Cat sitting in early pregnancy

[SisterA]

I'm meant to be cat sitting in a week & a half. I'll be about 8.5 weeks pregnant at this time, and I've just had a bit of a scare (but all is well). Anyway, I don't think there's any problem (I won't be dealing with any litter) but my mum thinks I should not. I just was looking for any second opinions if anyone's about - aibu to look after this cat for a couple of weeks?

Plenty of pregnant people have cats .
If you’re not dealing with litter then I can’t see what the issue is?

Well neither can I but she's very insistent!

Why would it not be ok?

www.petful.com/pet-health/cats-toxoplasmosis-myths/

Have you lived with cats in the past? I've had two cats in the past and as a result have the antibodies for toxoplasmosis so if you had cats before, chances are you're immune to it. Otherwise if you do have to deal with the litter tray, wear disposable plastic gloves. There also might be a risk if the cat scratches you and draws blood.

I had a cat when I was pregnant and was completely fine. However if somebody I know had to back out of looking after my cat because this person is pregnant, I wouldn't be upset at all. The only thing is you'd need to tell this person as soon as possible so they can make alternative arrangements.

Hope it helps...

Ah perfect thanks @Katinkka - I'll send her that link so hopefully put her mind at ease. She's just worried for me I suppose!

So you won't be cleaning a litter tray out? I am literally sat here baffled as to why you think this would be a problem? I cannot think of anything, even the most dramatic of people wouldn't blink an eye at cat sitting when pregnant.

@LaDilettante no I've not lived with cats before which I think is why she's concerned.

@HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone well, I don't think it's a problem but I also don't want to be really dismissive of Mum when she's just trying to be caring. So I just wanted to make sure I wasn't disregarding her advice unjustly by asking for second opinions, that's all :)

I had a cat during my first pregnancy and then three during my second. We got our first cat a few days before finding out I was pregnant and I simply avoided clearing the tray (husband did it).

I don't think it's a problem but I also don't want to be really dismissive of Mum when she's just trying to be caring.

I actually think it's the opposite of caring as she is causing someone who is newly pregnant to worry when there is no cause to worry. I appreciate you said you were not concerned but I would have a word with her about not sharing unnecessary worries as I can see this continuing throughout your pregnancy.

Honestly? I think now is the time to tell her you're a grown up and happy to make your own decisions.
Or she will be "insistent" about the birth and feeding and behaviour management and schooling etc etc.

I was just going to write another post actually as I might have sounded a bit dismissive (I spent 35 years living with cats). If you haven't been in regular contact, I wouldn't do it if I was you. It's not worth the risk even if it's an indoor cat. I'm sure your friend or family member will understand. I have a friend who has a bad eyesight as a result of his mum getting toxoplasmosis when pregnant. Nothing too dramatic thankfully but still annoying.

Just to point out I’ve never had a cat, or had any family members with a cat, or even really touched one (don’t like them).
Tests showed I’ve been exposed to toxoplasmosis in the past.

I have two cats and have had cats my entire life. I also like to eat my meat very rare. I got tested in my last pregnancy and despite all that I've never had toxo - so personally I wouldn't worry!