As keeping pets becomes part of everyday life for more families, intended parents planning to grow their families may wonder whether they can continue living with cats and dogs while preparing for pregnancy. If they plan to pursue surrogacy in Mexico in the future, could their pets affect their fertility plans?

What Risks Should You Be Aware of When Keeping Pets While Preparing for Pregnancy?

For households with cats, toxoplasmosis is one infection worth paying attention to before and during pregnancy. Toxoplasma can be transmitted through contact with the feces of infected cats, contaminated soil or food, and the consumption of undercooked meat. A first-time infection during pregnancy may affect fetal health, so prevention is particularly important.

Whenever possible, avoid cleaning the litter box yourself. If you need to do so, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Ideally, clean the litter box daily, avoid feeding cats raw meat, and keep them indoors as much as possible to reduce their chances of contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Households with dogs should be mindful of scratches, bites, parasites, and other potentially transmissible infections. Both cats and dogs should receive vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine health checks as recommended by a veterinarian. If a pet develops diarrhea, skin abnormalities, or other signs of possible illness, seek veterinary care promptly and minimize direct contact with its waste or affected areas.

How Can You Maintain Pet Health and Personal Hygiene While Preparing for Pregnancy?

First, maintain good hand hygiene. Wash your hands after handling pets, cleaning up waste, handling pet supplies, or spending time outdoors. Do not let pets lick your mouth, nose, open wounds, or tableware, and avoid cleaning litter boxes or other pet items in areas where food is prepared.

Second, maintain your pet's routine healthcare. Schedule regular veterinary checkups, follow professional recommendations for parasite prevention and vaccination, and do not administer medication to pets without appropriate guidance. Take suitable precautions when cleaning litter boxes, handling feces, or coming into contact with soil. For cats, avoid feeding raw meat and minimize opportunities for outdoor hunting.

Finally, pay attention to food safety and household hygiene. Toxoplasmosis is not associated exclusively with cats. Eating insufficiently cooked meat, consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables, and contact with contaminated soil can also pose risks. While preparing for pregnancy, ensure that meat is thoroughly cooked, wash fruits and vegetables carefully, and avoid drinking water that has not been treated to ensure its safety.

If you have an impaired immune system, are unsure about your previous infection status, or are already pregnant, consult a doctor about whether testing is necessary and which preventive measures are appropriate for your situation. Pets can generally continue to be part of your family. The key is to understand potential infection risks in advance, maintain good hygiene, and seek professional advice based on your health status.

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