(HealthDay News) — Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can cause serious problems during pregnancy. Cats can carry the infection, and transmit it in their feces.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions to reduce pregnant women’s risk of contracting toxoplasmosis:
- During pregnancy, have someone else clean out the litter box. If you are the only one who can clean it, wear gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterward.
- Make sure the litter box is cleaned daily.
- Don’t let pet cats outside, which can increase their risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis.
- Avoid contact with any stray cat.
- Stick to dry or canned cat food, and don’t feed your cat raw or undercooked meat.