Wear gloves if you garden or work in soil (the parasite lives in the dirt). Anything that effectively and quickly contains the mess from your litter box is advisable. Everyone in your household can help keep both your cat and baby safe, happy, and living together on peaceful terms. When you do scoop, make sure to use disposable gloves and wash your hands afterward. That's because the parasite can be found in raw and undercooked meats or on unwashed produce. Ask others to help make sure that your cat gets fed, brushed, and entertained in the usual manner. One way to find out how long cats are pregnant is to confirm a cat is indeed pregnant. Arguments For Indoor Only Cats Lower chance of catching diseases from other cats such as the untreatable and fatal feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) - the cat equivalent of AIDS. Toxoplasmosis in cats is rarely a serious problem. While this sounds terrible, the reality is that you’re more likely to “catch” the disease from undercooked meat than from your cat. Toxoplasmosis is a disease transmitted by cats, and it can cause pregnant women to miscarry or cause brain damage to the fetus. Lower chance of catching fleas or worms from vermin. Pregnant women may assume they need to give their cats away because toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects in children. With some planning, babies and cats can be buddies. As a result, a pregnant woman will not pass it on to her unborn child. Pregnant cats - what to expect when they're expecting Heat cycles usually stop during pregnancy, but sometimes they continue. This box scoops, liquefies and flushes the cat waste by itself. Read on for a breakdown of the week-by-week cat pregnancy stages! Feline pregnancies last around two to two and a half months. If mating occurs again during pregnancy, this can lead to further foetuses being conceived and kittens born with different fathers in the same litter. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. Clip the tips once a month. While most cats will be pregnant for 63-65 days, or about 9 weeks. Here's more information that'll help ease any other anxieties. So, that’s why you should regularly do wet cleaning at home. The LitterChamp premium odor-free cat litter waste disposal system is one such option. While it’s true that you need to put some safety measures in place, there’s no reason to get rid of your cats when pregnant. Feeding Kittens 101: What to Feed, How Much, and How Often. If your cat is adamantly opposed to self-cleaning boxes, be selective about the cat litter you choose. Female cats who cannot conceive or that go through heat without mating, have mated with infertile cats, may show signs of false pregnancy. Let the baby sit on your lap, let your cat sniff the child while offering praise to your pet at the same time. But whether you actually will get it from your cat is Pregnant women can transmit toxoplasmosis, a rare parasitic disease, to their unborn babies, and a toxoplasmosis infection can lead to miscarriage or cause malformed babies. Dieter JA, Stewart DR, Haggarty MA, Stabenfeldt GH, Lasley BL. It'll help your cat feel like it's part of the household. If you’ve ever been told that cats and pregnant women do not mix, rest assured that the person who told you this wasn’t entirely correct. Pick a cat litter that is less likely to get stuck to your cat’s paws and therefore be spread around the house. Female cats are pregnant for around nine weeks. But always wear disposable gloves and thoroughly wash your hands immediately afterward. Pregnancy failure in cats associated with long-term dietary taurine insufficiency. Some cats are displeased by changes in their routine and new scents and objects in their house, but there are steps you can take to calm their distress. So what are pregnant cat syptoms, and how can you tell if your cat is expecting? Start on a low volume and work up to louder volume and longer duration, using positive attention and rewards. If infected by this parasite for the first time while pregnant, a woman could either miscarry or give birth to a child with birth defects. Toxoplasmosis is not a disease we hear all that much about, but one that will affect nearly one of every 10 Americans at some point in their lives. Your Cat Pregnancy Timeline Details Beginning of fertilization, Implantation of the fertilized egg. If you prepare any meat for yourself or your cat, make sure it is thoroughly cooked. Pregnancy and cats: apartment cleaning As we’ve already mentioned, fur is often a hotbed of infections and is also a strong allergen. But with a little understanding and planning, you'll overcome all of them while still enjoying your pet. Since the parasite is spread from cats to people through cat feces, avoiding the cat litter box is also a good way to prevent the disease. Dieter JA, et al. Toxoplasmosis in cats is rarely a serious problem. Dr. Nascimento says pregnancy can be confirmed by an ultrasound early on at around two weeks. Cats pick up the parasite from uncooked meat, and small animals they may kill and eat outdoors. These kits will detect the presence of “relaxing,” a hormone present in cats during pregnancy, 20 to 25 days after insemination. Toxoplasma parasites do not become infectious until at least 24 hours after they are shed in the cat’s feces. Keep your cat's routine the same as much as possible. Franny is an award-winning freelance writer who has been writing about cats since 1997. Wash all surfaces and utensils that touch raw meat. Cats and kittens prefer litter boxes, garden soils, and sandboxes for elimination, and you may be exposed unintentionally by touching your mouth after changing a litter box, or after … In this AnimalWised article we'll discuss the causes, symptoms and treatment of pseudopregnancy in cats. Of course, with restricted access to external stimulation, indoor cats will demand more of your time for affection, play and grooming. Cats and Pregnant Women: How to Stay Safe, BoxiePro Deep Clean scent-free probiotic clumping cat litter, Boxiecat extra strength scent-free premium clumping clay cat litter, Litter Genie Plus cat litter disposal system, LitterChamp premium odor-free cat litter waste disposal system. There are also indoor hazards to be aware of, from open cupboards, washing machines and tumble driers to … You won’t need to touch the litter ever again. From what I understand, cats get infected if they hunt outside and eat infected animals. If so, you have no worries about getting it during pregnancy. My question is, i have 2 cats that are strictly indoor. If you’re concerned about disposing of the waste and cleaning the box, look into a product like the . Mature cats are less likely to shed Toxoplasma if they have been previously infected. You probably have a … Cats get toxo from rodents - so if you don't have a hunting cat chances are almost zero. Either have your vet tech or cat groomer cut them, or ask them to show you how to do it. But with a little understanding and planning, you'll overcome all of them while still enjoying your pet. J Reprod Fertil Suppl. It is What cats make the best indoor cats? By utilizing cat supplies like these, women can safely be pregnant with cats in the same household. The myth about cats giving pregnant women toxoplasmosis has been causing misery for a long time. Hi, I've heard about pregnant women not handling cat's litter box during pregnancy and it has something to do with toxoplasmosis. Invite a friend or family member to bring their baby over for visits. Most cats that carry the parasite are outdoor cats who feed on contaminated prey. Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy In Cats When I got pregnant, (because we have two indoor/outdoor cats running around), I asked my doctor if they could run a toxoplasmosis screening with the hCG blood test my work required for Healthy, adult cats often show no symptoms at all, but potential signs include eye abnormalities, diarrhea, fever, difficulty breathing, jaundice and neurologic abnormalities. A predictable routine reduces a cat's stress and prevents a host of problems. Indoor-only cats can become stressed by living together with other cats in restricted territory, so it is important to keep an eye out for signs of your cats not getting on. Here's what you need to know about feline pregnancy. It seems as though cats get pregnant easily and often. If it’s not possible for someone else to take over the job, consider the following: Once you and your pet get used to a self-cleaning litter box, you may never want to go back. Toxoplasmosis is almost always a concern for pregnant women. Kittens and cats can shed millions of parasites in their feces for as long as 3 weeks after infection. The reality is that cats love to snuggle up to warm bodies and they like the fragrance of milk on a baby's breath. The Litter Genie Plus cat litter disposal system, for example, uses an eight-layer bag to lock away the contents of the pail. How to Safely Introduce Cats and Newborn Babies, How to Train Your Cat to Stop Urine Marking, How to Stop Your Cat From Pooping Outside the Litter Box, Postnatal Care of a Mother Cat and Her Newborn Kittens, Cats and Mice: Potential for Disease and Other Dangers, The 8 Best Automatic Litter Boxes of 2021, The Best Cat Litter Subscriptions of 2021, What to Do if There's Blood in Your Cat's Stool. Soften the blow to your cat by gradually introducing the change. Adding another indoor cat to a household where you already have one or more indoor cats is likely to cause problems. The infection doesn’t make cats sick so you wouldn’t know if your By scooping the litter box after each use, or at least once a day, you can decrease the chances of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite becoming transmittable. Keep in mind, however, that with most self-cleaning litter boxes, you’ll still need to dispose of the litter trays and the waste that collects in the covered compartment, as well as clean the inside of the box. Instead, enlist family and friends to help your cat feel like a valued member of the family. The chief concern surrounding pregnancy and cats is the disease toxoplasmosis. However, you could already have a natural immunity to the parasite. First, indoor cats fed commercially-packaged cat food have a very low risk of being exposed to the parasite. Some doctors even go so far as to advise Even before your baby arrives, make the bassinet or crib uninviting for your cat by putting items on the mattress that deter your pet. All women have to do is take some simple precautions to reduce the chances of exposure and infection. Overall a cat’s pregnancy length is similar to a dog’s pregnancy length. From your cat's point of view, a baby is a loud, threatening, and attention-stealing invader. Clean the litter box after each use. There are a few additional measures to help further safeguard you from catching this disease, recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): If you have no choice but to handle the litter, take the following precautions. Even with a negative test result, there’s no need to avoid cats. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis tend to be mild and may include muscle pain, fever, fatigue, headache, and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes lasting for weeks. While early models may have been a bit clunky, newer designs are much more user-friendly. Cats have to eat infected prey to become carriers of the disease, so one way to protect yourself is to keep your cat indoors. While all cats need some level of mental and physical stimulation to be happy, some are better suited than others to a life indoors. Your doctor can test to see if you're in this group. Owning a cat does not mean you will be infected with the parasite. If you have other pets or young children in your home, you might want to choose a cat litter box enclosure system with childproof locks on the lid. Women can get tested for exposure at the beginning of their pregnancy to know how concerned they need to be. Vomiting, Morning sickness, Loss of appetite. Even indoor cats slip out from time to time, and it’s not uncommon for even a single encounter to result in pregnancy. The immune systems of generally healthy humans keep the parasites dormant to give you lifelong immunity. Healthy, adult cats often show no symptoms at Like pregnant women, pregnant cats can experience morning sickness. • Keep indoor cats indoors so they do not become infected by eating small animals. Pregnant women and cat litter may not go hand-in-hand, but if you take precautions, there’s no need to rehome your feline companion. In fact, you may have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis. However, avoid going overboard by giving your cat extra, compensating attention prior to the baby's arrival. Cats like to have their own territory in which to live their daily lives of both exploring and relaxing, and they tend to want to do these activities on their own. Keep in mind that you can’t use regular cat litter with a product like this. Indoor cats need their nails clipping more frequently, as they are not wearing them down going outside. Pregnancy presents a few challenges when you have a cat. If you're pregnant, you may hear that cats can affect your pregnancy. Pregnancy presents a few challenges when you have a cat. Cats have become one of the most popular pets in the world, but indoor cats are sometimes much different from cats that live outside or that are allowed to come and go as they please. Pregnancy, Your Dog, and that Sixth Sense While there is no scientific proof that explains precisely why dogs, or any other animal for that matter, can pick up on pregnancy, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence. This box was created to minimize noise and moving parts for cats who don’t appreciate loud noises. Record a baby crying and play it for your cat. It'll be impossible to keep up your high level of attention once your baby arrives home. A cat’s gestation period ranges between 58 and 67 days on average. This behavior is known as “quickening”, and it is a critical stage of a cat’s pregnancy in which the fetus begins to move. Litter disposal systems are a good way to contain both the odor and potential pathogens in cat feces. Options like BoxiePro Deep Clean scent-free probiotic clumping cat litter and Boxiecat extra strength scent-free premium clumping clay cat litter are both ideal for this purpose. Registered cat breeders, likewise, often make use of the cat pregnancy diagnosis services available at their local vet clinic. Although the chances of being infected are very low, particularly if you have indoor cats, toxoplasmosis can be harmful to your baby during or just before your pregnancy. The good news: If you've had your cat for a while, you're likely to already be immune to toxoplasmosis because you've probably already been infected with it as most cat owners have been. Get your cat used to baby smells long before bringing your infant home. Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite, which means cats who carry Toxoplasma gondii can pass it on to people. Egg development, Weight gain, Nipple enlargement and turning pink. If you're wondering, it's a myth that cats like to suffocate babies. No, you do not have to give up your cat. We never let them out (the used to be able to go out and hunt before we got them but that was 2 … It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. You’ll also want an odor control cat litter that discourages dust. After all, pregnant women, babies, and felines have coexisted peacefully for centuries. In addition to being unnecessary, rehoming a beloved pet due to pregnancy would be upsetting for everyone involved. It’s safest to offer your cat commercial cat food (not raw) for the duration of your pregnancy. Wear baby lotions and powders and let your cat sniff you while offering praise and treats. Indoor only cats have a VERY VERY remote chance of getting the disease. Let your cat investigate the new nursery. Cat Nutrition: What Makes a Nutritional Cat Food? Like humans, cats have very distinct pregnancy symptoms. The parasite only becomes infectious one to five days after being shed in the cat's feces. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect your cat. If you have an indoor cat, the likelihood for infection is smaller. If a woman has already been infected by the parasite in the past, being exposed to it again during pregnancy will not be a problem. A cat can get it if it eats prey, raw, or undercooked meat with the parasite, or comes into contact with contaminated soil. If you live with someone, ask them to take on the duty of cleaning the cat litter. It will require , designed specifically for this self-flushing box. It's not your cat, per se, that can do it but a single-celled parasite called toxoplasmosis which cats can carry. Place a few containers filled with coins that make noise, add a small rug protector nubby side up, or cover the bed with netting. The process will help your pet develop positive associations with the new scents. The ScoopFree Ultra self-cleaning litter box, for example, has safety sensors so the cleaning cycle won’t be initiated until 20 minutes after your cat has exited the box. If your pet is particularly frightened by the unexpected noises these boxes sometimes make, try an option like the . To use these kits at home, you have to draw a drop of blood from your queen. During the third to fourth week of pregnancy, your cat’s belly will begin to swell slightly. Ultrasounds are the easiest way to determine if a cat is pregnant, and X-rays may be able to give insight as to how large of a litter she'll be having. It's important to understand the disease. Do I have to get rid of my cat? Are you prepared for your cat's pregnancy? It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The chief concern surrounding pregnancy and cats is the disease toxoplasmosis. During this time period, a cat might also show visible signs of change including putting on weight, having a swollen abdomen, and even morning sickness. If you scoop the litter box soon after your cat uses it, there will be less risk. Our feline pregnancy 1993;47:457-63. This is particularly true if your cat lives indoors, since cats get the parasite from eating infected prey. Neutering and spaying your pets are very important in keeping the population under control and reducing how many kitties end up in shelters, on the streets, or euthanized.
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