Fears About Pregnancy and cats Should not stop Those who want to A...( Veterinary n...),Health

Veterinary neurologist allays fears about cat toxoplasmosis infections for those considering cat adoption during June, which is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Pregnancy and cats need not be mutually exclusive with easy solution to eliminate possibility of infection.

Sarasota, Fla. (PRWEB) - Prospective pet owners who are looking to adopt a cat during Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat-Month in June should not let concerns about cats and pregnancy stop them.

Most pet owners have heard that pregnant women should not change cat litter because of a parasitic disease called toxoplasmosis, but many do not know how easy it is to eliminate the possibility of infection, said Dr. Anne Chauvet, a veterinary neurologist who founded Veterinary Neuro Services. Simply cleaning the litter box every day virtually eliminates the chance that anyone in the household, including other cats, could become infected, said Chauvet, who has dealt with toxoplasmosis infections in her veterinary neurology practice when the parasite attacks the brain, spinal cord or muscles.

A toxoplasmosis infection is caused by toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic parasite that is transformed into its infective form (sporozoites) in the feces of cats. The parasite sheds microscopic eggs (oocysts) in a cat's feces, and the eggs become infective after two to five days. "That is why it is important to clean the litter daily, before the eggs have a chance to become infective," Chauvet said. "Of course, prospective mothers and those who are pregnant should leave the litter cleaning duties to others during their pregnancies to take no chances."

A patient also can be infected
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