Toxoplasmosis, cats and pregnancy: what you need to know

Finding out you are expecting a child is a unique and emotional moment. Days are now filled with thoughts and plans, and every detail of daily life appears in a different light: the light of a new adventure that is about to begin.
If you have a cat living at home, a faithful companion and an integral part of the family, you may have some questions: “Will I be able to take care of him as before?” “Are there risks to mine or my baby’s health?” That is a common doubt, especially for the risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection that is often associated with cats.

The truth is that in most cases there is no reason to separate from your cat. With the right precautions, good hygiene habits and reliable information, your cat and your pregnancy can coexist peacefully and safely.
This guide is in fact made to offer clear answers, distinguishing truth from myths and knowing what to do in your daily life to protect your health, without sacrificing the closeness of your beloved pet.
 

Do cats perceive pregnancy? 

Many people recount curious episodes: from the early weeks of pregnancy some cats started following their female human everywhere, becoming unusually affectionate, or on the contrary, quieter and reserved.
Even if there is no scientific proof, it is possible that cats perceive the hormonal, olfactive and behavioural changes that come with gestation. Feline sense of smell is highly developedand can catch nuances that are impossible for us to recognize, while their sensitivity makes them particularly attentive to changes in mood or routine.
Not all cats, however, have the same reactions: some of them become cuddlier and more protective, almost like guardians, while others may appear more detached, confused and territorial, especially if they perceive that something is changing at home. In both cases, these reactions are natural: our four-legged friend is simply trying to adapt to a new energy and a new family structure.

To help them live this period with no stress and to maintain the balance of life together, it’s important to follow some tips:

• Keeping a stable routine and respecting meal, rest and play times. Predictability helps cats feel safe.
• Make sure they have quiet spaces where they can go when they need to be alone and far from noises.
• Avoid scolding or punishing them if their behaviour changes: patience and comprehension are essential to promoting a peaceful adjustment.

Let’s also keep in mind that their nutrition needs to stay balanced and regular, with the right products for their stage of life and their specific needs. A cat that feels physically good will also be more predisposed to deal with the changes that pregnancy will bring in the house.
 

Cats and pregnancies: what you need to know about toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It can be dangerous for the fetus, especially if it is caught for the first time during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Transmission to men or women can happen in various ways: eating raw or undercooked meat (mostly pig or sheep meat), eating fruit or vegetables not carefully washed and contaminated with infected soil, or by inadvertently touching infected cat feces without taking adequate hygiene measures.

Therefore, it is important to clarify an aspect that is often misunderstood: it is not cats themselves that can transmit toxoplasmosis, but direct contact with their infected feces. In most cases, main sources of infection are food or poor hand hygiene. Knowing this information is the first step for conscious and effective prevention.

But how do cats get infected? Infection can develop by eating raw food or infected prey, like rodents or birds. Domestic cats that live exclusively indoors, eat controlled food and have no contact with stray cats, have very low chances to be carriers of the parasite. Moreover, even if infected, cats only shed oocysts (parasite eggs) in their feces for a short period of time, approximately ten days, and generally only once in their lifetime. Since oocysts become infectious after 24-48 hours, this means that a prompt cleaning of the litter box drastically reduces any kind of risk.

Sadly, fear of toxoplasmosis has fueled myths and prejudices against cats for years, sometimes convincing families to separate from their pets. Actually, current knowledge demonstrates that with good hygiene and correct management, living with a cat while pregnant is absolutely possible and safe.
 

Practical tips for a safe and peaceful life together

Pregnancy does not mean in any way that you should separate from your cat, who is part of the family and a loyal companion. On the contrary, their presence can be a precious source of emotional wellbeing. Living with a pet can really bring stability and continuity to your daily life, and these are particularly important aspects during pregnancy. To ensure a safe and harmonious life together, it is sufficient to adopt some simple precautions aimed at protecting the health of both mother and baby. In this way, the bond created over the years can keep growing and will also be ready to welcome a new person in the family.

• Hygiene and management of the litter box: when you are pregnant, it is recommended (if possible) to have another person cleaning the litter box. If this is not possible, wearing disposable gloves and thoroughly washing your hands right after cleaning is enough.
  In general, the litter box should be emptied at least once a day, but its quality is important as well: a high-performance solution, with high clumping power and strong odour control not only creates a healthier environment, but it also makes cleaning easier and quicker. We explain this in the article on “How to choose the right cat litter”.
• Cat nutrition: choosing complete and balanced food made with selected ingredients and specifically designed for cats helps to keep your four-legged friend’s diet under control. This habit, together with avoiding raw meat and other toxic food for cats, is a simple but essential detail that protects your cat’s wellbeing and, at the same time, contributes to serenity of the future mum.
• General hygiene: getting used to accurately washing your hands every time you pet your cat or you handle objects such as toys, bowls or litter box, is another easy and useful rule.
• Protecting your cat and your domestic space: limiting your cat’s outdoor time and contact with stray cats is a simple but effective habit that protects your cat from potential infections. At the same time, not letting them climb on kitchen countertops reduces risk of contamination and keeps the areas for food preparation safe. 
• Continuous monitoring: first of all, programming regular visits with the vet is important to control your cat’s general health conditions and to promptly identify any change. In addition to this, consulting with your gynecologist and your veterinary in case of doubts will allow you to evaluate the specific situation and provide more personal advice. In some cases, it may also be useful to perform a simple serological test to check whether the expectant mother has already contracted toxoplasmosis in the past, a condition that confers immunity and significantly reduces the risks.

With these precautions, both cat and expectant mother can continue living together peacefully, without compromise and still being sure that everyone’s health is safe.
 

Towards birth: getting ready for the baby’s arrival

Even if the arrival of a baby inevitably brings many changes, the bond with your cat can remain strong and serene. While expecting the big day, introducing the new aspects little by little can be useful to help the cat adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
As we also recommended in our article about newborns and cats at home, you can start by allowing your cat to explore the new spaces (such as the crib and the bedroom) under supervision, to become familiar with new objects and smells.

When the newborn arrives, it won’t be necessary to force interaction: each cat has different paces and ways to accept and adapt to such a change. Maintaining their daily habits as much as possible will help the cat to feel safe and considered. In the end, you can reward positive behaviour with attention or with small snacks, strengthening the positive association between the baby’s presence and the joyful moments, laying the foundations for a lasting and harmonious life together.