Many women expecting a child hear the same advice as soon as they announce their pregnancy: “Do not clean the cat’s litter box”. Although it may seem like a myth to some, the recommendation has a medical explanation.
The reason is toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats can shed this microorganism through their feces and, if a woman becomes infected for the first time during pregnancy, there is a risk that the parasite may reach the fetus.
If the infection is transmitted to the baby, it could cause serious complications, such as problems with brain and eye development, neurological damage, and even increase the risk of pregnancy loss, depending on when the infection occurs.
A cat usually sheds the parasite only for a limited period after becoming infected, and the parasite’s eggs need to remain in the feces for 24 and 48 hours to become infectious. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene considerably reduces the risk.
Having a cat at home does not mean that a pregnant woman must separate from her pet. With simple hygiene measures and by following medical recommendations, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis and enjoy pregnancy with greater peace of mind.
Recommendations:
1. Avoid cleaning the cat’s litter box. If there is no other alternative, use disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly when finished.
2. Change the litter every day, since the parasite needs between 24 and 48 hours to become infectious.
3. Do not consume raw or undercooked meat.
4. Carefully wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.
5. Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil.
6. If the cat goes outdoors, prevent it from hunting and do not feed it raw meat.
Take the necessary precautions and share this information.