Pregnancy & Cat Ownership: Is It Safe?

In the minds of older generations, pregnancy and cat ownership seem to be two incompatible endeavors. My parents simply mentioned that cats are not good for the fetus, without offering much further explanation. For a newlywed, however, it's essential to delve deeper into this topic with my beloved partner!

The notion that "pregnant women should not keep cats" actually boils down to a problem caused by a parasitic organism known as Toxoplasma gondii. Infection with this parasite can indeed lead to preterm labor, miscarriage, and developmental abnormalities in the fetus, which is a heavy burden for poor cats to bear!

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream, damaging the brain and heart, and weakening the immune system, leading to various diseases.

Most people infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not exhibit any noticeable symptoms, but children and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe illness. In essence, this creature is a pushover for the weak and a tough nut for the strong!

The developmental stages of Toxoplasma gondii include tachyzoites, cysts, schizonts, gametocytes, and oocysts. While schizonts, gametocytes, and oocysts are found only in the definitive host, which is the feline species, tachyzoites and cysts can exist in intermediate hosts such as pigs, cows, and sheep. Oocysts can also be found in the bodies of flies and cockroaches!

Therefore, humans primarily become infected with Toxoplasma gondii through food, such as consuming raw meat, milk, and eggs from infected animals. The rest is usually related to hygiene issues!

Based on our daily habits, to prevent infection with Toxoplasma gondii, the key lies in "diet" and "hygiene" when it comes to both humans and cats.

Ensure that your own cat receives regular checkups and deworming treatments

Be mindful of your cat's diet and avoid feeding them raw meat

Keep your cat indoors to prevent them from coming into contact with infected animals outside

Clean up your cat's feces daily, as oocysts are excreted in the feces and can become infectious within 2 to 4 days

Limit your cat's roaming area to avoid close contact between your cat and pregnant women, as well as contact with the women's personal items

Perform Toxoplasma gondii serological testing before pregnancy

Let someone else take care of your cat's hygiene instead of the expectant mother

Practice good personal hygiene, especially washing hands thoroughly after handling your cat's waste and before meals

Be cautious with your diet by avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and raw meat

In summary, it is possible to keep a cat during pregnancy, but it's important to note that the risk of infection still exists. Therefore, if you choose to keep a cat during pregnancy, it's not only crucial to be extremely vigilant but also to secure the support of your parents!