Pregnancy Preparation and Cats: Is Pet Ownership Safe During Pregnancy? Insights from a US and Mexico IVF Expert

2025-07-15 21:29:22，浏览量： 6次

 

In modern life, cats, as warm companions, have become an integral part of many young people's lives. Data shows that the number of cat owners, especially among single or unmarried individuals born in the 80s and 90s, is steadily increasing. To alleviate life's pressures and find companionship, cats serve as an emotional anchor for many. However, when these "cat parents" enter matrimony and plan for pregnancy preparation and childbirth, a common question arises: can I continue to keep my cat while pregnant? This question not only involves emotional attachment to pets but also concerns expectant parents' considerations for their future baby's health.

 

Concerns about keeping cats during pregnancy usually stem from worries about toxoplasmosis infection and the effects of cat dander. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected cat feces. Since pregnant women have a relatively weaker immune system, such an infection during pregnancy can have adverse effects on the fetus. However, the truth is that Toxoplasma gondii needs 1-2 days to develop in cat feces before it becomes infectious. Therefore, if cat litter is cleaned promptly and basic hygiene precautions are observed, the risk of infection is significantly reduced. Additionally, regular deworming and health check-ups for cats can further minimize risks.

 

Cat dander is fine and easily airborne, potentially acting as an allergen for sensitive individuals, and some babies might develop respiratory illnesses as a result. However, cat dander is just one of many allergens. Similarly, dust mites, pollen, and other environmental factors can also cause respiratory allergic symptoms, so cat dander cannot be considered the sole threat. After the baby is born, specific allergens can be identified through allergy testing at the hospital, allowing for a scientific assessment. This means that simply giving up time with a beloved pet due to cat dander concerns might not always be a necessary choice.

 

 

For "cat parents" eager to embrace parenthood, who wish to keep their pets while ensuring a healthy pregnancy, the following suggestions may be helpful:

 

1.  Regular Deworming: This includes both internal and external deworming to ensure the cat's health and cut off transmission routes for parasites like Toxoplasma gondii.

2.  Cat Health Check-ups: Specifically, a Toxoplasma gondii test should be performed to understand the cat's health status, with appropriate treatment administered if necessary.

3.  Avoid Direct Contact with Cat Litter: Pregnant women should ideally avoid cleaning litter boxes themselves. If it's unavoidable, wear gloves and thoroughly wash and disinfect hands immediately afterward.

4.  Reduce Contact with Stray Cats: During pregnancy, avoid casual contact with stray cats to prevent accidental infection with unknown pathogens.

 

The question of whether to keep a cat during pregnancy is not an either/or issue. As long as the relationship with the cat is managed properly, their health is regularly checked, and personal and home hygiene are maintained, expectant mothers can still share this special time with their "fur babies." The warmth and companionship provided by cats are an inseparable part of many people's lives. Therefore, scientific care methods and rational choices are key to allowing "human babies" and "fur babies" to coexist harmoniously.

 

Currently, IVF USA offers US egg freezing, US IVF, and third-party assisted reproductive services to those in need. Our operations have expanded beyond the US to include IVF and egg freezing in Japan, Thailand, as well as Mexico, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, working closely with top IVF doctors worldwide. We are dedicated to providing professional reproductive health solutions for every family aspiring to have children.

If you have further questions about pet ownership during pregnancy, or seek more professional guidance for your pregnancy preparation journey, whether considering IVF-PGT or other assisted reproductive technologies, Dr. Nathan Zhang and his team at IVF USA are eager to assist you with scientific and professional consultation and services. We look forward to connecting with you to explore and realize your dream of a healthy family.