Yes, pets can carry disease. But if you take the proper sanitary precautions, they are not an issue for expectant mothers and will not affect your pregnancy. Here's what you need to consider if you find yourself pregnant but don't want to re-home Mittens and Rex.
What potential threats do pets pose to pregnancy?
Toxoplasmosis. Cats are the main carriers of toxoplasmosis. This is the most common pet-related infection, simply because cats are more common pets than dogs and live in close quarters with their owners.
Psittacosis. This infection can be transmitted to humans from birds and can lead to pregnancy loss. Fortunately, it’s rare [1].
Urinary tract infections. Studies have shown that women who have pet dogs and/or cats usually have higher levels of E. coli. As a result, pet owners are more likely to need to take antibiotics during pregnancy [2].
What is toxoplasmosis, and how does it affect the baby?
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii . It is much more common than other pet-related infections, so doctors keep a lookout for it in expectant mothers with cats. When a pregnant woman is infected, her symptoms are typically mild. It’s a greater threat to the developing baby, who can suffer conditions such as vision problems, loss of hearing, and intellectual disabilities [3].
Is toxoplasmosis only transmitted by cats?
No. This illness can also be contracted by eating undercooked or raw meat or poorly washed produce. Dogs and rodents can also carry the parasite, but dogs are less likely to be allowed on the kitchen table or in bed, and pet rodents usually live in cage habitats. In contrast, cats usually have the run of the house, with or without permission, and can carry particles of infected excrement with them across surfaces.
How can I stay safe without saying goodbye to my pet?
Keep an eye on your pet. Take it to the vet at the first sign of illness, and limit your contact in the meantime.
Keep your cat indoors and away from other animals.
Let someone else clean the litter box or the bird cage.
Wash your hands thoroughly after petting your furry friend.
What do I do if my cat has toxoplasmosis?
If your cat is carrying the parasite, it should be isolated and treated by a vet. The expectant mother should have her blood tested for toxoplasmosis antibodies . If class M antibodies are detected, the infection is in its acute phase and should be treated by an infectious disease specialist. If a high volume of class G antibodies is detected, follow the same instructions, but with a low concentration of G antibodies, further treatment is not usually needed. Always let your doctor advise you on the best course of action.
What about hamsters?
Pregnant women are better off not touching or being around hamsters. There is evidence that hamsters may contribute to the development of Type 1 diabetes in newborns. Scientists suggest these rodents may carry a virus that triggers an autoimmune process [4].
What effect do pets have on my child’s development of allergies?
We don’t know for sure yet, but many studies show that when expectant mothers are around pets–especially dogs–their babies have a reduced likelihood of allergies. We should add that the mothers in these studies also did not have allergies [5].
