Touched a stray cat... Am I in danger?

[YouandMe]

Being the animal lover I am, I saw a stray kitten running in the street in the cold rain and naturally pulled over and scooped him up without hesitation, also forgetting duh I am pregnant and the risk of toxoplasmosis!!

I held the kitten for probably 30mins total because I took it too my brother and his wife who had mentioned they wanted to get another cat soon. Needless to say when I got home I remembered I shouldn't have touched the cat and scrubbed with soap and hot water up to my elbows and changed my clothes immediately!!

Do you think I'm at risk?? Suddenly I am so nervous! We have a cat of our own but she has never stepped foot outdoors and my husband changes the litter box. I'm scared ladies!!

 

[Jess137]

You should be fine, especially since you washed up after. Besides, most people who have cats have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis, may even carry it, and it usually poses no risk. I haven't told this to dh because I don't want to clean the litterbox

 

[Jess137]

That info came straight from my ob/gyn by the way

 

[YouandMe]

That makes me feel much better, still nervous but better!! Lol

 

[Jess137]

If you are still worried, I would talk to your ob or midwife just for peace of mind

 

[YouandMe]

I will for sure!! Thanks

 

[starshinebby]

Seriously doubt it you're in any danger.

The means of transmission from cat to a person would most likely be through exposure to cat feces. The woman would have to change the cat litter box, then somehow put the Toxoplasmosis (microorganism known as Toxoplasma gondii) into her mouth. And seeing as you probably didn't put your hands in your mouth after handling the cat and you washed your hands afterwards, you're in the clear.

Also found that one study actually found that the largest risk of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was from eating undercooked meat, and cat ownership or being around cats, was rarely a problem.

 

[LauraAvasMum]

I love cats to point if I see one in street I will cuddle it and stand stroking him for good 30 mins ( hormonally blaring over a cat ) I wouldn't overly worry I been on a farm fair few times since being pregnant but im sure if you wash you hands I never looked into but when was first pregnant was looking after tick and flea infested hedgehogs im sure they carry it to x

 

[Misscalais]

Good on you for saving a life!
Unless you were bitten I'm sure you will be fine.

 

[mnonie]

I was working and living on a farm till 6 weeks, and my folks run another that I visit, you'd have to do something like get bitten or touch then ingest so as long as you washed up totally and wash your clothes u should be perfectly safe Hun.
Well done for saving a life.

 

[Scout]

I wouldn't worry. I have a cat and even change her litter box and both my OB and vet know this and say it's fine. Toxoplasmosis is in the feces and it doens't even become infectious to humans until 1-5 days after the feces has been expelled. Gives me the incentive to scoop her litter every day LOL I'm sure you're fine.

 

[YouandMe]

You guys are the best! I feel so much better about it now! I will mention it to my midwife at my next appointment but I'm sure she'll say the same things you all did!

My brother and his wife are happily taking care of the little one now, and have an appointment with the vet on Wednesday to have him checked out! I love a happy ending! LOL

 

[Bumpblessing4]

It's the stool that you need to stay away from, not the fur, so if you just petted the cat, you should be ok.

 

[EmmaRea]

I haven't told this to dh because I don't want to clean the litterbox

Ahahahahaha!!! I did the exact same thing!! I haven't cleaned a litter box in months! It's been great!

 

[xdxxtx]

Yeah, no way you're in danger. The only danger is coming into contact with cat urine and ingesting it. I did the same thing during my pregnancy with my son, and he's just fine.

 

[Annie77]

I have a cat, snake and tortoise which according to the books puts me at risk of toxoplasmosis and salmonella. However - realistically there is more risk of catching these from undercooked meat.