Track your baby's development, week by week



Is it safe to change the cat's litter box when I'm pregnant?

The concern here is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through infected cat poop (such as in kitty litter or outdoor soil where cats have been). If you've never had toxoplasmosis before, you could possibly become infected while pregnant and pass the illness on to your baby.

Toxoplasmosis can cause flu-like symptoms in adults (and sometimes has no symptoms). But in a baby in the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects such as eye and brain damage.

These possible effects sound scary, but before you resort to giving your kitty away, take comfort in knowing a few things: Cats that never go outside are very unlikely to carry toxoplasmosis. Also, if you've been around cats for a while, you may be immune. But don't assume: Ask your doctor to check with a blood test.

You can reduce your chances of getting the infection while pregnant by practicing good hygiene: Have someone else change the kitty litter (you'll never have a better excuse) or change the litter once a day (it takes 24 hours for the litter to become infectious). Wear gloves while gardening, and wash your hands thoroughly after gardening or changing kitty litter.

By the way, cat litter isn't the only way to contract toxoplasmosis. Eating raw or undercooked meat also puts you at risk.

Last updated:


Featured video
You might also like