Cats, toxoplasmosis and pregnancy

When we talk about pregnant women and cats, it always comes to mind that they are not compatible. But... where do these rumors come from? Where do these rumors come from, because they are not compatible, and is it true? Let's find out!

First of all we must know that this is linked to what is called Toxoplasmosis. But what is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is the infection by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma is a protozoan (single-celled parasite) found in the intestine of cats. Although it does not cause any harm to cats, in humans it can cause malformations in the fetus if the person who is infected is pregnant.

For this reason, pregnant women were formerly advised to get rid of their cats, since the way the parasite is transmitted was not known.

How is it transmitted?

Cats shed parasite spores in their feces and humans become infected with Toxoplasma gondii by ingesting parasite spores present in their feces. Cats, on the other hand, become infected by ingesting animals (mainly mice, rats...) infected by the parasite.

Therefore, if your cat is an indoor cat, it is unlikely to have the parasite. And if he doesn't have it, he can't infect you. Also, if you have proper litter box hygiene and proper hand washing after handling the litter box, it is very difficult for you to become infected, even if your cat does have the parasite.

In addition, humans who are infected once with Toxoplasma acquire immunity to the parasite, so if you become pregnant after having had a Toxoplasma infection there is no risk to the fetus.

Prevention

What if my cat is infected with Toxoplasma? There is no problem, no need to get rid of the cat. With some small measures, you can continue living together without any danger.

1. Hygiene of hands and litter box.

As we have already mentioned, Toxoplasma is spread by accidental ingestion of feces contaminated with Toxoplasma cysts. So the first thing to do is to keep the sandbox clean, handle the sandbox carefully and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you are pregnant and still worried, ask someone else to clean the litter box for you (all advantages).

2. Don't let your cat go outdoors

As we have already mentioned, cats become infected with Toxoplasma by ingesting animals (mainly rats), if you prevent your cat from going outdoors and hunting animals you will be avoiding the likelihood of infection. In addition, you will be doing a favor to wildlife, since cats are great hunters even when they are not hungry.

3. Wash vegetables very well.

What does this have to do with cats? Well, not much, but studies in recent years show that Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women is mostly caused by eating poorly washed vegetables. In fact, infections due to infection by cats are a minority.

In fact, in Spain, a significant number of people infected by Toxoplasma gondii do not have a cat or have never had one and discover that they are positive for the parasite accidentally.

Conclusion

So, if you are concerned about Toxoplasma gondii, wash the vegetables you are going to eat well, cook the meat well, handle the litter box carefully and curl up on the couch to enjoy your furry one.

Remember that for your cat you are their world, and although they are quite particular companions, they would never abandon you.