ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 1, 1996 TAG: 9609030001
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: claws & paws
SOURCE: JILL BOWEN
Q: I recently discovered that I am pregnant with our first child. We have three much-loved cats. My mother says she read in a magazine that I should get rid of the cats as they can harm my unborn baby. I have never heard of this and do not want to get rid of them unless I absolutely have to. Obviously I would not do anything to hurt my unborn baby. Can you please tell me what is this disease and what I should do about the cats?
A: Your mother is talking about Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by a small parasite that can be picked up by handling raw contaminated meat or the feces produced after eating such meat. When pregnant women get infected with the toxoplasma, this parasite can severely damage the unborn child.
Fortunately for us, simple precautions will prevent this problem and I see no reason to get rid of your cats provided these strict rules are followed:
Have another person change the litter box.
Wear gloves if you change the litter box yourself and wash thoroughly afterwards.
Change the litter daily before parasite eggs have a chance to hatch.
Wear gloves while gardening to avoid any contact with feces buried by outdoor cats.
Cook all meat thoroughly.
Feed commercial processed cat food.
Use care when handling raw meat.
Use disinfectant to clean the litter pan and surrounds.
Keep children's sand pits covered when not in use.
Many people exposed to cats or who have handled raw meat will have contracted toxoplasmosis without being aware of it. The symptoms are similar to a mild cold. Once you have had toxoplasmosis, you will not get it again. It is possible to be tested to see if you already have antibodies to the parasite in your blood, which may set your mind at rest. As you have had your cats for a long time, the chances are that you have already have an immunity to toxoplasmosis. Good cooking and hand washing practices will reduce the likelihood of infection with this parasite to practically nil.
One small tip, do be careful not to leave your baby in the same room as the cats unattended as there have been several instances of cats sleeping in the crib and smothering the baby by accident. In some baby shops it is possible to buy a combined mosquito/cat net which has an elastic fitting for the crib or pram thus preventing both bugs and cats from getting in and causing a problem. 6th annual Leader Dogs for the Blind Walk-a-Thon
The local Lions Club organizations are sponsoring the 6th annual Leader Dogs for the Blind Walk-a-Thon in conjunction with the student chapter of the American Animal Hospital Association on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8 a.m at the College of Veterinary Medicine on Duck Pond Drive. Last year this event raised over $6,000. This year they hope to do even better. It costs over $10,000 to train one dog and one blind owner, who is supplied with the dog at no charge. I encourage each and every one of you, whether accompanied by a dog or not, to come and support this worthwhile event. I look forward to seeing you all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed between 8-10 a.m on Sept.14.
If you have a question for Jill Bowen, please write to her in care of the New River Current, P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or send e-mail to newriver@infi.net.
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