Toxoplasmosis, Pregnancy and Your Cat: The Facts

When they find out they are pregnant, many women are told by friends that they "have to give the cat away". The truth is simpler and calmer. With a few sensible steps, you can keep your cat and protect your baby.

What is toxoplasmosis?

It is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is found in many animals, such as birds, mice, sheep and pigs. Cats are the only animals that can pass the parasite's eggs in their faeces.

In most people, toxoplasmosis causes no symptoms or feels like a mild flu. Many people have had it without ever knowing.

Why does it matter in pregnancy?

The risk is mainly for a woman who catches toxoplasmosis for the first time just before or during pregnancy. The parasite can then pass to the baby and cause a miscarriage or problems with the baby's eyes and brain.

If you have had toxoplasmosis in the past, your body is usually already protected. A simple blood test shows whether you have had it. Ask your doctor or midwife about it, ideally before or early in your pregnancy.

How do people really catch it?

Most people do not catch it from their cat. The most common routes are:

• Raw or undercooked meat, such as souvlaki that is not cooked through, or cured meats
• Fruit, vegetables and salads that have not been washed well
• Soil in the garden or in a children's sandpit, where stray cats may have used the toilet
• Water that is not safe to drink

Stroking and playing with your cat does not pass on toxoplasmosis.

How much risk is your own cat?

Cats usually catch it by eating infected prey, such as mice and birds, or raw meat. A cat passes the parasite's eggs only once in its life, the first time it is infected, and only for about two weeks. This happens most often in young cats that hunt.

There is one more very important point: fresh eggs in the faeces are not infectious straight away. They need at least a day, and often up to five, to become dangerous. That is why emptying the litter tray every day makes such a big difference.

A cat that lives indoors, eats ready-made food and does not hunt has a very low risk.

Simple steps for a calm pregnancy

With your cat

• If possible, ask someone else at home to clean the litter tray.
• If you have to do it yourself, wear gloves and wash your hands well afterwards.
• Empty the litter tray every day, before any eggs have time to become dangerous.
• Keep your cat indoors and do not feed raw meat.
• It is best not to take on a new cat or a stray kitten while you are pregnant.

In the kitchen and garden

• Cook meat well, until it is no longer pink in the middle.
• Wash fruit, vegetables and salads well.
• Wash your hands, knives and chopping boards after handling raw meat.
• Wear gloves when you dig in the garden or handle soil.
• Cover children's sandpits when they are not in use.

Should we test the cat?

Usually it does not help as much as people expect. A blood test in the cat shows whether it has had the infection, but it cannot say for sure whether it is passing eggs right now. A routine faecal test is not reliable for toxoplasmosis either. Hygiene is what really counts. If your cat is unwell or you have questions, bring it in and we will take a look.

How we can help at our clinic

At Vet to Pet we can examine your cat, look at its diet and set up a parasite control plan that suits your home, with SMS reminders. For your own health and your pregnancy tests, your doctor is always the right person to ask.

This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a vet. If you are worried about your pet, please contact us.