Myths about cats and pregnancy

Being already in the XXI century there are still many people (including doctors) who affirm that cats cannot live with pregnant women. It is said that they can transmit diseases to babies, that they can harm them or that they are very dirty animals.

To what extent is that true? In Noti Gatos We are going to review the myths told about cats and pregnancy for the sole purpose of helping to disprove them so that no more cat is seen in the street because of the ignorance of humans.

The cat transmits diseases to the fetus

This myth arose from the toxoplasmosis, a disease transmitted by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The cat can become infected by feeding on rodents or other infected animals, which in most cases will not cause any obvious symptoms. In more severe cases, you could have a loss of appetite or lethargy, but you still need to know something: You could only get the disease if your cat had it, and only if you touch their feces directly with your hand, which no one would.

In addition, the cat is not the only source of contagion (or, more specifically, its feces), but also the consumption of raw or poorly cooked meat.

The cat is dangerous

It depends on how you were brought up and the environment in which you live. If you love a cat every day, care about it and its safety, and make it feel like it is really part of the family, it will not be dangerous. Absolutely. He will only behave "aggressively" if he sees that his life is in danger, but any of us would do the same in that situation.

We must not forget that a cat is a living being, that feels and suffers. He is an intelligent being who knows well who loves him and who does not; so let us treat him with respect to enjoy his friendship for many years, all that live.

The cat is a dirty animal

That's not true. The cat is one of the cleanest animals there is, if not the most. He spends much of his time grooming himself, so it doesn't make any sense to say it's dirty. Obviously, like any animal, it must relieve itself, but we are the ones who have to clean the litter box regularly to prevent the house from smelling bad.

Regarding the hairs that it loosens, we have to brush it daily, not only to avoid leaving it on the furniture, but also so that the dreaded hairballs do not form.

When we decide to have a cat, we make a commitment to it that must last until the end of its days. Pregnancy shouldn't be a reason to get rid of it.