Is It Safe to Change the Cat’s Litter Box During Pregnancy?
10 Apr 2025
If you’re pregnant and have a cat, you might be wondering: Is it safe to clean the litter box?
The short answer: No, it’s best to avoid changing cat litter during pregnancy.
If you must do it, take precautions to reduce health risks. The main concern? Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can harm an unborn baby. Let’s explore why it’s risky, how to stay safe, and what to do if you have no choice but to clean the litter box.
In pregnancy, toxoplasmosis can pass to the baby, leading to serious complications, including:
If no one else can do it, follow strict safety precautions (see below).
Wash hands immediately after with soap and warm water.
Cleaning the litter box daily reduces the risk of exposure.
Avoid raw or undercooked meat – Cook beef, pork, and lamb to a safe temperature.
Wear gloves while gardening – Soil may contain cat feces.
Keep cats indoors – Outdoor cats are more likely to carry Toxoplasma from hunting rodents or birds. If your cat has been indoors only and eats commercial cat food, the risk is lower, but precautions are still important.
Exposure concerns (accidentally handled litter without precautions). If needed, your doctor can do a blood test to check for toxoplasmosis immunity or infection.
If you must do it, take precautions to reduce health risks. The main concern? Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can harm an unborn baby. Let’s explore why it’s risky, how to stay safe, and what to do if you have no choice but to clean the litter box.
What Is Toxoplasmosis & Why Is It Dangerous?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cat feces. Healthy adults usually have mild or no symptoms.In pregnancy, toxoplasmosis can pass to the baby, leading to serious complications, including:
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Preterm birth
- Birth defects (brain, eye, and neurological problems)
Who Should Avoid Changing Cat Litter?
Pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter entirely to lower the risk of infection. Ask your partner, a family member, or a friend to clean the litter box for you.If no one else can do it, follow strict safety precautions (see below).
How to Safely Handle Cat Litter If You Must Do It
If you have no choice but to change the litter box yourself, take these precautions:1. Wear Gloves & Wash Hands Thoroughly
Always wear disposable gloves when handling cat litter.Wash hands immediately after with soap and warm water.
2. Change the Litter Box Daily
Toxoplasma parasites take 1-5 days to become infectious after being shed in cat feces.Cleaning the litter box daily reduces the risk of exposure.
3. Wear a Mask
Toxoplasma parasites can become airborne, so wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.4. Keep the Litter Box in a Well-Ventilated Area
Avoid confined spaces where fumes and particles can linger.5. Avoid Touching Your Face
Never touch your mouth, nose, or eyes while handling cat litter.Other Ways to Reduce Toxoplasmosis Risk During Pregnancy
Even if you don’t handle cat litter, you can still be exposed in other ways: Wash fruits & vegetables thoroughly – Soil can contain Toxoplasma.Avoid raw or undercooked meat – Cook beef, pork, and lamb to a safe temperature.
Wear gloves while gardening – Soil may contain cat feces.
Keep cats indoors – Outdoor cats are more likely to carry Toxoplasma from hunting rodents or birds. If your cat has been indoors only and eats commercial cat food, the risk is lower, but precautions are still important.
When to Call Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor if you experience: Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue) – Signs of toxoplasmosis.Exposure concerns (accidentally handled litter without precautions). If needed, your doctor can do a blood test to check for toxoplasmosis immunity or infection.
