Hi Simba, I am 7 months pregnant and just got a new kitten.
What are my risks for toxoplasmosis? Can I still get it this far in my
pregnancy? Brandi is 5-weeks-old and we plan to have her as an
indoor cat. Also, Brandi has fleas. We are using a flea comb on
her. Is anything else we can use to kill the fleas? brandi
Hi brandi,
Congratulations on the baby and on your soon to be born child!
First a little background on toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a microscopic protozoan
called Toxoplasma gondii. This is an intestinal parasite that
infects cats or other mammals that eat small animals, birds, or
other anything that carry Toxoplasma cysts (another reason to keep your cat
indoors).
When consumed, these cysts develop into eggs inside the intestine. These eggs are then
shed in feces, where they develop further. According to the
CDC people are more likely to get toxoplasmosis from eating undercooked meat or gardening than from contact with pet cats. However, a risk exists just the same, so here are some steps involved to guard and protect against the risk.
