Now every pregnant woman on the face of the earth...

**moosmom** · 05-31-2006, 11:20 AM

I would also suggest a mask just to be on the safe side. You can never be too careful.

**caseysmom** · 05-31-2006, 11:55 AM

I raised two healthy babies with my kitty with no problem. I even cleaned the litter box because I didn't know any better.

Actually having a pet helps children to not get allergies.

**Miss Z** · 05-31-2006, 01:37 PM

I read an article about that in National Geographic, but I'm sure it said something about how we could never be sure if it was true

What a great way to fill up shelters even more

**davidpizzica** · 05-31-2006, 01:41 PM

That was the lame excuse Nikki's former owner gave in surrendering Nikki.

**moosmom** · 05-31-2006, 01:49 PM

Actually the video said it COULD cause eczema in babies.

**Cataholic** · 05-31-2006, 02:08 PM

I had toxoplasmosis WAY before I became pregnant with Jonah. Chances were good that I contracted it through my cats, but, everyday dirt, as well as uncooked meat are also likely suspects.

As for not changing the litterbox while pregnant? L-O-L. Okay. Sure. LOLOL. I can't remember which way it is, but, something like it is dangerous if you contract it in the beginning of the pregnancy, but, less likely to pass to the baby, or, more dangerous in the end to contract it, but, less likely to cause any damage. In any event, like everything else, you just act smart about it. I didn't scoop the litter with my bare hand- he he he, and I always, like today, washed my hands after scooping.

I think it is hysterical what people will use as excuses to dump their pets. It is the same pregnant person that dumps their cat but smokes, or, doesn't exercise, or, doesn't take prenatals. Or, it is the same person that dumps their cat when their child is born, but, sits the kid in front of the tv for 10 hours, doesn't breastfeed, or, doesn't protect their child from second hand smoke or the sun.

I work with some people like that. "well, MY doctor said...blah, blah, blah..." Ok, did your doctor also tell you to have six cans of pop a day, and forego all exercise? Prolly not. So, stop using some lame-o excuse to justify your bad behavior. Just call it like it is.

Excuses. Excuses. Excuses. Whatever makes someone feel good about a bad deed.

**Cataholic** · 05-31-2006, 02:10 PM

And, while I am ranting...I wonder if I can blame my acne on the fact I was brought up with dogs? If cats can cause excema, why can't dogs cause pimples?

**Barbara** · 05-31-2006, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Cataholic

I think it is hysterical what people will use as excuses to dump their pets. It is the same pregnant person that dumps their cat but smokes, or, doesn't exercise, or, doesn't take prenatals. Or, it is the same person that dumps their cat when their child is born, but, sits the kid in front of the tv for 10 hours, doesn't breastfeed, or, doesn't protect their child from second hand smoke or the sun.

I couldn't agree more. There are risks in life. Your cat can bite you and you die from sepsis.
The risks cats bring are comparatively small

**Crazy-Cat-Lover** · 06-01-2006, 02:39 PM

My boys aren't going anywhere. I love my cats and wouldn't give them up because I'm pregnant. My doctor warned me about toxoplasmosis and said it would be best if I rehomed my cats (first pregnancy). I just let someone else change the litter, then I am not exposing myself to it. I never knew cats could cause excema in babies?! Excema is easily treated, so why put yourself and your cats through the stress of rehoming?