-10 years. But excellent luck anyway!!!

Yes, you can. It's called Toxoplasmosis. Being in the same room with the litterbox won't hurt but don't scoop the poop.

Just make your hubby do it. There is no need to buy a automatic litterbox. Unless you really want one.

Katherine

Not dangerous to get near it, no, but you should not be the one to change it. The name of the illness is "toxoplasmosis". It is spread by hand contact with cat feces or urine or contaminated (underdone) meat, so you are safe going to the bathroom with the litter box in the closet. See the link below for a good Q&A about the bacteria and its spread.

Congrats on your baby, and your kitten!

Yes, it's ok to be around the litter boxes, just try not to handle them. You've probably already been exposed to toxoplasmosis and have developed an immunity to it. It's good that you have someone to help you, though, just in case. If you need to handle the litter boxes, for some reason, make sure you wear gloves and a mask to cover your mouth & nose.

It's best if you don't clean the box, that's good that you have someone else doing it for you. Those automatic litter boxes are great. Just know that your kittens may be fearful of it at first, but will get use to it.. Once they realize their box it always clean they will be very happy... Congrats on your baby on the way. Best of luck;^)

i myself think of she could be to youthful to be pregnant. At 6 months, she won't have sufficient protein to nurse her kittens, that can provide her seizures if she doesnt have sufficient protein for HERSELF. verify shes getting multiple nutrition. Dont be afraid to fatten her up, she will drop many pounds while she has her kittens, much extra then she had formerly she replaced into pregnant. because of the fact shes having kittens at 6 months, she is a kitten herself. She won't stay as long because of the fact the widely used cat is meant to. in keeping with risk 8-10 years. yet sturdy success besides!!!

As long as you do not handle the litterbox you are okay. If you are really concerned talk to your doctor and he/she may have some suggestions.