Cat litter trays and pregnancy?

[MrsGiraffe12]

Ok. So I know I'm not allowed to change litter trays. DH has already allocated himself that task.
But, we just collected our kitten and he pooped in his travel box which was on my lap. It stank to high heaven and now DH is worried the fumes will have caused baby (6 weeks today) damage.

Am I right it's just direct contact ie touching it that's the problem x

Avoiding the litter trays is to reduce the risk of toxoplasma/toxoplasmosis (or is it toxocara? I forget!) but some pregnant women have to do it. Good hand hygiene is whats important. To my knowledge there is no harm from the smell - if there is Id be very suprised!

Im vegetarian so Ive not had to think about it but I believe handling raw meat may be a risk too if you don't wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

I've survived 2 healthy pregnancies with cats and cat litter trays. Really it's just a case of ensuring (as always) strict hygiene. So if you must clean them make sure your hands are thoroughly clean afterwards.

Thanks cybercat. Just what I thought. Off to calm down DH now bless him x

Ps the fumes are harmless (other than making everyone feel sick!!!)

Thanks lastnightopenedmyeyes. I think DH is just panicking and being over cautious as I had a MMC last year so he's wrapping me up in cotton wool x

I wish my DH was being so protective, Ive helped move a fallen fence this afternoon! disclaimer I wouldnt have done it if I thought there was genuine risk.

Cybercat well done you for doing it. DH wouldn't have let me lol x

Yea I change the cat litter tray, because despite living with 4 other ppl, no-one else bothers to do it and it should be fine as long as you make sure your hands are thoroughly clean.

I also wish my OH was that thoughtful, most of the time i feel like i have to explain myself to him like i have some sort of disease rather than pregnant lol! x

I am 29 weeks pregnant and have been changing the litter box from Day 1. I just wear rubber gloves and wash my hands afterwards - basically just good hand hygiene.

ive been changing cat litter tray too. weve one of them scoop things and i just make sure my hands are thoroughly washed. there is suppose to be more of a risk from unwashed fruit and veg than anythin else

I have to do it. But I've lived around cats all my life and hope that I'm immune. My ExP did say he would so for 4 days I didn't check it. It was only when the cats were crying that I did - he hadn't touched it. Now he's walked out I don't even have the option of nagging him. I am very careful not to touch my mouth until I have washed my hands with hot water and dettol soap. My cats don't go outside which I think also reduces the risk.

I change the cat litter!! Ours is an indoor one and we have a scooper!!!

Our cat tends to not go for a poop until we either get home or we are in the bath grrrr so annoying!!! Odd ball xx

Cat poop itself is only a risk if the cat itself is carrying toxoplasmosis. I think they get it from eating raw meat or catch wild creatures. So if you have indoor cat that isn't fed raw food scraps, the chances of it having toxoplasmosis are pretty small. Unless kittens can contract from their mother (I don't know whether this is case) a new kitten should be low risk anyway.

I think I read some research about incidence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and domestic cats were a pretty insignificant risk factor. Still, an excuse to get out of litter tray duty is welcome!

Good luck with the new kitten!