Relationships between Preemies and owning Cats

[natan]

Hi Mom with Preemies

I was talking to bunch of moms in one of my moms group and we figured out something that we have in common, that we live with cats. I wonder how many of you have cats and had preemies while caring for cats?

I know that kitty litter is supposed to be bad in general for pregnant women, but has anybody heard if it causes prematurity? And now that I am pregnant, DH has taken over that part.

Don't get me wrong, I love my two animals and would never consider giving them up, but there were a lot of similarities with other moms and having preemies. We were just curious if this topic has been talked about before?

Deborah 35
DH 34
Natan almost 3 years(preeclampsia baby)
cats:
{Peeps 14yrs}
{Phreddie 4yrs}

[mom2gigi]

Interesting, I had 2 cats while I was pregnant and my DH also took over caring for them while I was.

Adriana

Giselle - born 6/04 @ 35wks, severe sudden preeclampsia by emergency c-section.

[sjs40]

Very interesting. When I was first pregnant we had 2 cats, but one, Sooty, was taken ill when I was about 8wks and had to be put to sleep (he was diagnosed with the feline version of aids). His brother tested ok, but was taken ill just after I went back to work, and we lost him too. Ebony was a great comfort to me when we lost Ellie, he knew when I needed a cuddle!
Throughout my pregnancy I didnt touch the cat litter etc, Chris did all that. I didn't weed the garden either!
It will be interesting to see if this is a common link....
Sue


Sue (40)
Chris (37)
DD Eleanor Susan (Ellie)
born at 27wks severe PE
24 July 03 - 20 August 03

[angelical]

We had two cats while I was pregnant, but I kept them away from me. And then we got rid of the long-haired one when we knew Aaron would be early.

I don't think having them related to my needing to be delivered. But who knows?

Sharel

------------------------
Sharel O'Connell
Local coordinator for Pittsburgh area
'Parents of Preemies' co-moderator
Survivor of Preeclampsia, HELLP Syndome, & preemie parenting
Future adoptive mom

Aaron (28 weeker, 5/2/02) -- my tiny guy is TWO!
Kevin - DH

[angelkat]

Never had a cat. But have two dogs

Hugs
~T
Moderator Grief and Loss
Mommy to
Drew(13)PE 37 wks
Ky (11)PE 34 wks
~i~ Katlyne(12/9/02-04/02/03)25 wks
Casey Looking at Aug
Katlyne's Tribute Site
http://forevernetwork.com/lifestories/lifestory.cfm?Archive_ID=10971&Directory=/Archives/MountHope&Sort=V

[annes]

If you can believe it, my DH and I have 5 (yes, five) kitties[:I]. He is a bit of a softy and already had his four when I met him and I already had one. The minute I was pregnant I stayed away from the litter, and to be honest, I haven't really gone back to it. My issue with the kitties when I was pregnant is that they are always everywhere (they have the advantage of numbers), their fur is everywhere and they love attention. They make me crazy, but what can you do[}:)]? Luckily all except one have a healthy skepticism towards the baby, and of course he loves them! Furry, soft, stuffed animals that move and jump! He laughs every time he even sees them! The closest they come to him is walking around the edges of his crib, and only one will do that. I never thought about a connection between them and the prematurity, that is very interesting thought. By the way Deborah, Congratulations on your big news[:D]!

Anne
DH Richard
Parker 7/6/03(severe pe)33wks

[ileana]

No cats, no dogs during pregnancy.... [:(]no preemie either.

Ileana
IT Coordinator
Preeclampsia Foundation

Mother of Angel - stillborn on Feb 17, 2003 (24wGA, 410g)

[angelical]

We kept the cat away from Aaron completely for about 18 months. Now, that poor cat is Aaron's buddy. In fact, "kitty-itty-itty-dlitty-ditty" is something we hear CONSTANTLY now. lol

I'm not a cat person, but I have to feel sorry for that one. But I have to give him credit, aaron is generally very gentle with him. Just no idea about "personal space" lol, and he occassionally has to point out that the kitty has an EYE! (ouch)

Sharel

------------------------
Sharel O'Connell
Local coordinator for Pittsburgh area
'Parents of Preemies' co-moderator
Survivor of Preeclampsia, HELLP Syndome, & preemie parenting
Future adoptive mom

Aaron (28 weeker, 5/2/02) -- my tiny guy is TWO!
Kevin - DH

[catherine]

Natan, the reason that pregnant women are supposed to stay away from cats during pregnancy is because of the risk of exposure to Toxoplasma. This is a parasite that can infect cats and will be excreted in their faeces. If you become infected, the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the baby with many serious consequences. This is why husbands have to clean litter boxes and IMHO it is grounds for "kitty ejection" if DH refuses. Beyond that, I've never heard of any association between pet ownership and prematurity.

Catherine
Mom to Finn, Lucy (preeclampsia and HELLP) and Chloe.
Moderator HELLP Syndrome Survivors

[jenn]

Add me to the list.

5 kitties. 1 preemie (so far)

Can't seem to ever say no to the little cuties [:)]



Jennie (24)
Shad DH (28)

Jaidyn 1.24.01 (30 wkr)
Severe PE/HELLP
2lb. 12oz.

Heavenly Angel:
Blaze
12.6.03
(miscarriage)

EDD- Thanksgiving! 11.25.04

http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/j/jaid/ (updated May 18th)