Guides and tips
Cats and pregnancy: myths, truths, and protective measures
Living with a cat during pregnancy is a topic often surrounded by concerns and misconceptions. Many expectant mothers receive advice to remove their cat due to potential health risks to the fetus, with toxoplasmosis being the primary fear. But what is the reality? Is it truly dangerous for a pregnant woman to live with a cat, or are these myths based on insufficient information?
In this article, we examine the most widespread myths, analyze how toxoplasmosis is transmitted, explore the actual risks and outline preventive measures that ensure the safe coexistence of a pregnant woman and her cat. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits that a cat’s presence can offer during pregnancy.
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Toxoplasmosis: what it is and how it is transmitted
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In most people, the infection is asymptomatic or presents with mild flu-like symptoms. However, in pregnant women who lack immunity, it can be transmitted to the fetus and cause serious health complications. Toxoplasma gondii. Στους περισσότερους ανθρώπους, η λοίμωξη είναι ασυμπτωματική ή παρουσιάζει ήπια συμπτώματα που μοιάζουν με γρίπη. Ωστόσο, σε εγκυμονούσες γυναίκες που δεν έχουν ανοσία, μπορεί να μεταδοθεί στο έμβρυο και να προκαλέσει σοβαρά προβλήματα υγείας.
Ways of contracting the infection
- Consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing parasite cysts.
- Consumption of unpasteurized milk from infected animals.
- Contact with contaminated soil through gardening or eating unwashed vegetables.
- Contact with the feces of an infected cat and failure to wash hands properly.
Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy
If a woman becomes infected for the first time during pregnancy, there is a risk of transmitting the parasite to the fetus, potentially leading to complications such as developmental issues, nervous system damage, or even miscarriage. However, many women have already been exposed to the parasite before pregnancy and have developed immunity, significantly reducing the risk.
Frequent handwashing helps prevent any potential transmission of microorganisms from the cat, especially if the cat has access to outdoor environments.
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Myths and truths
Living with a cat during pregnancy is often a source of concern, mainly due to toxoplasmosis. However, these fears are usually exaggerated and based on myths. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), less than 1% of toxoplasmosis infections are linked to contact with cats, while the primary source of transmission is the consumption of raw or undercooked meat (mainly pork and lamb).
Myth
Pregnant women should avoid all contact with cats.
Truth
Cats do not pose a direct risk as long as basic hygiene measures are followed. A pregnant woman can pet and care for her cat without fear, as long as she avoids cleaning the litter box or does so with gloves and proper precautions.
Myth
Pregnant women should only get tested for toxoplasmosis if they have a cat.
Truth
The immunological test (IgG/IgM) for toxoplasmosis is recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of whether they have a cat, as the parasite is mainly transmitted through food. If IgG is positive, it means the woman has already developed immunity and there is no risk to the fetus. If IgM is positive, further testing and possible treatment with spiramycin are required.
Myth
Cats are the main carriers of toxoplasmosis.
Truth
70% of toxoplasmosis infections come from raw or undercooked meat. Cats can transmit the parasite, but only if they have been recently infected and only for about two weeks in their lifetime. Additionally, the parasite needs 24–48 hours in the litter box to become infectious, so daily cleaning of the litter box drastically reduces the risk.
Myth
The house must be constantly disinfected because of the cat.
Truth
Toxoplasma gondii is not transmitted through the air, surfaces, or cat fur but only through consuming raw food or contact with contaminated feces. Frequent disinfection of the house is unnecessary as long as basic hygiene rules are followed.
Myth
Cats should be tested for toxoplasmosis if their guardian is pregnant.
Truth
There is no need to test a cat for toxoplasmosis, as a positive result does not mean it is infectious. Instead, testing the pregnant woman (IgG/IgM) is more important, as it determines whether she has already developed immunity.
Myth
Cats transmit toxoplasmosis through scratching or biting.
Truth
Toxoplasma gondii is not transmitted through cat saliva, claws, or bites. The only way a cat can transmit the parasite is through its feces, and only if it has been recently infected and the litter remains uncleaned for 24–48 hours.
Myth
All cats carry the toxoplasmosis parasite.
Truth
Only cats that hunt, eat raw food, or have outdoor access have a chance of becoming infected. Indoor cats that are exclusively fed commercial pet food have little to no risk of carrying the parasite.
Removing a cat from the home is unnecessary as long as precautions are followed, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding litter box cleaning by the pregnant woman.
Myth
If a pregnant woman has already been infected with toxoplasmosis, her baby is at risk.
Truth
If a woman had toxoplasmosis before pregnancy, she has developed immunity, and there is no risk to the baby. Only a first-time infection during pregnancy can affect the fetus.
Myth
All pets can transmit toxoplasmosis.
Truth
Only cats can be definitive hosts for the parasite, as it completes its life cycle in their intestines. Dogs, rabbits, birds, and other pets do not transmit toxoplasmosis.
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Hygiene measures and safe cohabitation with a cat during pregnancy
Precautions
To minimize any risk, pregnant women can follow simple yet effective hygiene practices:
Frequent disinfection of areas used by the cat, such as toys and bedding, helps reduce the risk of contamination.
- Litter box cleaning: If possible, have someone else clean the litter box. If this is not an option, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly (at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water).
- Regular cleaning: The cat’s litter should be cleaned daily, as the parasite takes at least 24 hours to become infectious.
- Food hygiene: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption and cook meat properly.
- Limited contact with soil: If you like gardening, always wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward.
- Cat diet: Try to keep your cat always indoors and feed it only dry or canned food, avoiding raw meat.
- Product selection: Upgrade and select self-cleaning litter boxes or litter with antiparasitic additives.
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Benefits of cohabiting with cats for pregnant women
Despite the concerns, living with a cat during pregnancy can have positive effects on the emotional and mental health of the pregnant woman:
- Reduction of stress and blood pressure: The sound of a cat’s purring has been shown to have an anxiolytic effect and contributes to relaxation. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2020), pregnant women who live with pets experience lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms.
- Emotional support: Cats offer companionship and a sense of security, which is especially important during times of change, such as pregnancy.
- Preparation for the arrival of the baby: Caring for a pet can help develop a structured routine and adapt to the concept of caring for a new family member.
- Strengthening the baby’s immune system: Research shows that children growing up with pets have a lower chance of developing allergies and asthma.
The cat can reduce stress and provide emotional support to its pregnant guardian.
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Conclusion
Cats do not pose a threat to pregnant women, provided basic hygiene practices are followed. Proper information and preventive measures allow pregnant women to continue living with their pets without fear, enjoying all the benefits of their companionship. Discarding a cat due to pregnancy is not scientifically supported or ethically justified.
