Last Thanksgiving and Christmas rush season one of my pet sitters was 8-9 months pregnant. During her pregnancy she expressed some concerns about cleaning litter boxes for our cat clients as she was worried about Toxoplasmosis. She continued to pet sit but researched the disease and took precautions to protect herself while sitting. As most of our clients have indoor only cats it was less of a risk – but if you find yourself pregnant and pet sitting it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Here is some more info about the disease and some tips safe sitting:
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite infection that can be transmitted through infected cat feces or in soil where cats have defecated. Although felines are the natural host of this parasite, some birds can carry it as well. It reproduces in their intestines. A cat can become infected by eating prey that has it, eating undercooked meat, or eating other cat’s feces that has the parasite. Toxoplasmosis is generally mild in a healthy, non pregnant person. It may cause some flu like symptoms, and should clear up fairly quickly. You may not even know you have contracted the parasite. If you are pregnant, however, it is important for you to protect yourself from coming in contact with this parasite. It is known to infect the placenta, and the baby. It can have devastating effects on you, and your unborn child. It can cause brain damage, effect the heart and lungs, cause stillbirth, miscarriage, death after birth, long term damages, slow brain development, structural and neurological problems, Cerebral palsy and Epilepsy.
Cat feces and litter boxes are the main source of Toxoplasmosis, but this does not mean you need to give your kitty cat a new home. It just means you should take some extra precautions. Here is a list of ways to avoid Toxoplasmosis while pregnant:
§ Avoid public sand boxes
§ Keep your sand box covered at home
§ Have someone else change the litter box until your baby is born
§ Keep cat from jumping onto the kitchen counters
§ Feed cat only store bought cat food
§ Never feed raw or undercooked meat to your cat
§ Keep your cat indoors
§ Wash your hands after playing or touching any cats
§ Keep cat away from dinner table while eating
§ When gardening, wear mask and gloves
Here are some signs to look for:
§ Swollen lymph nodes
§ Muscle pain
§ Fatigue
§ Severe Headaches
§ Fever
§ Rash
§ Sore throat
If you feel you may have contracted Toxoplasmosis, it is vital that you see a doctor right away. A blood test will show if you have been exposed. Then medicine will be proscribed.
Since you will be exposed to cats while pet sitting, I feel it is important to address this issue and make you aware of it. If you are pregnant while pet sitting a cat, just remember to be careful and take measures to avoid being exposed, until your baby is born.
Take some time to educate your clients about the disease if you know they have cats and are expecting or trying to have children.