Keeping Cats??

[MissKW]

Ok, so this might sound a little silly to some of you but I am very cautious and paranoid about keeping my cat.
She is a sphinx and so stays in the house at all times, I know that I should avoid the little box just in case so my hubby to be is now on litter duty. However, he does have to work away every so often and in such a case I will have to see to the litter myself. This is not my only concern, but of course when she uses her litter she kicks it everywhere and it scatters all over the carpet (it is an enclosed box but she still manages to kick it out pretty well) and I have to hoover the litter off the carpet daily. She does not tend to kick out any actual mess, but the clean litter that she uses to cover it. This means that no matter how often I clean out the hoover, there is always that dusty litter smell coming out of it, which spreads around the house as I hoover up. This to me means that any germs will be spreading through the air? Also, what about when she has used the litter box and comes out with potentially dirty feet, running around on the carpets, sofa, and coming for a cuddle, this is also an excellent way for her to spread any germs, is it not? She knows not to go on any kitchen surfaces etc so that's not an issue, but keeping a cat in general means the house is never as clean as I would like it to be, despite my best efforts
Myself and my partner love our cat, but after having one miscarriage already (before we got the cat) we don't want to risk anything happening to this pregnancy if it turns out to be healthy (i am only 6 weeks atm). So putting the pregnancy first I am considering sending the cat to a family member for a while.
Am I over reacting? What did you do with your cats?
Thanks ladies

 

[Merry]

Hi,
We have 2 cats and a large dog (I'm 9 weeks pregnant.) Ours go outside but we do have an emergency litter tray, and in the winter one of them refuses to go out so the tray is in permanent use then!

Clearly it is ultimately your personal choice, but from my perspective I haven't even considered getting rid of them. On a purely emotional note, they are family members and it would be highly traumatic for everyone involved.

On a more practical one - you do need to be careful when changing the litter tray as toxoplasmosis can be carried in cat poo. However, as your cat is an indoor moggy she is highly unlikely to carry it anyway (confirmed by my vet and online research!) It is also easy to prevent contamination - if your partner is away just wear gloves when you empty the tray and wash your hands afterwards (which is generally a good idea anyway!) Re. the litter spreading when she jumps out, we have a special mat that helps to catch the litter, which works really well to stop it spreading (I'll try to find one and post a link!) You might also want to think about changing what type of litter you use - just in general, not pregnancy related! We use wood pellets and there isn't any smell or dust issue.

Finally - apparently more people contract toxoplasmosis through contact with soil (ie vegetables that haven't been washed properly) and undercooked meat than from cats.

Sorry if I've gone on a bit, but hope it helps!

 

[Merry]

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pets-at-home-litter-mat-grey-large

This is the sort of mat I think, ours was from the pound shop though! It's sort of textured plastic to trap the litter.

 

[TORino]

Could you get a covered litter tray?

Understandable that you are concerned but the risk is probably very low.

 

[millielaura]

We had 3 cats when I was pregnant who were all mostly indoors except for the odd wander round the garden. OH did the litter when he could otherwise I wore gloves and washed my hands extra well. If you're washing your hands a lot in general it will be fine. You would get toxoplasmosis from direct contact with the cat poo so gloves and hand washing you should be fine.
I wouldn't send to a family members personally because pregnancy and a new baby can be an upsetting time for pets as it is and this would confuse her I think? Up to you though xx

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[MissCharli]

I have 2 cats and wouldn't even contemplate getting rid of them! I just made my OH do the litter tray for the last 9 months.

However depending on how long you've had cats you've more than likely already picked up toxoplasmosis and are therefore immune to it now. I wouldn't worry too much about it x

 

[MissKW]

Hi,
We have 2 cats and a large dog (I'm 9 weeks pregnant.) Ours go outside but we do have an emergency litter tray, and in the winter one of them refuses to go out so the tray is in permanent use then!

Clearly it is ultimately your personal choice, but from my perspective I haven't even considered getting rid of them. On a purely emotional note, they are family members and it would be highly traumatic for everyone involved.

On a more practical one - you do need to be careful when changing the litter tray as toxoplasmosis can be carried in cat poo. However, as your cat is an indoor moggy she is highly unlikely to carry it anyway (confirmed by my vet and online research!) It is also easy to prevent contamination - if your partner is away just wear gloves when you empty the tray and wash your hands afterwards (which is generally a good idea anyway!) Re. the litter spreading when she jumps out, we have a special mat that helps to catch the litter, which works really well to stop it spreading (I'll try to find one and post a link!) You might also want to think about changing what type of litter you use - just in general, not pregnancy related! We use wood pellets and there isn't any smell or dust issue.

Finally - apparently more people contract toxoplasmosis through contact with soil (ie vegetables that haven't been washed properly) and undercooked meat than from cats.

Sorry if I've gone on a bit, but hope it helps!

Thanks for that! I have not tried the pellets yet so I will give that a try. I will definitely look into getting one of those mats too. The last thing we want to do is send her away for a bit, but, it was if needs must (they do look after her for us if we go on holiday etc and she is perfectly at home there, I actually got her from said family member so its nothing new to her if it came to that). I think I'm possibly being a little over dramatic, but I'm so scared of something going wrong if it could be prevented. You have reassured me that its ok to keep pets and that risks are hopefully low, so I will change a few things and hope it makes the difference.
Thanks again!

 

[Elfs Mummy]

We have two Siberian cats who are indoors. I still do the litter just wash my hand throughly after. I also keep nappy bags next to it so it's cleared straight away. I wouldn't be to concerned there's germ everywhere and you know exactly where your car has been and what they've eaten. Xx

 

[Emily0505]

I work in a rescue centre and throughout all my pregnancies from time to time I'd be on a cat section and have to clean out sixteen litter trays twice a day!! Just wear gloves and wash your hands really well afterwards.

If your cat is indoors then it's less risky anyway as she won't have been outside to pick anything up.

Have a look for a covered tray with a flap on maybe? Not sure if they make them or not?? You'll likely have to teach her how to use it but she'll get the hang of it or try a different type of litter if she'll accept it?

XX

 

[kumber]

You're at higher risk of toxoplasmosis from raw meat than you are from indoor cat poo. The risk of toxo comes from cats who eat wild prey like mice, etc. Moving your cat to family at this stage will only increase the cat's stress levels and will make settling cat and baby in together even harder. As someone well experienced in cat behaviour, I strongly advise against this plan.

You can buy some disposable gloves pretty cheaply, and pop them on when you need to do the tray, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

I mean this in the nicest possible way; when you have pets worries about germs need to go out the window. Animals have germs in the same way we do, your bottom is covered in poo germs and that spreads onto your clothes and your furniture when you sit down. It's on towels you use after a bath. It's on your bedding. Germs are good for kids, it builds up their immunity which is only ever a good thing. If you don't flush your toilet with the lid down then your bathroom, toothbrush, towels, everything is covered in your poo bits anyway so it's the same sort of thing.

I have 5 cats and am expecting #3, we are in a flat and have had the cats all the way through each pregnancy. I hoover every day, and sweep up the litter in the bathroom every day. DS1 ate a lump of litter covered poop. It happens, he was fine, just had a bit of a runny tummy and he never did it again. I keep the litter tray in the bathroom which is closed off to the kids unless supervised by me or hubby. It's a case of being aware of both your pets and your children, keeping the safety and well being of both in mind, and not being too clinical with either.

I think if you're incredibly worried or unhappy about it then you need to look at rehoming your cat permanently elsewhere, earlier rather than later, so they have enough time to settle in a new home. You can't really give them to family and have them back again in a little while as that is enormously unfair and will be detrimental to your cat's health because of the stress.

Apologies if I come across harshly, I only have the best interests of the cat in mind.

 

[millielaura]

Yep agree with kumber.. the fear of germs with kids just has to kind of go after a while! I've always been careful about them not going near her food and cleaning her dummy well if it got fur on..and then the other day she did this LOL!

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[lillith112]

I used to work in a vet lab and studied zoonoses at college (diseases transferable from animals to humans). Toxoplasmosis comes from roundworms, as long as you keep your cat wormed regularly, thats vet wormers not pet shop ones, you will be fine. No need to rehome your cat. I've had cats and dogs throughout my 3 pregnancies. xx

 

[kinkers]

Personally, I would do whatever makes you feel at ease. You are obviously anxious due to your previous miscarriage and although pets are a part of the family you and your child come first and if you want to eliminate all risks then that is completely understandable. My cat goes to the toilet outside but when we first got her she had a covered tray with wood pellets which were really good and easy to clean up.

I'm horrified that your child ate cat poo kumber. These things don't "just happen" sorry but that's a poor attitude to have when it comes to your child's health and safety. I think MissKW should have the best interests of her unborn child in mind rather than her cats..... children surely take priority over everything else. I love my pets ands so does Jake but I wouldn't hesitate to get rid of them if I felt like I needed to.

 

[mrs_cookie]

I have a cat and two large dogs that shed hair everywhere!! When DD was tiny I used to stress so much about the hair and the germs but as long as you keep things clean and tidy she's never had any issues. In fact I'm sure the germs the animals spread have actually boosted her immune system as even though she's a typical toddler who will pick up and eat a stray raised from under the couch or food thats fell on the floor before you can pick it up she's *touch wood* never had a stomach bug. I keep the litter tray in the back room which is gated so DD can't get to it,hubby will be cleaning it while I'm pregnant and if I have to do it I'll do as I do picking the dog poo up - wear gloves wash hands. I have a steamer and give the carpets and sofa a good steam every week or so to keep on top of anything they might of trod in but I honestly think a few germs benefits them! You can buy that spray dettol if you were really worried. I know its hard not to stress when you wanna do what's best for baby but the risk is really low and with good hygiene I'm sure you'll be fine. Wishing you a Happy and healthy 9 months xx

 

[kumber]

Kinkers, unfortunately we can't all be perfect parents but I'm so pleased that you feel you are. It was a the size of a raisin and he was thankfully absolutely fine, it hasn't happened before or since. As mine are indoor, their poo has relatively few nasties in it and it was a freak event, but thank you for being so publicly judgemental. I would much rather keep my pets as part of my family, and take responsibility for them as a responsible adult, than move them on because I chose to get pregnant or because they later became challenging.

 

[millielaura]

I can totally believe that it does just happen actually Kinkers.
I put my 6 month old down for 2 minutes yesterday and she somehow got a receipt out a book and ate it! We defo can't all be perfect.
I also wouldn't say someone who is a pet lover would use the term "get rid" about rehoming their pets either

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[kinkers]

I never claimed to be a perfect parent Kumber, I constantly question every decision and choice I make and I know that there are far better parents out there than me but who mentioned perfectionism?? No one.

It's not just the cat poo that's dangerous, it's the litter too, none are meant for human consumption... you just sound very relaxed about it that's all! I don't think it is a common incident at all MillieLaura, I know how quickly children can move etc... that's why you put dangerous substances out of their reach and I'd include things like feaces and cat litter in that but obviously not everyone does. I'd also like to point out that I am a responsible adult and a responsible pet owner - I pick up my dog's crap when I take it for a walk, I don't let it off the lead when there are sheep nearby, I keep the dog and the cat up to date with flea and worm treatments and vaccinations - but if the choice was between my child or my pet then I'd clearly choose my child, that doesn't make me irresponsible and using the term "get rid" doesn't mean I love my pets any less than anyone else MillieLaura, I'd be absolutely gutted if I had to make that decision but I love my child more.

 

[kumber]

My litter trays are kept behind a shut door. On this one incident, one of the cats had a bit of a runny bum and, being a Maine Coon with long fur, a bit of litter/poo about the size of a raisin got stuck onto the fur and fell off in the hallway overnight. The following morning we were up at 6:30am and he popped it into his mouth before I could stop him. We also use biodegradable litter so no, it's not dangerous.

As per, you are shockingly judgmental. Don't forget that I saw your comments on Facebook when DS1 was 5 months old about how "dangerous" it was that my son was lying on my Maine Coon, when they were both there out of choice. I completely agree with MillieLaura on this, there is a significant difference between a pet owner and a pet lover. You are indeed the former.

 

[millielaura]

My litter trays are kept behind a shut door. On this one incident, one of the cats had a bit of a runny bum and, being a Maine Coon with long fur, a bit of litter/poo about the size of a raisin got stuck onto the fur and fell off in the hallway overnight. The following morning we were up at 6:30am and he popped it into his mouth before I could stop him. We also use biodegradable litter so no, it's not dangerous.

As per, you are shockingly judgmental. Don't forget that I saw your comments on Facebook when DS1 was 5 months old about how "dangerous" it was that my son was lying on my Maine Coon, when they were both there out of choice. I completely agree with MillieLaura on this, there is a significant difference between a pet owner and a pet lover. You are indeed the former.

Ohh Maine coons

 

[millielaura]

oh my comment didnt send properly lol

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