Cats, Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy

​Often my patients ask me about the risks to pregnancy from having cats as household pets. They are concerned about contracting toxoplasmosis and its effect on their unborn baby. So just how risky is it to have these furry felines around during your pregnancy? 

​Do cats cause Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection and can affect up to 50% of the population in some countries. A common source of the infection is the faeces of cats. Cat faeces may contain a parasite called toxoplasma gondii which causes toxoplasmosis.
Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis may include:

1. Flu-like symptoms
2. High temperature
3. Sore throats
4. Aching muscles

In most cases, Toxoplasmosis is a mild condition that does not cause any symptoms. However, Toxoplasmosis can have devastating effects to an unborn baby, even if the mother doesn’t have any symptoms. Some of the effects of toxoplasmosis includes:

1. Miscarriage
2. Abnormalities of retina and blindness
3. Brain damage and mental retardation
4. Premature birth 
5. Deafness
6. Intellectual disability
7. Liver damage

Despite the above, it is safe to be around cats during the pregnancy, but be very cautious.
Do not clean the cat litter tray or any cat faeces. If you must do it then make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands several times using soap and water. Ensure you use a hand sanitiser after washing.
Cats are not the only risk for contracting toxoplasmosis
You can also pick up toxoplasmosis from soil and raw meat. Pregnant women should be vigilant in remembering to:

1. Wash fruits and vegetables carefully before eating
2. Avoid raw or undercooked meat
3. Washing hands:
   • After playing and petting dogs, cats and other animals
   • After contact with any bodily fluids
   • Before eating, or before and after preparing food.
4. Always wear gloves for gardening
5. Avoid drinking unpasteurised goat’s milk

Concerned you may be exposed?
If you're worried you may have been exposed to toxoplasmosis, ask your obstetrician about taking a blood test to find out whether you're immune to the disease. If you've been around cats for a while, you may already have had toxoplasmosis. And if that's the case, you have nothing to worry about: You won't get it again, and your unborn baby won't be at risk.