Caring For Fluffy While 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 person in your home, including your pets. Today, we’ll be discussing an interesting topic: cats and pregnancy. If you’re expecting, you might have come across some concerns regarding the risks of being around a cat during pregnancy. There is certainly a great deal of misinformation surrounding this topic. We’re pleased to clarify the situation! A local Mapleton, UT veterinarian shares some insights on that topic below.

What Is Toxoplasmosis?

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 groups, particularly pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that results from a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Most people who are infected do not show any symptoms. Fortunately, most cases are relatively mild, leading to minor issues 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’s roughly one in five.

What Is The Relevance Of Toxoplasmosis For Cat Owners?

This is where things become a little … puzzling. You’ve probably heard that the toxoplasma parasite can sometimes influence the human brain and behavior. The way this develops, 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 diminish the feeling of fear. This occurs in infected animals, such as rodents. You can likely 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 favorable.) Research has also shown that infected rats do not react to the scent of cat urine as strongly as those that are uninfected. This parasite, in essence, simplifies the hunting process for Fluffy. In exchange, she assists by dispersing it through her droppings.

Research on the effects on the human brain is ongoing, but it’s safe to say they benefit the kitty.

Here are some important points regarding it:

• Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite. Bacteria, certain algae, and protozoa are examples of single-celled organisms, also known as unicellular beings.
• One out of every five Americans carries the Toxoplasma parasite.
• Infection rates in some other countries may be as high as 95 percent.
• Toxoplasma gondii is the leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States.
• The parasite is present globally.
• Severe cases of toxoplasmosis can lead to significant harm to the brain, eyes, or other organs.
• Individuals with healthy immune systems typically experience no symptoms or complications.
• People who are immunocompromised and pregnant women face the greatest risk.
• Even if your cat tests positive for Toxoplasma gondii, it’s unlikely that they will shed infectious parasites.
• Many cats show no symptoms.
• Keeping the kitty litter clean is very effective in preventing the spread. The cysts remain non-infectious for as long as five days after they are excreted in feces. Daily scooping is an effective way to help protect against infection.
• Keeping your cat indoors can significantly help in reducing their exposure. Fluffy won’t be leaving dead mice on your doorstep, and this also contributes to the protection of local wildlife.

Ask your vet and doctor for more information. 

How Do Humans Contract Toxoplasmosis?

People can acquire the parasite in several ways. One way—specifically the one we are concentrating on—is through contact with the feces of an infected animal.

Additional potential methods of transmission are as follows:

• Consuming raw or undercooked food
• Exposure to contaminated cat feces can occur through activities like gardening or changing the litter box.
• Inborn Transmission from an infected mother to her fetus
• Organ transplantation
• Blood transfusions

How Do Cats Contract Toxoplasmosis?

Kittens can contract toxoplasmosis by consuming small animals that are infected. Since cats naturally prey on mice, birds, and other small creatures in the wild, this is quite expected. The parasite is released or transmitted through the feces of the cat. A cat that is infected will shed the parasite for approximately two weeks, although the parasite itself can survive for several months. It can thrive in soil, water, produce, sandboxes, and pastures. Litterboxes and any areas where an infected cat has defecated pose the greatest risk.

What Steps Can I Take To Lower The Chances Of Contracting A Toxoplasma Gondii Infection?

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

Here are some key tips:

• Always wear gloves when gardening or working with soil that might be contaminated by waste from wild, feral, or loose cats, as it could contain toxoplasma.
• If possible, have someone else take care of the cat litter. If that’s not possible, 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 by toxoplasma.
• take some 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 right temperature can help. wash your produce before cooking, and steer clear of unpasteurized milk and raw shellfish.

Consult your veterinarian for additional details.

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

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

Is Toxoplasmosis a Part of the Crazy Cat Lady Myth?

This is where things take a somewhat unexpected turn. You’ve probably come across the phrase Crazy Cat Lady. Although this was originally intended to be somewhat condescending, many have openly accepted the label. Fluffy, naturally, remains unfazed.

There has been considerable confusion here, stemming from rumors regarding a connection between childhood toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia. There is no evidence to support this. Research from Cambridge actually found no connection between owning a cat in childhood and experiencing psychosis later in life.

Numerous studies have demonstrated how cats are beneficial to us in various ways.

Here are some important points regarding that:

• Fluffy is beneficial for our hearts! A study from 2009 indicated that having pets can lead to lower stress levels and blood pressure, potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The study also revealed a lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, in individuals who own (or are owned by) cats.
• Kitty 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.
• Cats are great companions for kids. Children who grow up with pets often develop stronger immune systems and experience fewer allergies compared to those who do not have pets.
• Cats are great for napping and cuddling with, and they make excellent playmates for children. Snuggling with a purring cat can be incredibly soothing!

Consult your Mapleton, UT veterinarians for additional details on toxoplasmosis and how to care for your cat.

Is It Safe To Be Around Cats During Pregnancy?

Definitely. Fluffy can be a great source of comfort during pregnancy. She is a great cuddle buddy and playmate for young children. Just  follow the precautions we discussed earlier. After the arrival of your new addition, catproof top for your crib is another option to keep your furry friend out of it. That’s it!

Help Keep Your Kitty Healthy By Visiting Our Mapleton, UT Clinic 

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