[Glitterz]

So we just built DD a sandpit for xmas, and there is a cat that lives next door.
We have covered it with a tarp when not in use.. but heres my question....

Would you still sit and play in the sandpit with your child with the small risk of taxoplasmosis? (or however its spelt?)

This post has been edited by Glitterz: 07/01/2013, 03:35 PM

[lozoodle]

Without a doubt.

[katiebear26]

yes, as long as you are confident the tarp covers it well. a cat will not try too hard to get in just to go to the toilet if there are other alternatives (i have 2 cats and when they need to go they don't want to muck around!)

[Mousky]

I see you are pregnant. So no I dont think its safe for you. Your partner and DD would be fine. Its only a problen if you are pregnant and have no immunity (not been exposed). The blood test for this is about $120, and not covered by medicare.

[Daisy Goat]

Put the tarp over it but also put Orange peel all around the rim of the sandpit to discourage the cats from even trying to go there

[**Marni**]

So long as the sandpit is well covered. You can only catch toxoplasmosis from direct contact with cats faeces that is more than 24 hours old. So if you keep it tightly covered so the cat can't get in, you will be safe to play in there with your little one.
If something happens and the cat does get in and leave its business, make sure someone else cleans it out as soon as possible to eliminate the risks. You shouldn't sit in there once the cat has left it's business though, even when it has been removed.

[Glitterz]

thanks for the replies

[Koobie83]

I had a blood test for toxoplasmosis through QML and it was free! Didn't cost me anything! I only tested because I kissed my old cat's foot back at my parent's house - she's old and an outdoor cat and was paranoid. Haha.

Would I play in the sandpit? Probably not. But I've talked about toxoplasmosis with my sister (a Vet and Microbiologist) and she says that she has never seen a cat with toxoplasmosis in her entire experience of being a Vet. In saying that, you don't want the risk.

Mind you, it all really depends on what the cat eats. If the cat is feed exclusively on kibble and proper cat 'food' then the risk of that cat being exposed to toxo is extremely low. They don't carry it on their own. They get it from eating dead things (Birds, fresh meat basically) that are carrying the parasite. The cat would have to be pretty sick at the time to spread it to you. Also, it's a parasite which hatches after three days of sitting in the poo- so if your DH is cleaning the sandpit often then your risk lowers again.

I have a cat who is an indoor cat only, and she only eats kibble. I don't change her kitty litter box because of the minute risk of catching it (DH does) but I know that my chance of exposure is very very low.

Hope this helps.

**BTW there is greater risk in catching toxoplasmosis through contact with raw meat in your kitchen than catching it from cat poo!

This post has been edited by Koobie83: 08/01/2013, 09:13 AM

[Kay1]

I would and have. I grew up with cats and sandpits and a blood test shows I've never had toxo.

We have a sandpit and cat now but our cat doesn't eat raw meat and she doesn't poo in the sandpit (we have one of the clam shell ones with a cover). She actually doesn't like sand, she's used to the paper litter so sand wouldn't mean toilet to her.

Having said that I would wash my hands afterwards, just in case.

I changed cat litter in all three of my pregnancies and was just careful in using a scoop and washing hands thoroughly immediately afterwards.

I think you are taking adequate precautions and the risk is very very low anyway.

This post has been edited by Kay1: 08/01/2013, 09:17 AM