Cat and pregnant dd

[Promomx2]

My dd who is 3 mos along is visiting and noticed that our indoor cat has what it looks like dandruff and alittle matted fur along his back. We're trying to get in touch with the vet, but in the meantime, should she be in contact with the cat? She wants to take the cat to the vet but I don't want her catching anything from the cat.

 

[newddmommie]

Generally speaking, it's just the litter box that needs to be avoided not the cat. However, it does sound like he needs to be groomed if there's matting and dandruff. Indoor cats don't normally carrier anything to be concerned about if they are strictly indoor. I wouldn't worry. Congrats to your dd.

 

[wdw_girl_18]

Generally speaking, it's just the litter box that needs to be avoided not the cat. However, it does sound like he needs to be groomed if there's matting and dandruff. Indoor cats don't normally carrier anything to be concerned about if they are strictly indoor. I wouldn't worry. Congrats to your dd.

agreed!

The kitty just needs to be brushed! I have a long haired Himalayan cat and I have to brush him daily or else he becomes matted everywhere!!

 

[RadioNate]

The whole cat and pregnancy thing is IMO completely overblown in this day and age. Yes, toxoplasmosis can be a concern but it is extremely rare in indoor cats. If you are very worried, a stool test can check the cat for toxoplasmosis.

In fact, you are far more likely to come into contact with toxoplasmosis from undercooked or raw meat or gardening outside than you ever are from an indoor cat.

Now, for outdoor cats that live on mice and other prey? I'd be careful around the cats litter and stool.

According to the CDC more than 60 million Americans already carry the toxoplasmosis parasite. I'd worry about them more than one indoor cat.

 

[Promomx2]

Thanks, he doesn't like it when we brush him, never liked it, so we don't. Should we get dandruff shampoo and give him a bath? I was thinking of taking him to Petsmart and letting them do it, because he is not going to like it.

 

[newddmommie]

Depending on how old he is, bathing will not make him happy. Try to brush him first. He may not like it, but cats need to be brushed to keep their coats healthy. You could try petsmart, but you'd be better off getting a groomer recommendation from your vet. I've not had great luck with Petsmart.

 

[Gigi22]

It is a lot easier to brush a cat than to give one a bath, believe me! My DH and I once gave a cat a bath and wound up soaked head to toe, with water all over the floor. The bath was so not happening, as far as the cat was concerned. We would have been scratched too, but for wearing seriously heavy gloves.
Before you brush the cat I suggest you wait for a time when the cat is relaxed and sleepy. Take the brush out and show the cat the brush, let the cat investigate it. Then slowly, brush once or twice. Put the brush away, and let the cat settle down. Wait until the cat is relaxed again, repeat. It may take a while (a few days) for the cat to get accustomed to being brushed, but it can be done. Do not try to brush the cat's belly or near their bottom--the cats I have brushed seem to find it overly invasive.

 

[RadioNate]

Also -

if the mats are large, try to cut them out. Don't try to detangle them or pull them out with the brush/comb. It is painful and will make the cat more resistant to brushing.

Every vet we've used has a grooming service. I'd start there.

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

Thanks, he doesn't like it when we brush him, never liked it, so we don't. Should we get dandruff shampoo and give him a bath? I was thinking of taking him to Petsmart and letting them do it, because he is not going to like it.

If you don't brush him after the bath he is just going to matted even worse. I learned that lesson the hard way with my long haired cat.

 

[cjlvsccm]

My dd who is 3 mos along is visiting and noticed that our indoor cat has what it looks like dandruff and alittle matted fur along his back. We're trying to get in touch with the vet, but in the meantime, should she be in contact with the cat? She wants to take the cat to the vet but I don't want her catching anything from the cat.

Like others have said, it's not very likely that anything potentially wrong with the cat would harm your DD.

But if the cat has dandruff it might mean a change in food is in order (google "cat dandruff diet"). Whether wet or dry food is used, try to find a variety with as much protein and as little carbs as possible, and no grains. Definitely a vet visit is not a bad idea.

Kitty innards are not built to digest or use carbs, and a LOT of cats are developing diabetes... due primarily to the stuff that is put in most cat food these days. I lost a beautiful Maine Coon last year, after fighting her diabetes for a year. Even the Rx food from the vet was too high in carbs! There are several good brands I have found since then... and whenever I get another cat, I will use a brand of food called EVO.

Wishing you the best for the kitty, and especially for your grandbaby on the way!!

 

[Imzadi]

It is a lot easier to brush a cat than to give one a bath, believe me!

If you've never bathed a cat, be prepared to lose an arm or a leg.

Try the brushing instead. You can try scruffing the cat at the back of the neck and brushing. Long strokes, in the direction of petting the cat. Mine likes to be brushed. She thinks it is an extension of being pet.