Cats and Pregnancy: Understanding Toxoplasmosis Risks and Prevention

In short: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection passed on through the faeces of infected cats or undercooked meat. It is dangerous only when the infection is caught for the first time during pregnancy, when it can cause miscarriage or birth defects. IgG antibodies mean a past infection and safe immunity; IgM points to a recent infection that needs treatment. To prevent it, wash your hands after cleaning the litter tray and avoid raw meat.

Owning a cat does not cause infertility, but cats can carry a parasite called toxoplasma, which may lead to an infection with several possible health effects — especially during pregnancy.

So what exactly is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can affect many animals, including cats, cows, and cattle.

Cats usually only become infected with this parasite in two situations:

1. Eating raw or undercooked meat

2. Hunting and eating infected birds or mice (or contact with contaminated soil)

Once a cat is infected, the parasite multiplies in its intestines, and its eggs are then passed in the cat’s feces. Humans can become infected when cleaning a litter box and not washing their hands properly afterward, later transferring the parasite to their mouths through food or contact.

In fact, most people catch toxoplasmosis not from their cat but from eating raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruit and vegetables, or contact with soil while gardening. During pregnancy, eat only well-cooked meat, wash fruit and vegetables well, wear gloves when gardening, and wash your hands after handling raw meat or soil.

Effect of Toxoplasmosis on Pregnancy

This infection can affect pregnancy if it is acquired for the first time while a woman is pregnant. Possible effects may include:

1. Miscarriage

2. Stillbirth

3. Congenital anomalies in the baby

Common Symptoms

Most people with toxoplasmosis have no symptoms at all, so feeling well does not mean you have not been infected.

1. Flu-like symptoms

2. Swollen lymph nodes

3. Skin rash

4. Blurred vision

5. Muscle aches

How to Care for Your Cat Safely During Pregnancy

1. Ask someone else to clean the litter box if possible; if you have to do it yourself, clean it every day, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands well afterward

2. Keep cats indoors rather than letting them roam outside

3. Avoid feeding cats raw meat

4. Change your cat’s water daily

Diagnosing Toxoplasmosis

There are two main blood tests used to check for toxoplasmosis:

1. IgG test: indicates a past infection. If it was positive before pregnancy, you are considered immune and your baby is protected; if it is first found during pregnancy, your doctor may need further tests to work out when the infection happened.

2. IgM test: may suggest a recent infection, but it can stay positive for months or even years and can be falsely positive, so a positive result needs confirmation (usually with an IgG avidity test) before deciding on any treatment.

Testing before pregnancy can show whether you are already immune; if the tests show a recent infection, your doctor will usually advise waiting a few months (about 6) before trying to conceive. If you are not immune, following the prevention steps above is especially important.

If you have questions about toxoplasmosis testing or how it may relate to your pregnancy planning, Dr. Najeeb Layyous and his team are available to guide you through the right steps.

Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist