Can you keep a cat during the late stages of pregnancy?
In general, keeping a cat during the late stages of pregnancy is not recommended. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Firstly, cats may carry Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be transmitted through infected cat feces or parasite eggs present in soil. Infection with Toxoplasma poses potential risks to both pregnant women and their fetuses. Secondly, contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage, premature birth, fetal developmental abnormalities, or other health complications. Additionally, contact with cats raises hygiene concerns. There is a risk of exposure to infection when cleaning litter boxes, handling cat feces, or coming into contact with cat waste. Although many healthy adults show no obvious symptoms after Toxoplasma infection, doctors generally advise pregnant women to avoid contact with cats or refrain from keeping cats during late pregnancy to protect fetal health.
If you have any questions regarding the above issues, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.