Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid cleaning cat litter, particularly if it involves handling fresh cat waste. This is because cat feces can sometimes contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can lead to a disease known as toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can be harmful during pregnancy, potentially leading to complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects.
If a pregnant woman needs to clean the litter box, it is important to take precautions:
1. Wear Gloves: Always use disposable gloves to avoid direct contact with cat litter or feces.
2. Wash Hands Thoroughly: After handling the litter, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Use a Scoop: Use a scoop to remove waste, reducing direct contact with the litter.
4. Change Litter Frequently: Make sure the litter box is cleaned frequently (ideally every day), as Toxoplasma oocysts take 1-5 days to become infectious after being shed in cat feces.
5. Ask for Help: If possible, ask someone else to handle the litter box during the pregnancy.
Alternatively, if the pregnant woman has a cat that goes outdoors, keeping the cat indoors during pregnancy may reduce the risk of infection.
