While some precautions should be taken, there is no need to whisk Frisky to the nearest animal shelter just because you are expecting. Arm yourself with the facts so you can make the best choice for you, your child and your cat.
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Toxoplasmosis
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Toxoplasmosis is probably one of the most wide-spread, and misunderstood, fears about having a pregnant woman or infant in the same house as a cat. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that can cause flu-like symptoms in those infected. Often you are not even aware that you are sick with the toxoplasmosis protozoa. A healthy immune system prevents major illness--even in children.
The trouble, and all the warnings, come from the effects of the organism on an unborn child. Miscarriage, stillbirths and birth defects can all result from an infection during pregnancy. While this is scary, there are many easy things you can do to minimize, or eliminate, the risk of illness.
Keep your cat indoors. Toxoplasmosis is spread by cats catching and eating rodents, so keeping them safely inside will eliminate that risk.
Have a partner, spouse or friend clean the litter boxes. Since the protozoa is spread through spores in the feces, it is best to leave this task to non-pregnant members of the household.
Clean the boxes daily. The spores take one to five days to form, so daily cleaning will eliminate the possibility.
If you cannot avoid cleaning the litter boxes, wear gloves and be sure to wash your hands well after finishing.
Do not adopt a cat or kitten while pregnant, especially if you have never owned a cat before.
While getting toxoplasmosis from your cat is a possibility, it is not a common occurrence. Handling undercooked or raw meat and drinking unsanitary water are far more common ways of becoming exposed to the parasite. Additionally, most people have already been exposed to the organism, and therefore have immunity to it--so rest easy.
Ringworm
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Ringworm is actually a fungus that lives on the skin, not a worm at all. It is highly contagious and not uncommon in cats, especially kittens under a year and elderly cats. The fungus is transmitted through direct contact with the fungus spores, so washing hands after petting the cat is a good first step to preventing spread to people.
The infection presents itself as a small patch of irritated skin, often with a circular appearance (thus the name, ringworm). If you notice your cat has an area where the fur is missing or the skin is red and irritated, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible to rule out ringworm. You should keep your cat quarantined until the fungus has been ruled out.
Young children are especially vulnerable to ringworm infections since their immune system is still developing. If your cat is diagnosed with ringworm, your vet will explain the treatment and go over how to prevent the fungus from spreading to other animals and humans.
Roundworm and Hookworm
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These parasites live in the intestinal system of cats and dogs, being more common in puppies and kittens. They are passed from one animal to the next through contact with infected feces. Although most young animals show no signs of infection, the worms can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Humans can get the worms through the same route as animals--by accidentally ingesting the microscopic eggs that are passed in the feces. The eggs are resilient and can persist in playgrounds, parks and other outdoor play areas where an infected animal has been. Hookworm larvae are capable of entering the body through exposed skin.
Children are prone to get these infections since they are more likely to be playing in the dirt and placing dirty objects in their mouths. Roundworm infections often go unnoticed, though rarely it can cause tissue or nerve damage. Hookworms can cause a skin infection in humans. Having your kitten checked annually for worms is the best way to prevent infection.
Cat Scratch Disease
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Cats play host to a variety of bacteria, one of which causes cat scratch disease. As the name suggests, this is an illness brought on by the introduction of bacteria into a scratch or bite. The bacteria, Bartonella henselae, is transmitted through the saliva of an infected cat.
Symptoms can present in many different ways. They can cause a bump at the scratch site, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, general discomfort, headache and a fever. Cat scratch disease is generally not serious and normally will resolve without treatment. In children with normal immune systems, full recovery is expected without issue. In severe cases, an antibiotic is prescribed.
To avoid having your baby or child get cat scratch disease, supervise all interactions with the cat. If a bite or scratch should occur, wash it out with lots of soap and water. If symptoms of cat scratch disease appear, contact your doctor.
Protecting Your Family--And Your Cat
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General sanitary measures will go a long way in preventing the spread of disease from cat to humans. Most of these are common sense and will prevent much more than diseases spread by cats. Some general rules are:
Wash your hands after petting your cat.
Use gloves when cleaning the litter boxes--especially if you are pregnant.
Have your cat checked out at the vet every year to rule out internal and external parasites.
Keep your cat indoors to reduce exposure to wild animals that can spread disease to your cat and your child.
Keep your cat's vaccinations up to date.
Clean the litter box daily.
Avoid letting your cat lick your utensils, plates and glasses.
Keep your cat off of the counter tops.
Cover your child's sandbox when it is not in use to keep stray cats from using it as a litter box.
Periodically wash litter boxes with scalding water and detergent.
Seek medical attention for cat bites.
With a little precaution, your baby and your child can happily, and healthily, live together.
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