Pregnant and have pets? Read this

In this article you’ll find answers to questions like: 

1. If you are pregnant, should you change how you care for a cat?

2. If you are pregnant and have a dog, what behaviors should you address?

3. What about other pets? 

With a baby on the way, you need to think about how you care for some other members of your household — your pets. Pets can pose hazards. 

1. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, SHOULD YOU CHANGE HOW YOU CARE FOR A CAT? 

Cats can carry an infection known as toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite. That parasite can be in their waste or in dirt in areas where cats frequent. You need to make sure: 

• Someone who isn’t pregnant changes the cat’s litter frequently. 

• To keep your cat inside away from stray cats. 

• Wash your hands thoroughly if you absolutely must touch cat waste. 

• Don’t feed your cat undercooked meat. 

• If you have a sandbox, cover it up. 

2. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT AND HAVE A DOG, WHAT BEHAVIORS SHOULD YOU ADDRESS? 

So there aren’t bacteria,  viruses and other dangers to worry about, you should address these behaviors: 

• Make sure your dog doesn’t hop on your lap. 

• Address behaviors like biting or jumping now before the baby arrives. 

• Make sure vaccinations are current. 

• Have another member of the household spend more time with the dog so they don’t feel neglected when the baby arrives.

3. WHAT ABOUT OTHER PETS?

Hamsters, guinea pigs and mice: 

With these animals, you need to be careful of getting the lymphoctic choriomeningitis virus (also called LCMV), which can cause birth defects and miscarriage. You can get it from a bite or touching or breathing in material from the animal’s cage. 

• Remove them from the home or keep them in a different part of the house. 

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching them and make sure family members do the same. 

• Have a family member clean the cage and generally care the animal. 

• Keep them away from your face and don’t let children kiss or hold them close to their faces.