i'm pregnant, and my cat has butt issues.

Hi all,

I have posted here before about my 3 y/o neutered male cat's anal gland problems. In a previous thread, I got great advice about relieving his discomfort by adding pumpkin to his meals and also putting him on a diet so he can better reach himself for cleaning. I have also put a cover over my bed so he can't scoot on my comforter---his favorite place to 'itch.' 

The problem is, I'm newly pregnant, and I caught him scooting on my bed the other day. I also suspect he might have a UTI, because I saw what appears to be some urine on his cat bed and an increased amount of urine in his box. I can't get too close for inspection, but I do plan to take him to the vet this weekend. 

Getting rid of him has never crossed my mind, and I won't do it under any circumstances. I have recently, however, entertained the thought of temporarily placing him with my sister for the duration of my pregnancy. He is young and adjusts well to new places (I have moved frequently ever since he was a kitten). I am sincerely worried about any fecal matter that I might be coming into contact with. He has taken to sleeping on my head at night, which I think is because he must sense that I am pregnant. It's SO cute, but I am paranoid about his poop, especially because he has this scooting habit!! 

I could use some advice here. I really value these forums for the exchange of personal experiences and perspectives. 

Thanks,

Stephanie 

Hi

This is a tricky question and given your concern about the poop, (i'm assuming your concern is taxoplasmosis)  I'm going to link you to some articles, but the best advice is going to come from your Vet and your OBGYN.

A few things to note:  Cats with taxo are only contagious for about 2 weeks.  And you have to ingest fecal matter orally, or through an opening in the skin in order to acquire it.  And the oocysts which are found in the feces are not contagious in the first 24 hours after the cat poops.

You can test your cat for taxo, but the results may be inconclusive.  You can also get tested as the literature I've read says that if you were previously infected, the fetus is safe, but i would wanted a doctor to tell me that.

The biggest risk still is undercooked meats, unpasteurized cheese, contaminated soil.   Nevertheless, with your cat spreading feces around it is a concern.

From the first article below, "Serological tests are the most reliable tests for making a definitive diagnosis. By measuring the levels of toxoplasma antigens in the body, your veterinarian can determine the type of infection, and whether it is active, dormant, recent (acute), or long term (chronic). Your veterinarian may repeat these tests three weeks after the initial testing as part of a follow-up exam."  Since the cat is only contagious for 2 weeks, knoing whether the cat was recently infected or not is relevant.

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_toxoplasmosis

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/toxoplasmosis

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/toxoplasmosis.cfm

http://meowcatrescue.org/resources/articles/17/toxoplasmosis-cats-can-stay-when-baby-is-on-the-wa/

It sounds like your cat would do fine in another home, spo tjhat may be the easiest way to go, that and getting his glands cleaned out!

Stephen

Scooting is a sign of anal gland problems, nor urinary problems.  Get him to the vet and have him tested and get some help for his anal glands.