Toxoplasmosis from cat litter during pregnancy

[Mildred01]

Hi all,

I work with a family and they are getting a cat and expect me to take on pet responsibilities including changing the litter tray. I am in my second trimester but no one knows I am pregnant yet. I am still not ready to tell anyone (long story) but would it be ok if I change the litter tray with gloves on?

I am worried about catching toxoplasmosis but I can’t really say why I don’t want to so I guess I have to find a safe way to do this. I also don’t own or have never interacted with cats so wouldn’t have been exposed to it before as other cat owners have- from what I’ve read.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks 😊

Yes, I would think it is OK, I did the same through my pregnancies, I just made sure I used gloves and kept really both myself and the litter tray very clean.

Is it an indoor only cat? If so virtually no way of it catching Toxoplasma and passing it on to you. If it does go outdoors, you should nevertheless be fine of you are fastidious about cleaning the litter tray once it even twice a day, as the parasite takes a minimum of 48 hours to become infectious after coming out of the cat in the poo.

Of course wearing gloves and washing your hands will help eliminate any tiny remaining risk. I have an indoor only cat and clean her litter box at least every 24 hours, and while I don't wear gloves I do wash my hands thoroughly afterwards.

Did u took a test for Toxoplasma?

@Inaya05 hi, no I didn’t because I trusted other posters that it would be ok as the cats haven’t been outside? They are still in the house and only allowed in the garden for short periods of time with supervision.
I will mention it to my midwife though as it still does worry me a little!

@Mildred01 I didn't have cats. i don't know how i got toxoplasma.My toxoplasma was Tested always positive before pregnancy.
should i need to worry?

I wouldn’t. You need to tell your employer so they don’t make you do it. It isn’t worth the worry if you accidentally flick a bit into your face etc, step in some etc

There are other ways of getting it.

@Flederjo Whatever would be the reason I got it and i am immune to it. That is good for me and my baby.
As i got it once in my life there is no chance to Pass it through placenta as per my knowledge.
Am i right Girls?