Being around pet rabbits

[NooNooHead]

I took my DD to see her best friend’s new pet rabbits that she got for Christmas.

I didn’t handle them, nor go near their cage or where they were running around on the floor inside.

Presumably i’m being v overly cautious when I am worrying about being round animals like rabbits? Is it only cats and other animals like rodents like guinea pigs / hamsters etc that I have to be careful around?

No expert... but I wasn't aware there was an issue with anything except cat poop?!

Otherwise how would all the pregnant ladies with pets cope?!

As far as I know it's only cat poop which is an issue. I was in contact with lots of different animals during pregnancy but my husband changed the cats litter.

You don't need to worry about being around animals

I had a house rabbit which sadly died last year. He was 8 years old when he died and had him since he was 6 weeks old. I was around him throughout pregnancy and my son played with him since he was a baby. We never had any problems. Wasn't aware that there was an issue with rabbits. Midwife and health visitors who came at home never said anything.

It's only handling cat poo you need to be careful with afaik

Unless by 'rabbit' you actually mean 'lambing sheep' or 'young cat' then yes it's fine.

I mean obvs it's still good practice to wash your hands and not lick their poo or anything, but that's just basic human 101 and not pregnancy related.

Have a read of Emily Oster's book 'expecting better' if you are finding you are getting overly anxious about your pregnancy. It's really helpful.

It's only cat poop that's a concern and even then only really kittens. Risk is toxoplasmosis from which you can get (if not already immune which is likely if you've ever had a cat) from cat poo (after cat has eaten infected raw meat). However, most cats are also already immune so really only an issue if you have a new kitten that's just started going out. House cats would not be infected.

You're more likely to get toxoplasmosis from gardening! It's why you should also avoid rare steak though

Thank you all! Yes, I am a worrier! Always have been - but I don’t remember being this anxious in DD’s pregnancy. 🙄

I think it was after my ectopic and surgery in March this year that i’ve suddenly developed a huge fear of anything going wrong in pregnancy. I’m going to check that book out - it might help to allay some of my fears. 😊