Cat scratch in pregnancy?

[lenasibbs]

I seen my midwife and she said if I get a cat scratch I have to go for an injection or bloods took I can’t remember.
It’s because they are indoor cats
The scratch would have to break the skin wouldn’t it? I just got scratched off my cat but it’s not broken the skin I have washed it with soap and hot water

Seems sensible. Cats are actually pretty filthy creatures and I think she was saying that there is a TINY risk of infection if any nasty bugs from the cat get into your blood stream (which yes, would require the skin to be broken).

I’ve never been told this by my midwife - and my cat is always scratching me (usually at 5 am when he wants fed)

I wouldn’t worry if it didn’t break the skin though.

I no I wasn’t meant to change the litter tray but it was the first time I had Hurd this when she told me. Thank you x

Indoor cats aren't a risk.
It's the outdoor ones which carry a chance of being infected with toxoplasmosis.

Aww really? My midwife said not was indoor cats as it’s linked with the litter tray x

Toxoplasmosis in cats comes from eating infected raw meat eg rodents etc. If your indoor cats don't eat raw meat the risk is probably fairly low.

If you read up on it, its best NOT to change their litter, but IF YOU HAVE TOO, i.e it needs changing NOW and nobody else will be home to do it for hours then you can change the litter with gloves on and make sure you wash your hands properly afterwards (I wear a dust mask for extra measure also).
Im sure theres alot of pregnant women in the world who live alone with cats and have nobody else to do it for them and I cant see them getting rid of the cat(s) for 9 months....

As for the cat scratches im sure itll be more the outdoor cats that cause a risk as they can bring ANYTHING into your home. The risk will be far less in a controlled enviroment, I honestly wouldnt concern myself too much, if it was really that dangerous theyd of banned cats, and people have been having babies with cats for centuries.

Oops..... i dont mean having babies WITH cats just to clairfy incase it reads wrong.. shouldve said 'around cats' instead..

I have cats, got scratched (washed cuts) and changed litter boxes (wore gloves/washed hands) when pregnant without issues...

I'm not sure why your midwife said that indoor cats pose more of a risk - it's outdoor cats that carry the 'nasties' like toxoplasmosis!

Your midwife sounds like one of them that believes all the rubbish old wives tales when it comes to cats.

• You won't get an infection from a cat scratch if it hasn't broken the skin
• You CAN change the litter tray if your cat is an indoor cat. The risk of toxoplasmosis only exists if your cat eats raw meat or goes outside & could kill/eat raw meat. Just wear gloves, and wash your hands afterwards.

❤️