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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. I just read about the possible toxo exposure if cleaning kitty litter boxes. My husband doesn't have a problem with doing this, so I'm set. But I would like to know if the risk is still there if your cats are completely indoor cats?

A. Technically the risk is still there---Toxoplasmosis is a parasite and lives in the intestinal system of the cat---the cat doesn't get over the infection but remains a carrier. Cats that are continually mousing and eating other vermin of course will be more likely to be carriers than a cat existing solely on Fancy Feast, but I wouldn't play the odds. For all you know, they may have been exposed before you even became their owner, or they ate raw hamburger one night, or they caught a mouse in the bathroom that was infected etc..... Again, most women who have always lived with cats are likely to be immune, but you can't tell if you are immune without a blood test.

It's probably safest to err on the side of caution and either wear gloves or have someone else clean the box.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.