TRUTH OR TALE NO. 11       

Posted on 31 January 2018

You shouldn’t stroke or touch cats while pregnant.

ANSWER: Tale

This myth has spread due to the fact that cats can spread toxoplasma, a parasite that can cause a foetus to develop blindness or mental impairment. But in as far as having to avoid all contact with cats, it’s not true.

The ordinary stroking of cats poses no substantial risk of contracting toxoplasmosis as it’s spread through the cat’s faeces. However, it does mean that someone else should take over the litter box cleaning.

If it can’t be avoided, play it safe by wearing gloves and making sure you clean your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap once you’re done.

Also, if you produce your own garden vegetables, make sure you scrub them thoroughly before cooking as cats often defecate outdoors.

One solution is to keep the cat indoors and only feed it commercial dry food and wet food so as to avoid them contracting the parasite by catching and feeding on rodents, birds, reptiles and insects.

Sources:           

http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/can-i-pet-my-cat-when-im-pregnant

https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/ucm083327.htm