I’m pregnant. Do I really need to get rid of my cat?

The CDC states: "No, you do not have to give up your cat if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant."

Pregnant women commonly ask veterinarians this question because their doctor has instructed them to remove the cat from the house. The concern is a microscopic protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) that can cause toxoplasmosis. If a woman becomes infected with T. gondii for the first time during pregnancy, severe problems can develop in the baby.

Cats are the only known definitive host for T. gondii. They are the only known host that can pass environmentally resistant oocysts (eggs) in the feces. The oocysts are stable in the environment for a long time. Generally, other animals consume the infective oocysts by eating items contaminated with cat feces or with soil contaminated with cat feces.

Virtually any warm-blooded animal can become infected with T. gondii. The parasite undergoes two types of lifecycles. The first occurs in the intestines. This culminates in cats with the release of oocysts in the feces. The second occurs in tissues throughout the body. This occurs when the parasite is released from the intestines and spreads in the blood or lymph to distant tissues. A healthy immune system encases the parasites in tissue cysts. The cysts form most readily in the central nervous system, muscles and visceral organs. These cysts may remain present for the life of the host. Animals that eat these cysts may also become infected.

Once an individual has passed through the acute phase of the infection, the immune system generally protects them from reinfection and a future unborn embryo/fetus from infection. If an individual’s immune function declines, it is possible for the cysts to become active again and cause disease. This appears to be common with HIV and AIDS patients. It is estimated that about 22.5% of people over 12 years of age in the United States have been infected with T. gondii. In some countries, it is estimated that up to 95% of the population has been infected.

In cats, clinical signs rarely develop. However, transplacentally infected kittens often die. Cats are most commonly infected at younger ages, start shedding oocysts about 3 days after infection, and shed for 2 to 3 weeks. It is very rare for cats to shed oocysts again later in life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, infection in immunocompetent persons is generally asymptomatic. However, 10% to 20% of patients may develop enlarged lymph nodes and/or flu-like symptoms. Disease is usually self-limiting and will go away in a few weeks. Treatment is generally not indicated. Treatment may be recommended for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Further discussions with a health care provider would be needed.

There are 3 main methods of becoming infected. The first is food borne. This includes eating undercooked, contaminated meat and consumption of food contaminated by this meat. The second is animal to human transmission. This occurs by consumption of the oocysts from an environmental source contaminated by cat feces. Commonly this includes ingestion after cleaning a cat’s litter box and not washing hands before eating or from contaminated soil consumption. This means unwashed fruits and vegetable contaminated with soil are a potential source. Drinking water can be contaminated with T. gondii oocysts. The third method is mother to child transmission across the placenta. The woman may have no symptoms, but the unborn child may have severe disease that may not become apparent for quite a while. There are also some rare methods of transmission.

The CDC recommends the following to protect yourself and your unborn child against toxoplasmosis. Wash your hands with soap and water after any exposure to soil, sand, raw meat, or unwashed vegetables. Cook your meat completely (no pink should be seen and the juices should be clear). The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160° F. Do not sample the meat until it is cooked. Freeze meat for several days before cooking to greatly reduce the chance of infection. Wash all cutting boards and knives thoroughly with hot soapy water after each use. Wash and/or peel all fruits and vegetables before eating them. Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox. Wash hands well afterward. Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling in less developed countries.

If you have a cat, the CDC additionally recommends the following: Have someone else change the litter box if possible. If you have to change it, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards. Change the litter box daily because the parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after it is shed in the feces. Feed your cat commercial dry or canned food. Never feed cats raw meat because this can be a source of Toxoplasma infection. Keep cats indoors. Avoid stray cats, especially kittens. Cover your outdoor sandboxes. Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant.

Further information can be found at www.cdc.gov. Search for toxoplasmosis.

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