what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

I haven't seen my dr. yet, so I figured you ladies could help me. I know there's the chance of being exposed to bacteria when scooping cat litter, but is the danger in breathing it in or touching it? If I use a scooper so that my hands don't come into contact with it and then wash my hands right away is it safe? I read that the same kind of bacteria can be found in raw meat, and it's not like I'm going to stop cooking, so wouldn't it still be ok to take care of my kitty as long as I"m careful? DH says he'll do it when he's home from work, but she really needs it to be scooped all throughout the day otherwise she'll go on the floor.

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

my friend was told to not scoop the cat litter while pregnant and if she has to do it she has to wear gloves and a mask.

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

you're not supposed to because of something thats carried in there. you're supposed to use gloves and what not.
my DH hates my cat with a passion so he would never clean up after her so i cleaned her litter my entire pregnancy. i just tried not to breathe in too much and washed my hands thoroughly afterwards.

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

There is a bacteria that is in their feces that just being a cat owner at some point in your life youve been exposed to it and your immune to it. The baby is not.

What I have heard by reading very thoroughly on it as well (I have a cat) as speaking with my OB, is if someone else can change the litter than allow that person to do. IF you have to do it, wear disposable plastic gloves, wear a mask and still wash your hands thoroughly afterwards...

Make sure to continue to doing this when the baby comes as well...

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

it has to do with Toxoplasmosis


here is some info clicky

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

there is a risk for toxoplasmosis. It is carried in a cats feces. There are two other animal groups that also can carry it- rabbits and birds- do not change the cages/litters- let the dh do it.. one less thing for you to do...

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

Yea, its because of the bacteria they carry called toxoplasmosis. My Dr. actually wasnt concerned with me changing the cat litter so long as I wear a mask and gloves..but the other Dr. at my practice said not to do it, go figure. I have no choice because I work at a vets office and there is not always someone there to do it.

Re: what's the deal with scooping cat litter?

I scoop it wearing a mask that my nurse friend got from the hospital. And I wash my hands really well. DH is allergic and not fond of my cat so he would never do it. She only stays in the basement during the winter and with the nice weather she's actually going out almost every day so she's not using the litter as much