Toxoplasmosis & Pregnancy: Cat Owners' Guide - Dr. Rappaport

Question
Dr. Rappaport,

I am 36. We have just started trying to get pregnant.  We have two cats that live exclusively indoors.  My husband doesn't take care of the cats; I do.  Should he start cleaning their litter box while we attempt to get pregnant, or can he wait until we actually are pregnant?  Also, should I worry about getting a test to see if I have been exposed to toxoplasmosis?  Thanks for the advice.

Sincerely,
Julie

Answer
As long as the cats have not been ouside where they could have ingested infected material (birds, rats, etc), there is no way that the cats could get toxoplasmosis and you probably are not at risk for exposure. If, at all possible, be careful with the cats. Wash your hands before eating and don't let the cats to be on the table with food or preparation of food. Toxoplasmosis is passed by the "fecal-oral" route and cats are usually clean. We usually advise the husband to clean the litter box but if the cats are exclusively indoor cats, the problem does not exist. It certainly could not hurt for you to be tested for toxo titers, but since you have had cats for awhile, you may, indeed, have antibodies just by your proximity and would test positive, which will not aid in prevention or treatment.