How to avoid cat scratching risks during pregnancy

We have often heard about the Dangers of being in contact with cats during pregnancy, which has given rise to many myths and misinformation. There are misconceptions that generate fear, but today we are going to clarify this issue in depth, focusing on the possible risks related to cat scratches and how it can affect pregnant women, in addition to disproving some popular beliefs.

Cat scratch disease: Bartonella henselae

The most dangerous disease that a cat scratch can cause is called cat scratch fever, which is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselaeThis bacteria is transmitted when a cat scratches human skin, either accidentally or through aggression. Although the symptoms are generally mild, the risks may be greater in pregnant women, due to their weaker immune system.

Amongst the symptom Symptoms of this infection include fatigue, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Although rare, some people may develop more serious complications, such as temporary vision problems or even a brain infection. These cases, however, are rare and affect less than 10% of those infected.

Medical Studies: What happens if a pregnant woman is infected?

Research, such as that carried out by the Sourasky Medical Center Israel under the direction of Dr. Michael Giladi, examine the effects of Bartonella henselae in pregnant women. According to this study, it was estimated that 7 of each 100,000 people could be infected by this bacteria, indicating a low but not non-existent risk. Although cat-scratch fever can be uncomfortable, there is no strong evidence to suggest that this bacteria causes serious problems in fetuses when mothers become infected during pregnancy. Of the cases analyzed, most babies were born healthy.

However, it is important to emphasize that although the available studies are limited, a direct and clear connection between the bartonella and serious health problems in babies of infected mothers.

One of the main recommendations of doctors is not to resort to unnecessary radiological tests, such as CT scans, which could expose the fetus to unnecessary radiation while waiting for more conclusive results on the infection. Bartonella henselae.

Hygiene recommendations for pregnant women with cats

The main message that experts want to convey is that There is no need to get rid of the cat if you are pregnant. Domestic cats, especially those that stay indoors, pose a low risk of transmitting dangerous diseases. However, Following good hygiene practices is essential. Here are some tips:

• Wash your hands after touching or petting the cat.
• Avoid contact with stray or unknown cats.
• If you need to change the cat litter, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Prevent your cat from licking you or coming into close contact with open wounds or mucous membranes.

Also, if the cat is primarily indoor and has good veterinary control, it is unlikely to be a carrier of Bartonella henselaeHowever, if your cat has access to the outdoors, there may be a higher chance of infection. In this case, we recommend that you consult your veterinarian to assess whether your pet needs specific monitoring.

Are there other risks associated with owning cats during pregnancy?

Another aspect that is important to consider when talking about cats and pregnancy is toxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that is transmitted through contact with the feces of infected cats. This infection may be more dangerous to the baby than cat scratch fever. However, the risk of a domestic cat transmitting toxoplasmosis is low, especially if the cat does not eat raw meat or have contact with outdoor animals.

To minimize the risk of toxoplasmosis, it is advisable to have someone else clean the cat's litter box during pregnancy and, if possible, prevent the cat from going outside. It is important to remember that toxoplasmosis is not exclusively contracted through contact with cats; handling raw meat, poorly washed fruits and vegetables can also be a source of infection.

Additional care in case of cat scratch

If a cat scratches you during pregnancy, it is essential that you clean the wound. immediately with soap and water. If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or fever, it is essential that you see a doctor as soon as possible. In most cases, the infection cat scratch fever It can be effectively treated with antibiotics, but the sooner action is taken, the lower the chances of complications.

In summary, although cat scratches during pregnancy can be a cause for concern, the risk they pose is low as long as basic hygiene rules are followed and proper pet control is maintained. With the right precautions, it is not necessary to give up living with cats during pregnancy.