I got touched by cat poop today. I had actually started to calm down and was pretty relaxed and happy this weekend. So of course, something had to happen. Stress literally chases me around and sneak attacks me, I think. Stupid, stupid, stupid cat. I am beginning to truly despise this particular species. This entire pregnancy, they have upset me to no end between pissing on guest beds, getting fleas everywhere, shredding furniture and, now, bringing their gross poop too close to me.
We all know the rule- no changing litter boxes or coming into contact with cat feces while pregnant. I was more than happy to bestow my cat poop duties on Trevor the second the pee stick showed two lines. Today, my caution was proven to be futile. Jack, the affectionate cat, came over to me wanting to get pet. I scratched his little head and he swished his tail happily into my other hand. Something hard hit me. POOP!! He had a little poop nugget stuck to his tail. I immediately washed my hands four times and proceeded to look in each of my pregnancy books about Toxoplasmosis. Don’t do that. Lots of scary things are caused by that disease. I am sure it’s totally fine, since I didn’t exactly squish it around in my hand or something, it barely touched me, but I am still calling the doctor tomorrow to check.
Trevor said this to me today (more or less, my memory isn’t a steel trap or something) anything in [] are my comments:
“If we ever have another baby [Knox is totally a hypothetical only child at this point in time due to his mother's paranoia], when you get pregnant I am building you a safe room. It will have a filtration system that sucks out every germ or foreign substance so it’s perfectly clean. This room will have NO internet access [I tend to over-Google and stress myself out]. In fact, the only thing that will be in this room is a radio, a TV and a copy of “The Santa Clause” on DVD [my favorite movie... seriously]. I will build a slot in the door and slip your meals into you. I will let you feel all aluminum cans for dents before I prepare your food [I am neurotic. After a food safety class in college where I learned the dangers of getting Botulism from dented cans, I now feel every can for dents before I buy it. I totally have OCD]. You will sit in the room and do nothing.”
This speech cracked me up and made me feel sorry for Trevor all at the same time. I know he is so ready for me to pop this baby out so I can calm down again!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
You can take your cats to the vet and they can test the cats for toxoplasmosis. Of course this only works if they are strictly indoor cats. You still won't have to touch their poop, and it could help to somewhat ease your mind.
My mom did that with her cats when she was pregnant with me, and I plan on doing that when I get pregnant.
I just might be your total opposite… For every warning out there for pregnant women, I think "Eh, it can't be that bad."
Of course, if there is anything I don't WANT to do, I fully play up the "Oh, I can't, I'm pregnant" card!!
My husband was gone for three months and I cleaned out the litter box – he's a medical student so if were THAT dangerous I think he would have said something.
As long as you don't lick the litter/poops and wash your hands afterwards you should be fine.
I also ate lunch meat one time at the airport – but don't tell my husband, that is one thing he would NOT be happy about.
I nominated you again for a blog award, you already have it but it is the sentiment that counts, right?
My hubby's been taking care of the cat box since we found out I was pregnant, but he went out of town for work a few months ago and I had to do it. I wore latex gloves and a face mask (like the kind you can get at Home Depot) and was good to go. You'll be okay!