Cats & Pregnancy

Pregnancy with cats can spark excitement and concern among expectant mothers. While feline companions often bring joy and comfort, many women worry about the potential health implications. One of the primary concerns involves toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection sometimes transmitted by cat feces. However, comprehensive research indicates that these risks are generally manageable with the right precautions. Simple habits such as washing hands after handling litter, wearing gloves, and ensuring the cat’s vaccinations are up to date can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. In addition, regular veterinary checkups help confirm that felines remain healthy throughout this critical time. Contrary to common misconceptions, owning a cat while pregnant does not automatically pose a serious threat to mother or baby. By staying informed and practicing good hygiene, pet owners can experience the best of both worlds: the happiness of feline companionship and the confidence of a safe, healthy pregnancy for all involved.

Is your family expecting a new arrival? Congratulations! Becoming a parent changes your life in every way. The new arrival will impact everyone in your household, including your pet. That leads us to today’s topic: cats during pregnancy. If you’re expecting, you may have heard about the risks of touching a cat while pregnant. There is a lot of misunderstanding about this topic. A neighborhood Askov, MN veterinarian provides some light on this below.

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The vast majority of people afflicted are asymptomatic. Fortunately, the majority of those that do have symptoms are modest cases, resulting in flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. However, difficulties can develop from time to time. These can lead to more serious disorders and damage important organs like the brain, lungs, heart, eyes, and liver.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop problems. Unfortunately, it can also harm unborn fetuses.

How Common is Toxoplasmosis?

It is probably more prevalent than you realize. Toxoplasma is carried by about 40 million Americans. That works out to around one in every five.

How Does Toxoplasmosis Affect Cat Owners?

This is when things get a little confusing. Unlike most parasites, the toxoplasma parasite has the potential to influence the human brain and behavior. How this plays out, and how cats enter the picture, is a bit of a tall tale. Let us just say that it is one of nature’s most remarkable symbiotic connections.

One of the effects of toxoplasmosis on the brain is a reduction in fear.. You can probably predict what happens when a mouse with a suppressed phobia of cats comes into contact with a hungry feline. (Spoiler: it won’t end well for the mouse.) According to studies, infected rats are less startled by the smell of cat urine than uninfected rats. To put it another way, this parasite facilitates Fluffy’s hunting. In exchange, she helps by dispersing it through her excrement.

Here are some important points regarding it:

• The Toxoplasma gondii parasite is a single-celled organism. Bacteria, certain algae, and protozoa are all single-celled creatures.
• One in every five Americans carries the Toxoplasma parasite.
• Some other countries may have infection rates of up to 95%.
• Toxoplasma gondii is the leading cause of death from foodborne illness in America.
• The parasite can be found around the world.
• Severe toxoplasmosis can cause significant damage to the brain, eyes, and other organs.
• Most persons with healthy immune systems will not experience any signs or consequences.
• People with impaired immune systems and pregnant women are more vulnerable.
• Even if your cat tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii, they are unlikely to shed infectious parasites.
• Most cats are asymptomatic.
• Cleaning up kitty litter is also quite efficient at preventing spread. The cysts are not contagious for up to five days after being discharged in feces. As a result, daily scooping is quite beneficial in terms of infection prevention.
• Keeping your cat inside can also help prevent exposure. This not only prevents Fluffy from dropping dead mice on your doorstep, but it also helps to safeguard nearby wildlife.

Ask your Askov, MN vet for more information on pregnancy with cats to learn how pregnant women can safely manage feline interactions and reduce risks associated with toxoplasmosis.

How Do People Get Toxoplasmosis?

There are several methods in which people can contract the parasite. One method—and the one we are focusing on—is to come into touch with an infected animal’s feces.

Other potential modes of transmission include Consuming uncooked or undercooked food; Contact with tainted cat excrement, whether while gardening or changing the litter box; congenital transmission from infected mother to fetus; organ transplants; and blood transfusions.

How Do Cats Develop Toxoplasmosis?

Kitties can contract toxoplasmosis after ingesting infected small animals. This is not surprising given that cats in the wild eat mice, birds, and other tiny creatures. The parasite is shed—or spread—via the cat’s excrement. An infected cat will shed the parasite for approximately two weeks, although the parasite can live for months. It thrives in soil, water, food, sandboxes, and pastures. Litterboxes and other places where an infected cat may have defecated pose the greatest risk.

How Can I Lower My Chances of Getting Infected?

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to keep yourself and the bun in the oven safe. Just using common sense precautions—and a bit of extra care—will do it.

• Wear gloves whenever you are gardening or handling soil that may have been contaminated with feces from wild, feral, or even loose cats, as the soil may carry toxoplasma.
• Ideally, let someone else deal with the cat litter. If that is not an option, simply wear gloves while changing or cleaning kitty litter.
• Scoop the litterbox every day. (Automated ones can assist with this.)
• Anytime you come into contact with something that could be contaminated with toxoplasma, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
• Taking basic food safety procedures is also vital. For example, chilling meat before cooking it can help lower the risk of illness, as can using a food thermometer to ensure it is hot enough. Wash your fruit before preparing it, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and/or eating raw seafood.

Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Do I Need to Get Rid of My Cat?

We can’t say it enough: there is no need to rehome your cat. This is another incentive to keep your cat indoors. A cat who has never been outside is inherently less likely to get toxoplasmosis than one that is continually in and out. (We’ll save Fluffy’s habit of always believing she’s on the wrong side of the door for another time.)

Is Toxoplasmosis Part of the Crazy Cat Lady Myth?

This is where things become a little strange. You’ve probably heard the moniker Crazy Cat Lady. While this was intended to be slightly condescending, many people have freely accepted the moniker. Fluffy, of course, is not disturbed.

There has been a lot of uncertainty here because of rumors linking young toxoplasma gondii infection to schizophrenia. Owning a cat became one of the criteria to look for. However, there is no data to support this. In reality, Cambridge researchers discovered no link between childhood cat ownership and subsequent insanity.

We can go a step further and point out that various studies have demonstrated that cats benefit us in a variety of ways.

• Fluffy is healthy for the heart! A 2009 study found that having dogs was connected with lower stress and blood pressure, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. The same study indicated that those who own cats have a lower chance of dying from cardiovascular disorders (including stroke).
• Cats’ purrs have therapeutic properties. Fluffy rumbles at specified frequencies, usually between 25 and 140 Hertz. The exact same frequencies have been found to stimulate bone mending and tissue growth.
• Kitties are also beneficial for children. Children who grow up with dogs typically have stronger immune systems and fewer allergies than those who do not.
• Our feline friends also make excellent napping companions and playmates for children. Cuddling with a purring cat may be really calming!

Ask your Hinckley, MN veterinarian for further information about toxoplasmosis, cat care, and managing pregnancy with cats safely.

Pregnancy with Cats in 2025: Risks, Research, and Safety Tips

Should a cat be given away during pregnancy?

There is no need to give away a cat during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis can be prevented through simple measures such as daily scooping of the litter box, wearing gloves when handling soil or cat waste, and ensuring meat is fully cooked. The parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis becomes infectious only after several days in feces, so frequent litter cleaning significantly reduces risk. Keeping cats indoors decreases the chance of them contracting toxoplasma from infected prey. Research does not support the idea that cat ownership causes mental disorders, and studies indicate many health benefits associated with having feline companions.

What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?

Most healthy individuals with toxoplasmosis do not require treatment, as mild cases often resolve without intervention. However, medical therapy may be necessary for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. A commonly used combination includes pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which work together to inhibit parasite growth. Folinic acid is frequently added to offset side effects. Follow-up exams and regular testing help track progress and ensure therapeutic success. Prompt detection, along with veterinary guidance for infected pets, further reduces complications and fosters significantly safer outcomes for both people and animals overall.

What are the specific risks to babies born from mothers infected during pregnancy?

Babies born to mothers who contract toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are at risk of serious complications affecting their brain, eyes, and other organs. They may experience vision problems, hearing loss, or neurological issues, such as seizures and developmental delays. Some infants appear healthy at birth but can develop symptoms later, including cognitive difficulties or damage to the retina. The parasite can also harm the heart, lungs, or liver in severe cases. Potential consequences include lasting impairments in growth and overall development. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical care may help minimize long-term effects and improve outcomes.

Can I breastfeed my baby if I had toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?

Breastfeeding is usually safe after toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible, is not commonly transmitted through breastmilk. Antibodies produced after infection can even offer passive immunity to the newborn. Most guidelines encourage continued nursing if there are no active breast lesions or other complications. The primary concern with toxoplasmosis revolves around pregnancy itself, as transmission typically occurs through the placenta, not through nursing. Careful hygiene and awareness of any lingering symptoms help ensure a healthy experience for both mother and child, promoting bonding and optimal development. Regular postpartum checkups also support maternal well-being.

What does medical research actually say about cats and pregnancy?

Medical research consistently finds that proper hygiene and handling of cat waste keep toxoplasmosis risk low for pregnant people. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can affect unborn babies, is most commonly spread through contaminated soil, undercooked meat, or exposure to infected cat feces. Regular cleaning of litter boxes, preferably by someone else, wearing gloves when gardening, and washing hands after contact with soil or cat waste are proven strategies for preventing infection. Studies confirm that healthy, indoor cats present minimal danger to expectant parents, allowing families to safely enjoy feline companionship during pregnancy.

Keep Your Cat Healthy by Visiting Our Askov, MN Clinic

Is your kitty companion overdue for a checkup? Contact us, your local Askov, MN pet hospital, at any time. We are here to help!