The doctor just told me it would be best if I got rid of the cats! Somebody please help

[AnguaVonUberwald]

Nearly six weeks pregnant, just had my first doctors appointment, going down a list of things and she said "Oh yes and don't go near any cats" Well, we have 2! Indoor cats.
The doctor said we should at least get rid of them for the first trimester but would be best if we just got rid altogether!!!

So, have I damaged the baby by having cats here in my first six weeks?
Do I need to get rid of them?
I can't stop crying about it, obviously the baby is more important, but I really wasn't expecting this. They are indoor cats, so can't catch anything to pass on to me anyway. (we presume).

I don't know what to do. Also don't know how many people would want a moggie with slight skin problems and a demanding burmese. I feel like I am letting them down even thinking about getting rid of them, but I can't take any risks with the baby.

What should I do? Help somebody

there was nothing nicer when I was pregnant than my two cats curling around my bump

No way would i ever get rid of them. Just wash your hands regularly and wear gloves to change litter.

my 2 are outdoor hunters btw, very unlikely yours will even be exposed to toxi etc....

Not only is it rubbish (about getting rid of the cats) but your child is likely to be healthier for living with cats. It's been shown that exposure to animals in a child's first year of life significantly reduces their risk of developing asthma and eczema compared to a child who has not lived with animals in his or her first year of life. Simple hygiene precautions (rubber gloves, double-bagging etc) when handling litter and food bowls will keep you safe while you're pg. Try not to let the cats lick you as well.

Relax and enjoy the rollercoaster.

Agree with Incy. You may find that you feel very differently once your baby is here. I adored my cat but once dd1 arrived I saw him as a walking health hazard and banished him to the conservatory. You will have to think about having indoor cats and a crawling babay, for example - can the litter be shut away? What about their feet? Can they keep themselves clean (an issue for me was the our cat often had poo on his bottom - he was a long hair.) And a friend's cat literally left home when her baby was born and moved into a shed at the bottom of her garden - what will your cats do if they object to the baby?

Nearlythree, The cats are both shorthairs, and clean in themselves but I see there could be a problem when the baby gets here, at least with the burmese. However this would be a jelousy thing, biggest concern is the health issue.

In answer to hte OP:
We have two cats and two daughters.

No problems at all.

Silly, outdated myth that you have to automatically get rid of them.

ok, am adding another helpful tip now to new mums and cat owners!

When we brought DD1 home from hospital, our cat went a bit wierd, cowering away and then started weeing all over the house (very strange behaviour for her - she's 6 and never done it before).
I took her to the vets to get her checked out and vet said it's a very common problem with new babies in the house, the cat can smell the new baby and feels need to reasert itself in it's home.

Vet sold up an AMAZING plug in device called Feliway, it gives off happy cat hormones (but humans can't smell them) and cat was back to its normal self in 30mins! Never weed in house again and was all cuddly and purry.

I've just ordered 2 new refills online in time for baby no 2 arriving.

Nooooooooooooooooo, don't get rid of the puss cats My friend has 2 indoor burmese and 2 children now. I have an outdoor puss cat and there is no way he was going when I had my 2 babies.

Make sure you wear gloves if changing the litter.

Don't worry and enjoy the pregnancy and congrats by the way.

xxx

hi no you dont need to get rid of your cat, i have one myself and a baby aswell and she has been ok and my pg was ok.
i agree with everyone sayin its the poo cos it could carry bacteria that causes toxoplasmosis. so as long as you dont make a habit of touchin the cat poo with your bare hands and then lickin your fingers you should be ok also try and keep your cat away from wherever you plan to have your baby sleeping as the cat hair could also be an irritant to your newborn. thats what i did my cat wasnt amused as he sees himself as a bit of a 'king of the manor!!' but he just had to put up wit it!!
hope that helps
xx ei xx

My indoor cat kept weeing in my handbags when I was pregnant! He did start acting a bit strange.

As far as litter trays are concerned I passed the responsibility over to my dh!

I have a Silver Spotted Tabby and since having our son (15months old) we have started letting the cat out. We never thought we would but the cat is much happier and we have a lot less cat hair to clear up!

Also he has a bit of a feisty nature and on occasion has gone for DS - thinking that it was a bit of a game.

Good luck with your pregnancy!