Is it Safe to Clean Out Cat Litter Boxes While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can change just about everything in a couple's life, including who takes care of the cats' litter boxes. Because cat feces can harbor toxoplasmosis, it's best for pregnant women to leave the scooping chores to someone else.

  1. Intestinal Parasite

    • Toxoplasmosis is caused by toxoplasma gondi, an intestinal parasite that can cause miscarriage and birth defects in unborn babies. The organism is found in cat feces and raw meat.

    Immunity

    • A blood test can detect past or recent exposure to toxoplasma gondi. If you were exposed at least six months before becoming pregnant, you'll become immune to the parasite and there will be little risk to your baby.

    Safe Scooping

    • Wearing gloves and a dust mask will provide protection if you must scoop your cats' litter boxes.

    Daily Maintenance

    • Because toxoplasma gondi does not become a health threat until at least one day after it has been shed in a cat's feces, scooping the boxes daily will help prevent infestation.

    Wash Weekly

    • Washing the litter boxes weekly with detergent and hot water and then filling with boiling water will eliminate cysts containing the toxoplasma gondi parasite.

    Electronic Litter Box

    • Investing in a self-cleaning electronic litter box will let you avoid daily contact with used litter.