Cats sense human death. Can cats sense a woman's pregnancy?

Cats, like dogs, have lived next to us for many centuries. These outwardly cute, proud and self-sufficient animals are endowed with special abilities - they clearly react to changes occurring in the external environment, and are excellent hunters and observers. The pet evaluates changes in a person’s mood, understands that he is ill or is experiencing emotional problems. Can cats sense their owner's pregnancy? Most owners of furry “roommates” answer this question only in the affirmative.

Why do cats react to pregnancy? To obtain an answer, several criteria must be considered :

• changes in a woman’s physical condition during pregnancy;
• instability of mood and changed emotionality, anxiety of the expectant mother;
• actions related to the purchase of children's things and arrangement of the apartment.

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Master, I'm with you!

Cats, dogs, and rodents are capable of anticipating not only natural disasters, but also misfortune that threatens the owner.
Thus, in the USA, Canada and Europe there are special schools for dogs, where animals are trained to help people suffering from epilepsy. Dogs can sense an impending attack by slight changes in smell, skin color and the size of the owner's pupils. Specially trained animals do not allow their owners to go out onto the roadway before a seizure begins, place their body under the falling owner and “remind” the person to lie down or sit down in advance. Dogs are also trained to sit next to an unconscious owner and protect him from robbers.

One of these dogs, a poodle named Seiko, more than once saved the life of his owner Sue Hoffman, saving her from falling on the freeway. And one day Seiko sensed that something was wrong with the owner in the bathroom. With a loud bark, the poodle called Sue's family for help, thereby preventing her from drowning.

There are also examples of animals sensing trouble threatening a person from a distance. A case is described when a cat came to the cemetery to say his last “sorry” to his owner, who had crashed his car in another city. On the day of the funeral, the mustachioed friend sat down next to the grave, as if he knew who it was intended for.

Another cat, named Oscar, who once lived in one of the American nursing homes, received the ominous name of being able to smell death. Usually wild and unsociable, he invariably came to the bedside of a patient who was destined to die. According to the nurses, Oscar was never wrong. When they tried to force him out of the room with the doomed man, he began to meow heart-rendingly and scratch the door. What made Oscar behave this way is unknown.

Do you know what the creature is that curls up and purrs, thinking about the role of humans in creating cat comfort?

Very sharp eye

By nature, the cat is perfectly suited for hunting at night due to some features of its senses. First of all, this concerns the eyes. Cats, like people, have three-dimensional vision. A ray of light entering the eye is reflected yellow-green in most cats, and red in blue-eyed cats. In ancient times, cat's eyes glowing in the dark often frightened people who considered cats to be “demon spawn.”

In fact, this eye structure improves the animal’s vision at dusk. Behind the retina is shiny tissue, a layer of reflective cells. Light is reflected from this tissue and again enters the light-receptive zone. As a result, cats' vision is at least six times sharper than that of humans. But in complete darkness the cat still cannot see.

During the day, the cat has to squint to protect its eyes from the bright sun. And if in the dark the cat’s pupils, which perceive even the weakest light, look like large round buttons, then in daylight they narrow, turning into the thinnest slits. Under the cat’s eyelids there is a thinner gray skin - the nictitating membrane.

Until about the middle of this century, it was believed that cats were color blind. Modern scientific research has shown that cats distinguish between 6 primary colors and 26 shades of gray. And how could it be otherwise: after all, the gray color of the skin is the main prey of cats - mice and rats. The cat sees everything, you can’t hide from it.

After all, her eyes are of extraordinary size. If the diameter of a person’s eyes were related to the body length in the same way as a cat’s, it would reach almost 10 centimeters. A cat's eye can concentrate exclusively on an object of interest to it, while the rest are as if in a fog, out of focus. But if the object is not frozen in place, but moves, the cat is fully armed: to detect moving objects, the cat’s brain has specific neurons that perceive rapid movement quite adequately.

Ears on top of head

A cat can fully rely on its hearing, since its ear is capable of detecting infra and ultrasound, which greatly helps it in hunting. By the way, a wide range of cat hearing can be expressed in musical octaves. Cats can hear up to ten octaves with just one-tenth of a tone difference. Moreover, an adult cat perceives sound ranges from 30 to 65 hertz.

The most interesting thing is that cats hear only what they want to hear. A loud, familiar sound that is uninteresting to a cat can leave it indifferent; it will sleep without reacting to it. But if an unfamiliar quiet sound is heard nearby, the cat will immediately become wary.

A cat's ears are very mobile; they are controlled by more than twenty muscles. It is able to detect barely audible sounds, as well as distinguish between two sound sources located nearby.

Cats have many amazing abilities. Everyone has probably read about how cats are well oriented, how they find their home, being many kilometers away from it. This is not strange - an animal with such acute hearing and sensitive scent cannot get lost even in an unfamiliar area. In addition, it is believed that the cat has some kind of internal compass, thanks to which it senses the Earth's magnetic field.

Smell and taste

A cat's sense of smell plays a huge role when communicating with other cats. Cats regularly mark their territory, thus making themselves known to other cats living in the neighborhood. The human nose, which is not so sensitive, does not pick up this smell, but a cat can determine by smell not only who left it, but also when it happened.

Cats also leave their marks by secreting an odorous substance through glands located on their paws. This smell has a very strong effect on the cat - it begins to rub its neck and muzzle against the place where the cat left its mark so that the pleasant smell remains on its fur. They are well versed in smells. Each cat distinguishes the familiar and favorite smell of its owner, so it gives pleasure when he strokes it.

if they want to accustom a cat to something, then drop a few valerian drops on it. But the cat cannot stand the smell of lemon and orange peels. If you watch a cat, you will notice that sometimes she suddenly freezes, not paying attention to what is happening around her, and sucks in air, slightly raising her upper lip and nose - it may even seem like she doesn’t like something.

In fact, at this moment the cat is completely focused on some interesting smell - just like a gourmet inhales the aroma of a gourmet dish. Scientists believe that the cat owes the sharpness of its sense of smell and taste to one still insufficiently studied sensory organ - the so-called Jacobson's tube. This is a really small tube, no more than a centimeter long, its opening is located in the sky behind the front incisors.

Mustache of unprecedented beauty

One of the main sense organs of a cat is its whiskers. She has more of them. Thanks to its long, sensitive whiskers, the cat senses the slightest vibrations in the air and can confidently move in the dark without touching anything, because the air waves generated when the cat moves are reflected from nearby objects. The same sensitive, but shorter, hairs are located above the eyes, on the chin and on the paws.

With its paws, the cat feels subtle vibrations of the floor when mice crawl nearby. And the hairs near the eyes, a kind of cilia, play a protective role: as soon as something touches them, the animal immediately closes its eyelids. It is the well-developed sense of touch and smell that allows a cat to feel its prey in complete darkness and deal with it with one blow. The cat moves its whiskers using tiny muscles located at the very roots of the hair.

They also say that you can determine the mood of cats by the position of their whiskers. In a sleeping cat, they hang relaxed: if she is excited or interested in something, the whiskers are widely spaced and directed forward, and when the cat is scared or defending, the whiskers are pressed to the head and pulled back.

READ How long does pregnancy last in hamsters?

Toothed and clawed

The cat's weapon is, first of all, a mouth with thirty teeth and claws. The four sharp front fangs are used to catch and kill the prey, the molars crush the prey, and the small incisors help to gnaw the bones. The muscles that move the lower jaw get tired quite quickly, so the cat chews alternately with the right and then the left side of the jaw.

Ten curved claws are located at the ends of the paws, on the pads (“fingers”). Each claw is in a leather case, which protects it from excessive grinding and also allows the cat to walk very quietly, because only the soft pads of its paws touch the ground. Thanks to the work of a complex mechanism of tendons and longitudinal muscles, the cat is able to extend and retract its claws.

These are such complex and amazing creatures, these cats.

Anton Malyshev

Many people believe that pets, in particular cats and dogs, “feel” the approach of their death and go away to die away from home (supposedly so as not to “upset” their owners).

Well, if animals feel their death, it is not sudden - many cat corpses lie on the highways. Leaving home before death is more likely a manifestation of depression. When a person is physically unwell, he also wants to be left alone. Even if animals leave home to die, none of the naturalists reported such “cemeteries.” The corpses of cats that are found in cities usually have severe injuries. The desire of cats to “not upset” their owners is not scientific.

Positive aspects of having animals in the house

Pets in the home of a young family have a lot of advantages:

• Pleasure from communication. Smaller furry brothers, like no one else, know how to cheer up, brighten up loneliness and lift your spirits. And a positive attitude is something that is important for both the expectant mother and the fetus.
• Active daily walks in the fresh air. Walking a dog is not only about taking care of your pet, but also about maintaining muscle tone and oxygenating the blood. These are necessary measures to bear a healthy child.
• Rehearsal of parental functions. Sometimes a small puppy or kitten requires just as much attention as a baby. Caring for a pet is good mental preparation for caring for your own baby.
• Stress relief. Watching aquarium fish, a hamster or listening to birds sing relaxes, relieves stress and gets rid of gloomy thoughts.

Reference! It is believed that cats can recognize pain and relieve it through massage with paw pads or body heat.

Cat, toxoplasmosis and pregnancy

This disease lives in cats, birds, dogs and humans, but comfortably reproduces exclusively in the cat's body. Toxoplasmosis develops from the simplest microorganism Toxoplasma, which is very resistant to the external environment; for example, it lives quietly in cat feces for 2 years. The human body can quickly catch the infection if it comes into contact with contaminated raw meat during processing. Toxoplasmosis is not life-threatening; sometimes, sick people with signs of illness in the form of a minor cold do not think that they have become infected.

As for the unborn baby, this is very dangerous for him, sometimes even fatal. If the fetus does not die, then the nervous system, which is responsible for the development of the brain and other important vital organs, is seriously damaged. According to doctors, if the expectant mother becomes infected before 24 weeks, the pregnancy must be unconditionally terminated. Having learned the terrible details about the troubles caused by a harmless animal, the thought of getting rid of the cat immediately comes to mind, but do not rush to panic.

The threat of the listed facts is active only when the infection occurs at the beginning of pregnancy. Experiencing an unpleasant illness for a long time will not affect the fetus in any way. There is nothing to be afraid of, especially since re-infection is not possible.

If you put everything on the shelves, then there is no guarantee that right now the pregnant owner and the cat are sick. Closer to the truth is the fact that everyone got sick a long time ago and now have immunity from toxoplasma, which they no longer need to be afraid of.

It’s still worth getting your pet examined; you don’t need to give up right away. To detect toxoplasma in the body, tests are performed for TORCH infections. Cat feces will also be needed to clarify the unclear situation. Based on the test results, it will be possible to guide the future living or parting with a four-legged companion for the period until the arrival of a new little person in the family.

And there are several options:

1. Presence of immunity to toxoplasmosis. This can be considered a positive fact, because there is no need to solve the problem with the cat, and most importantly, there is no threat to everyone.
2. Not a very good option when the cat is sick but the owner is not. This incident forces you to say goodbye to your pet for a while. We need to take care of her treatment.
3. You need to be very careful if neither the pet nor its owner is infected. Since there is no reason to send the cat somewhere, you need to protect it from infection.

The described risk to the fetus is only primary infection of the mother during pregnancy or shortly before its onset. If you have had toxoplasmosis long before the “interesting” situation, there is nothing to worry about. This will not have any effect on the fetus. And it is impossible to get this disease again.

And now, thinking logically, it’s hard to believe that right now you and your cat will get sick. Most likely, this happened a long time ago, but none of you even suspected it. This means that both you and the cat already have immunity against toxoplasma and in the future you will not be afraid of it.

But it’s still too early to relax. To rule out all the “what ifs”, go through the examination together with your pet.

You should be tested for TORCH infections to exclude or confirm the presence of toxoplasma in the body. The cat's feces also need to be tested. It is the test results that should clarify the situation with the cat in the house during pregnancy. And there are several options:

1. You are already immune to toxoplasmosis. Perhaps this is the best option. In this situation, everything remains in its place. Both you, the cat, and your unborn baby are already safe.
2. The cat is infected, but you are not. This case is more unpleasant. You will have to look for a new home for your pet. Let its temporary owners take care of treatment, and you avoid other routes of infection.
3. Both your body and the cat’s body do not yet know about toxoplasma. Most likely you will leave the cat at home. But it is very important in this case to increase security measures.

Danger for women: when you should not have a cat while pregnant

We all know that animals have a much sharper sense of smell than humans. Animals can remember a person by his smell.

While carrying a baby, the expectant mother undergoes many changes in her body. Also, against the background of hormonal changes, a woman’s scent may also change, but only her pet will be able to smell it.

In addition, the animal may notice changes in your behavior. For example, you will start going to bed earlier, stop going to work, your gait may change, new habits will appear, etc.

The pet will also notice external changes over time.

Animals can definitely benefit the expectant mother.

We suggest you read: Ringworm in rabbits and its treatment

The purring of a cat, her sleeping in your arms and the opportunity to pet your pet can have a strong calming effect and lift your spirits, which is often necessary for expectant mothers.

Both cats and dogs have a very positive effect on the nervous system of the expectant mother. Of course, provided that she loves her pets.

In addition, for example, you need to walk your dog. And for the expectant mother, walks in the fresh air and physical activity are very important.

Sometimes, out of boredom, pregnant women decide to get a pet, because it will bring many new moments to life. And this is true, a small purring lump can give a lot of positive emotions, and at the same time it can cause the development of toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma. The main carriers of the disease are cats. Unfortunately, in the early stages the disease does not manifest itself in any way, so it is not possible to suspect its presence in a pet.

But if a woman has previously suffered from this disease, then the body has time to develop antibodies to the pathogen; in such situations, pregnancy proceeds without complications.

To avoid undesirable consequences from acquiring a four-legged friend, it is better to refuse or deal with this issue through trusted nurseries, which will provide vaccination certificates.

Cat and pregnancy - precautions

Anyone can get toxoplasmosis.

Neither you nor the cat are immune from infection with toxoplasmosis. But God protects the one who is taken care of.

All these simple steps will help you protect yourself from toxoplasmosis. Remember also that the cat is not the only culprit of this disease.

Take care of your health and the health of your baby!

And also do not forget that we are responsible for those we have tamed. Even if you have to part with your beloved purr, make sure that she feels good in her new home. And be sure to take her back after giving birth! After all, she needs you so much!

Especially for – Tanya Kivezhdiy

Many women, having learned about their situation, try to place their pet in good hands. It is not necessary. Studies have been conducted on the influence of pets on children, the results of which showed that pets help children develop communication skills, teach them empathy and care for loved ones.

Is it true that dogs sense their owner's pregnancy?

There is no scientific evidence that dogs sense their owner's pregnancy.
But these pets are definitely aware that changes are happening to the woman, and they react to this quite differently. There are a huge number of cases where a dog’s behavior changed along with the onset of a woman’s pregnancy.

Some dogs begin to intensely protect their pregnant owner: they growl at anyone who approaches her or tries to touch her belly, or, on the contrary, they move away from the woman.

In many ways, the animal’s reaction depends on the owner; if she begins to constantly drive the dog away from her, then the pet may feel unnecessary and offended.

Cats and pregnancy: myths and reality

For many years, a person and a cat can live in the same house without disturbing each other. A person feeds a cat, combs tangles out of its fur, monitors its health and takes care of it in every possible way. In turn, the cat pleases the owner with cozy purring, entertains with games and demonstrates its affection with its entire appearance.

Everything changes when a woman finds out about her pregnancy. Many expectant mothers ask a difficult question: is it possible to leave a cat in the house where the baby will soon appear? What to do with a pet to which all family members have already become attached? Some are trying to place the animal in good hands, others even put the cat outside, fearing for the health of their unborn baby. Is this tactic justified? What are expectant mothers afraid of?

According to statistics, up to 95% of the world's population are carriers of toxoplasma. The disease is usually asymptomatic. In rare cases, mild fever, muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes may occur.

Toxoplasma is not dangerous for a healthy adult. People who have had the disease do not experience any discomfort in later life. Complications after the disease practically do not occur. A sick person is not contagious. Toxoplasmosis is not transmitted from person to person.

Toxoplasmosis poses a serious danger only to the fetus in the mother's womb. Infection in the first trimester of pregnancy leads to the development of serious defects:

• brain pathology (anencephaly, microcephaly);
• pathology of the eyeballs (anophthalmia, etc.);
• congenital malformations of internal organs;
• hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid between the meninges).

Toxoplasma infection can also cause spontaneous miscarriage up to 12 weeks.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, toxoplasmosis leads to the following complications:

• damage to internal organs with the development of their functional failure;
• damage to the nervous system;
• thrombocytopenia;
• anemia.

Infection with toxoplasma in the third trimester of pregnancy leads to the development of congenital toxoplasmosis, accompanied by the appearance of the following symptoms:

• fever;
• hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen);
• skin rash;
• convulsions.

READ Pregnancy and childbirth in a British cat

Congenital toxoplasmosis rarely ends favorably for the fetus. In most cases, newborns experience delayed physical and mental development of varying degrees of severity. Paralysis and paresis may occur, and severe convulsive syndrome may develop. Premature birth and stillbirth cannot be ruled out.

Knowing what consequences arise after suffering toxoplasmosis, many pregnant women try to get rid of their pet as quickly as possible. But is the danger really that great? Infectious disease experts say: the risk of developing the disease exists only in women who encounter toxoplasmosis for the first time in their lives during real pregnancy. In this case, the fetus becomes infected and serious defects and conditions develop, including those incompatible with life.

According to statistics, most women encounter toxoplasma long before pregnancy. Many expectant mothers, even in childhood or adolescence, actively come into contact with domestic or street cats, thereby providing themselves with immunity against a dangerous disease. By the time they conceive a child, up to 95% of all women have already had experience with toxoplasma. Protective antibodies circulate in their blood, helping the body cope with the infection and protect the baby from the possible consequences of this disease.

As a result, four groups of women are identified:

• There are no IgM and IgG in the blood. High risk of infection. It is recommended to avoid contact with cats during pregnancy.
• There is IgM in the blood, but no IgG. The infection has occurred recently and there is a risk of infection of the fetus. It is necessary to contact an infectious disease specialist and undergo a course of therapy.
• There are IgM and IgG in the blood. The infection occurred recently, but protective antibodies have already developed. The risk of fetal infection remains. It is necessary to contact an infectious disease specialist.
• There is no IgM in the blood, but there is IgG. The infection occurred before pregnancy. The body has protective antibodies. There is no danger to the fetus. It is possible to have contact with cats during pregnancy.

In order to avoid possible infection when interacting with cats, a pregnant woman must adhere to the following rules:

1. You should not have a cat while pregnant. This rule is especially relevant for seronegative women whose blood lacks protective antibodies against toxoplasma.
2. When caring for your pet, you must use thick protective gloves. It is best to entrust cleaning the cat's litter box to other family members.
3. You should not let your cat sleep in your bed (and especially on your pillow).
4. You shouldn't kiss your pet, no matter how much you want to.
5. Do not feed domestic cats raw meat. Buy only specialized food to feed your pets.
6. Domestic cats should not be allowed outside.
7. If you suspect toxoplasmosis, you must take your cat to the veterinarian. It is a good idea to have your cat checked before pregnancy occurs. You can get tested for toxoplasmosis at a veterinary clinic.

Pregnant women who have had a cat in their home for a long time should not be afraid of toxoplasmosis. Most likely, the infection has already occurred, specific antibodies have been developed, and by the time the child is conceived, the expectant mother’s body is reliably protected from a dangerous infection. A pet that lives indoors and does not go outside is unlikely to cause the development of toxoplasmosis.

There is an opinion that a cat in the house contributes to the development of allergies in a pregnant woman and her baby. In fact, it all depends on the individual sensitivity of the expectant mother. Some women actually experience an allergy to pet hair for the first time in their lives during pregnancy. This condition is manifested by the following symptoms:

• skin itching or rash;
• sneezing;
• lacrimation;
• dry cough.

If such symptoms appear, you can temporarily isolate the cat (in a separate room or another apartment). If after 7-10 days all manifestations of allergy disappear, we can assume the development of an individual reaction specifically to pet hair. In this case, you will have to get rid of the cat during pregnancy.

Is a cat dangerous for the fetus and newborn? The likelihood of developing an undesirable reaction increases in those children whose parents themselves suffer from some type of allergy. It is impossible to predict in advance whether your baby will be allergic to pet fur.

How to reduce the risk of developing an allergy to cat fur in pregnant women?

1. Regularly ventilate all rooms in the house.
2. Carry out wet cleaning in all rooms daily.
3. Install a humidifier.
4. Don't let your cat sleep in your bed.
5. Keep your cat away from the food preparation area in the kitchen.
6. Remove all carpets, stuffed animals, and other potential dust collectors from your home. Wool lingers on carpets and toys for a long time, which can trigger an allergy attack in a pregnant woman and newborn child.
7. Brush your furry pets regularly.
8. Wash your hands after handling your cat.

Many expectant mothers wonder: will a pet harm a newborn baby? It is known that after the birth of a child, the behavior of even the most friendly cats changes. What causes such changes?

• Jealousy. A small child completely captures the attention of the owners, and there is simply no time left to communicate with the cat.
• Fear. A cat may be frightened by the appearance of a restless and constantly screaming baby in the house.
• Curiosity. The cat is interested in what is happening in its familiar space - and that is why it climbs into a crib, takes a chaise longue or a stroller.

What to do in such a situation?

1. Try to pay enough attention to the cat during pregnancy and after the birth of the child.
2. Do not allow your pet to sleep in your bed or climb into a crib or stroller. Gently point out to your cat that this behavior is unacceptable.
3. Provide a special bed for your cat or build a shelter from scrap materials.
4. Don't yell at the cat, don't hit the animal - don't provoke a conflict.
5. Allow your cat to gently sniff the new family member. Your pet should get to know the baby, and it is better that this happens under your control.

Can pets benefit their pregnant owner?

Animals can definitely benefit the expectant mother.
The purring of a cat, her sleeping in your arms and the opportunity to pet your pet can have a strong calming effect and lift your spirits, which is often necessary for expectant mothers.

Both cats and dogs have a very positive effect on the nervous system of the expectant mother. Of course, provided that she loves her pets.

You should use gloves to wash your animal's litter box. It’s even better to have a family member take on these responsibilities during your pregnancy.

Of course, you should always wash your hands after handling an animal.

You should not pet or touch animals outdoors.

While your dog certainly won't be able to comprehend that a tiny human will be born in nine months, it's likely that he sensed the changes happening to you before you did.

Dogs are not only man’s best friend, they have the ability to “sniff out” everything that happens to the human body. For example, it has been proven that a dog’s sensitive nose can accurately diagnose a person by smelling the characteristic odor inherent in a particular disease.

When the owner became pregnant, the changing hormonal level led to a change in her characteristic odor, unnoticeable to others, but not to the dog. You still don’t even suspect that you are pregnant, but your pet has already sensed something. “While this has not yet been scientifically proven, it is likely true,” Jenny Willis, an animal behaviorist at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University, told Animal Planet.

In addition, during pregnancy, not only your smell and appearance changes, but also your “body language” (you begin to move differently), your emotional state changes - all this cannot hide from the eyes and feelings of your pet.

Even though your dog will notice that something is wrong with you, he will not be able to understand the causes and consequences of these changes. "Unless your pet was with you during previous pregnancies, there is a chance that he could connect one to the other, but it's still unlikely," Willis says.

All dogs react differently to their owner’s pregnancy - some become very caring, relentlessly following the woman, some begin to worry, be afraid of something, hide in corners, while others remain indifferent. “I have met dogs that growled, barked, did not allow anyone to enter the room where the pregnant owner was, and did not even let the father of the unborn baby near her,” another animal behaviorist, Nicole Gipps, told BabyCenter in an interview.

Unusual behavior in your pets may be caused not only by physical changes you are experiencing, but also by changes in your home associated with pregnancy. “Dogs are obsessed with routine. Any changes in your daily routine—staying home more often, coming home from work earlier, going to bed earlier, waking up more often at night, etc.—make a huge difference to them,” Willis explains.

Feeling that something unknown is coming, the dog may feel rejected and unnecessary. “To help your pet understand that you continue to love him, be very aware of the signs you send him in your body language,” warns Gipps. “For example, pregnant women unconsciously put their hands on their stomachs, and dogs read this gesture as “I’m unavailable”, “stay away from me”.”

How can pets affect a pregnant woman, do they pose a threat to pregnancy or a benefit? It is difficult to answer such questions unambiguously, because in this situation, as in any other, there are pros and cons. How will pets behave during the owner’s pregnancy and after the arrival of a new creature in the house? After all, animal lovers are well aware that they have very pronounced extrasensory abilities and, just like people, are capable of jealousy, aggression and may simply not accept a new family member.

How dangerous are pets for pregnant women?

The most common pets a pregnant woman may encounter are cats and dogs. Statistical calculations show that in almost every third Russian family one or the other lives, and often together. What hypothetical threat could these pets pose during pregnancy?

Toxoplasmosis

Infection with toxoplasmosis is possible in three ways:

• orally (when interacting with an animal or eating raw or undercooked meat),
• transplacentally (from a sick mother to the fetus)
• during blood transfusion or organ transplantation.

Toxoplasmosis is mild, and its symptoms resemble those of the flu (enlarged lymph nodes, fever, feeling tired and weak). The only advantage of this disease is that you only get it once in a lifetime, since after that you develop stable and lifelong immunity.

Toxoplasmosis itself does not pose a threat to humans, but infection of the expectant mother is fraught with the development of various pregnancy complications.

In the early stages, spontaneous miscarriage is possible, in later stages, toxoplasmosis causes fetal development abnormalities: deafness, microcephaly, damage to the nervous system, blindness, etc., infection in the last weeks of pregnancy increases the risk of infection of the fetus.

Cat scratch disease

Many have encountered scratches left by a cat while playing with its owner or in a fit of aggression.

Cat scratches have a long healing process because they are infected with bacteria that reside under the cat's claws.

For pregnant women, the disease does not pose a threat, but requires antibiotic therapy, which is not good.

Allergic reactions

An allergy to dog or cat hair often develops during pregnancy, even if the woman has not noted any allergic reactions before.

• The development of allergies is associated with hormonal changes occurring in the body, weakening of the immune system and structural changes in biochemical processes.
• Allergies during pregnancy not only cause inconvenience to a woman, but also require drug treatment, and taking unnecessary medications during pregnancy is undesirable. In addition, treatment with antiallergic drugs causes disruption of the uteroplacental circulation, which leads to the development of fetal hypoxia and intrauterine growth retardation.
• Allergens that enter the mother's body after 22 weeks of pregnancy can cause severe allergic reactions in the child after birth (from 22 weeks the fetus's immune system begins to form).

Can a pregnant woman become infected with worms from pets?

Of course it can. Helminths (in common parlance - worms) cause metabolic disorders, in particular vitamins, which leads to hypovitaminosis, anemia, allergic reactions often develop, muscle pain, joint swelling, nausea, vomiting, and intestinal disorders appear.

In severe cases (for example, with ascariasis), intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, and jaundice may occur. Blood pressure often increases. Helminthiasis in pregnant women is fraught with the development of anemia, threat of miscarriage, miscarriages and premature birth, fetal hypoxia and developmental delay.

Leptospirosis in pregnant women

A pregnant woman can become infected with leptospirosis from a dog, or less often from a cat.

• Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira.

Routes of transmission of infection: through water from open reservoirs and through damaged skin and mucous membranes. With leptospirosis, capillaries are damaged, the liver, kidneys and muscles are affected, fever and jaundice appear.

Often the disease is severe, with the development of the following complications: acute hepatic (up to coma) and renal failure, retinal damage, bleeding and paralysis.

Ringworm

Ringworm or microsporia is a fungal infection.

The source of infection is often dogs and cats, as well as small rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs). The disease affects the coarse hair of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits and labia.

With ringworm, round or oval spots of a reddish color appear with a white rim of exfoliated particles of the epidermis. The hair in the lesion is broken off at a height of 6-8 mm.

Treatment for ringworm is lengthy and is carried out in a hospital. Ringworm is dangerous for pregnant women because the drugs used for treatment have a teratogenic effect on the fetus.

Are there any benefits for pregnant women from pets?

Despite all the horror stories listed above, pets still have a positive effect on a pregnant woman. Regarding pets, there is only one condition for the expectant mother: if any animals (cat, dog, aquarium fish, hamsters, etc.) lived in the house before pregnancy, they should not immediately be given away for temporary or permanent residence to relatives or friends. But getting a new animal during pregnancy is not recommended.

Pregnant women are prone to mood swings, emotionally unstable, capable of getting upset and even crying over a trifle. In addition, expectant mothers often develop insomnia and sometimes depression. An affectionate cat, purring, has a beneficial effect on a woman’s nervous system, and stroking a warm and soft lump will noticeably calm and lift her spirits.

It has long been known that a cat is able to take away the owner’s pain, normalizes blood pressure and relieves fatigue. For pregnant women, a cat is simply necessary as a therapeutic factor in the development of gestosis (increased blood pressure, the appearance of edema). Among other things, many expectant mothers have noted that the cat seems to sense pregnancy and tries to lie down on its stomach, where the baby is growing. This is the behavior even of those cats who have previously not been kind to their owners with their attention. There is no harm from this, but the benefits are undeniable. The cat transfers its energy to the baby, thereby protecting it.

Pregnant women need daily walks in the fresh air. A good incentive for this is a dog living in the family. And you need to walk with her at least twice a day! And if earlier the owner tried to take walks with the dog in a park or square, then during pregnancy such walks will only be an additional advantage.

Aquarium fish are considered another way of relaxation for pregnant women. Watching their leisurely movements in the aquarium is pure pleasure. Aquarium fish, just like cats, normalize blood pressure, relieve stress and calm you down.

Another positive and important point for pregnant women is the developed immunity against various infections, which will later be passed on to the unborn baby.

Precautions that pregnant women should take

In order for pets to bring only positive emotions and joy to the expectant mother, you must follow a few simple rules:

• feeding aquarium fish, especially dry food, and cleaning the aquarium must be entrusted to another person (to avoid the development of allergic reactions and infection);
• the cat should be taken to a veterinarian to identify toxoplasmosis;
• It is advisable to feed the cat well-cooked meat and prevent it from catching birds and rodents;
• you need to wash and handle the cat litter box with rubber gloves, and it is better to entrust such an important undertaking to your husband or another person living in the family;
• after working in the garden or vegetable garden, wash your hands thoroughly with soap;
• avoid contact with sick animals;
• do not contact animals encountered while walking;
• wash and pour boiling water over vegetables and fruits from the summer cottage;
• Always wash your hands after handling your pet;
• Get all your pet's vaccinations in a timely manner and carry out anthelmintic treatment every 3 months;
• donate blood every 2 months to test for antibodies to toxoplasmosis.

If these conditions are met, communication, care and concern for pets will replace sedative pills and a psychotherapist for a pregnant woman and will improve not only her psychological state, but also her physical health.

Anna Sozinova

I look at my father - he’s alone, and although the pension is not the smallest, half is spent on utility costs, and the rest is not really enough. Of course I help him. But I began to think about how I would have to live when I couldn’t work. What to expect? For children? Or some savings? It is not a fact that they will not depreciate again or disappear altogether. Or invest? What? In real estate? To business? Where is this business now? Do you have any thoughts/ideas for “survival time”? Think about it in advance, consider your options... Or is it not time for this?

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Marina Ivanova

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Captain Earth

A friend's daughter did not get into the desired university. We found a simpler alternative. And then at work a dispute arose - of course, about the time or something - to pay or not to pay. Two main theses: a) I didn’t get into the budget, it’s much easier to blame, because there’s no point in spoiling and it won’t work given such basic prerequisites; b) education is an investment in the future, everyone pays, there is something for it and that means - at any cost. This is where I’m at a loss; I can’t definitely lean towards either one or the other. What do you think about this?

196

Glafira

I went to bed with my three-year-old granddaughter for an afternoon nap. I asked Lyolushka “do you love me” (before that she said that I love her). She answers calmly “no.” The granny’s tears began to flow... like a child herself. Do you know why this could be? We left for the first week to kindergarten, the child has changed... What to do when the baby is capricious and does card ballets. I consider only kindness and love. Hmm, that’s why I got a “no” for hugs and kisses. Explain what’s wrong.

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Eva Kras

I'll probably talk it out. Maybe someone can help with advice... in general, we have a family of 2 children. My husband is a good man. Golden hands, a loving father, an understanding husband, a gentle, kind, reliable person. But with masculine qualities, the ambush is not purposeful, not ambitious, he lives one day at a time. I'm building a career, planning my family's life. Tired. I want to be a woman. And she talked, and showed trainings, and motivated and praised for every step. There is only one result: he says you can’t change me. Because of fatigue and hopelessness, love and respect left me. Irritation remains. I'm thinking about getting a divorce... What would you do? Are you resigned? Have you tried to change? In my heart I want to save my family, but I’m not ready to be a working horse.

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Alyonushka Alyonushka

Girls, I have already encountered several times that women whose husbands left for another said “it would be better if he died.”

And recently, my colleague’s husband died, and she cries all the time and says “it would be better if he left me for someone else, but at least I would know that he is somewhere, happy, even with someone else.” And this is all very strange to me.

For you, excuse me, such a personal question, what would be easier to cope with - betrayal and leaving for someone else or the death of your husband? I want to understand, do people say this until exactly this happens to them, or do they actually think so?

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Do you know how dogs react to human pregnancy? Some dogs notice when one of the family members becomes pregnant. The reason for this is most likely the dog’s unusually acute senses, a kind of extrasensory ability.

Pregnancy, cats and signs

There are many folk signs associated with the presence of a cat in a pregnant woman’s house. Many of them are very real and practical recommendations that are useful for every expectant mother.

• Sign No. 1. A pregnant woman should not pick up a cat. Modern women know: cats are carriers of toxoplasmosis. That is why the expectant mother should be careful around cats and remember to wash her hands after playing with her pet. For women who are immune to toxoplasmosis, this sign is not relevant.
• Sign No. 2. A cat in a pregnant woman's bed means trouble. It is believed that if a cat tries to settle down next to the expectant mother, then something is wrong with her baby. Actually this is not true. Pets simply get used to being close to a person, falling asleep on his pillow and purring under his ear. This habit has nothing to do with the condition of the fetus.
• Sign No. 3. You should not allow a cat to sleep on the chest of a pregnant woman - there will be no milk. This sign has no scientific basis. An expectant mother should not actually allow a cat to sleep on her chest, but only for her own safety. In addition, a large, heavy cat can, with its weight, damage the tissue of the mammary glands, which are especially sensitive during pregnancy. Breast injury can subsequently lead to a lack of milk and lactostasis.
• Sign No. 4. Having a tricolor kitten is good luck. The color of a domestic cat does not in any way affect the well-being of the family. On the contrary, a pregnant woman should not have a kitten during this period. The likelihood of suddenly developing an allergy to a new pet or contracting toxoplasmosis (if the expectant mother has not previously had contact with cats) is too high. It is also possible that a conflict will develop between the growing animal and the baby. It is better to postpone the appearance of a kitten until the child grows up and is able to establish contact with a pet.

How much joy and trouble pregnancy brings to a woman. This is possible, that is not possible. Be careful with this one, refuse the other one, but definitely get this one. Head spin. The advice of friends, doctors, grandmothers and neighbors is sometimes directly opposite. This is exactly the case with cats and pregnancy. Definitely, the grandmother will forbid even approaching the pet, citing as an example a million scary stories with terrible consequences from communicating with a cat during pregnancy.

The doctor will most likely be at one with the grandmother, but his explanations will probably be difficult for non-doctors to understand. Although , which he will definitely talk about, seems to be a familiar word, but not everyone knows what and how. But girlfriends and just interlocutors on the forums will refute all of the above in simple words: I have 2 cats in my house, they survived 2 pregnancies together well. Everyone is alive and well.

Where is the truth? Most likely, all sides are right. But the decision on how to deal with a cat during pregnancy is still up to you. Arm yourself with knowledge and you won't go wrong.

READ Why does a cat have hot paws?

What happens in a woman's body

A cat can feel its owner's pregnancy early, in the first months, weeks, even days after conception. Such insight is understandable, because special processes occur in a woman’s body, which are expressed by noticeable physiological changes :

• hormonal changes occur with signs of toxicosis - nausea, vomiting, reactions from the digestive system and intestines;
• body temperature rises slightly;
• the frequency of urination changes, the urine acquires a different smell;
• vaginal discharge becomes profuse.

Pets can't help but notice these bright signs. It is at such times that they become restless, try to accompany their owner, lie down next to her, and like to climb onto her stomach. They purr intensely and perform a “massage” with their paws.

The unborn baby is actively developing, while the woman’s belly is growing, inside of which a heartbeat can be heard and the activity of the fetus is felt. At the same time, the pregnant woman’s gait and movements become cautious and measured, her breathing quickens, and shortness of breath appears. Cats feel these metamorphoses. Animals have a developed natural curiosity; the pet watches what is happening with interest and accompanies the woman. Lie down next to him, listen, purr loudly and start rubbing his stomach - the favorite actions of most furry apartment dwellers.

Some cats negatively perceive the new state of their owner and regularly confirm their disagreement with her new situation with their actions - they show aggression, attack and hiss. Experts are inclined to explain this behavior by the animal’s fear of being expelled from its home, not being fed, as something incomprehensible is happening in the life of its owner.

© shutterstock

Psycho-emotional state of a woman during pregnancy

Cats sense their owner's pregnancy for another reason. The period of waiting for a baby is a special psychological state accompanied by signs:

• increased emotionality;
• mood swings;
• frequent occurrence of anxiety;
• excessive vulnerability, tearfulness;
• a tendency to hysterics, sometimes to rage, and “loud” showdowns with others;
• a woman begins to think and feel in a new way.

A noticeable change in the owner’s usual behavior for the pet does not remain ignored on his part; he is able to feel that something wrong is happening. For some time the cat remains an outside observer, then carefully moves on to active actions. He begins to accompany his “ward” everywhere, gets under her feet, rubs against them.

Most cats correct emotional changes in a pregnant owner by lying on her stomach or next to it, calming the woman down with rhythmic, loud purring. Sound therapy is accompanied by repetitive movements - the cat rubs its muzzle against a part of the pregnant woman’s body, which is one of the methods of cat “psychotherapy”.

The main reason why a furry pet may find itself outside its usual home while the owner safely gives birth to another member of the family is toxoplasmosis. It is this disease that is most dangerous for the unborn baby in the womb. And just a cat can infect its pregnant owner with an unpleasant sore.

Toxoplasmosis

The disease poses no serious danger to either animals or humans. People often get toxoplasmosis without even knowing it. Symptoms may resemble a common cold.

But toxoplasma poses a real threat to the fetus. It affects the central nervous system of the unborn baby. A child infected with toxoplasmosis may be born with underdevelopment of the brain and other internal organs. Fetal death is very common. If the infection has passed before 24 weeks, doctors strongly recommend termination of pregnancy.

Naturally, upon hearing this, the first thought that comes to your mind will be where to place your Murka. But don't rush to conclusions.

Pregnancy and dog

Faithful friend of the family

– the dog, although he lives at home, often walks on the street and may meet a stray relative on a walk, with whom, in most cases, he comes into contact. Such “acquaintances” sometimes even end in a fight. Sometimes he can pick something up from the ground and eat it. Thus, a domestic dog can become a carrier of the rabies virus or helminths.

Rabies

is a fatal disease, so you should never get it! And the dog must be vaccinated against this disease in advance.

Helminths

(or worms) can cause intoxication or anemia in a pregnant woman, and even have a pathological effect on the fetus.

Fluffy animal plays with you

Cats can express their love through playing with their owner. At a young age, kittens play for so long that they never seem to get tired. They can scratch, bite and get real pleasure from it. The family member who receives more attention is usually the animal’s favorite.

Sometimes this cat habit seems ridiculous to us. Why did the cat raise its tail again and poke its butt in the owner’s face? The answer is simple. This is how she shows you her trust and affection, and also greets you. Know that she will not perform this ritual with the “first person she meets.” You are among the chosen ones. This habit also takes its roots from cat childhood, when kittens thus greeted their mother returning from the hunt.

Should I give up pets already living in the house or not?

important Of course, it's up to you to decide! If you leave a cat or dog to live with you, it is still worth protecting yourself and your unborn child a little; for this it is recommended to adhere to some basic rules.

• It is better to delegate the cleaning of animal trays or cages to other family members (husband, children). If this is not possible, then use rubber gloves when cleaning the cage;
• Be sure to wash your hands before eating;
• Try not to feed the animal from your container;
• Don't let him into your bed;
• Be sure to take him to the vet and get him all his vaccinations.

No aggression

Cats aged 1 to 5 years are more loyal to children. They are no longer so active and receptive, and at the same time, they are not yet irritable from old age. It is imperative to take into account the pet’s character before bringing a child into the house.

It is necessary to observe the cat how it reacts when it hears loud sounds. You need to pat her ears and tail, look straight into her eyes and move her paws one by one. The animal must behave calmly. If this makes him angry or enraged, it is better to give the cat to friends to protect the baby.

Usually cats perceive children as their own and do not get angry at the child’s pranks. It’s good if the animal is smooth-haired, there is an opinion that fluffy breeds can cause allergies in the baby, or, on the contrary, strengthen the immune system, since the child’s body begins to produce antibodies to the wool.

How do dogs react to pregnancy?

Since dogs are able to notice changes that occur in a person, many of them can react to them, especially if that person is a pregnant woman. Various types of behavior may appear and dogs begin to behave strangely towards their owners. Some may even growl or become overly concerned about their owner's safety, and their mood may also change dramatically. Others may begin to follow their owners around absolutely everywhere. This pregnancy-related stress can affect any dog, but there are ways to control it. If the dog is already trained, then dealing with its unusual behavior will be much easier. The easiest way is to set specific rules that the dog cannot break - they can relate both directly to its behavior and to where it can follow its owner. Try to give your dog a little time, if such stress has happened to him, give him simple commands, help him distract himself. When the owner takes control of the situation by force, the dog feels more relaxed and the tension goes away.

How to avoid infections during pregnancy?

There is a high probability of becoming infected with something from a person, and not from an animal. After all, communication takes place with a huge number of people, and there is usually only one cat at home. Some expectant mothers, having heard about toxoplasmosis, rush to get rid of their pet by any means possible, without delving into the essence of the problem.

According to statistics, approximately 1% of pregnant women become infected with this infection, and only in every fifth the disease passes to the fetus. To avoid being included in these statistics, one simply needs to undergo a study and determine whether their body is able to resist the disease.

Cats only spread the infection through their feces. Women just need to be more careful and protect themselves from working in the garden, and clean the animal’s toilet only with gloves and every day. It’s better to assign this responsibility to someone else.

It is necessary to pay attention to the animal’s diet so that it does not eat cheese, meat, or rodents. Your cat needs to be vaccinated. It wouldn't hurt to give her deworming medicine and treat her for fleas.

Precautions that pregnant women should take

Firstly, if you have animals, they need to be checked by a veterinarian for parasites and given all the necessary vaccinations.

Next, for prevention, you need to regularly give them anti-worm medications.

If you feed your pet meat, it should not be raw or undercooked to again avoid infection with parasites.

You should use gloves to wash your animal's litter box. It’s even better to have a family member take on these responsibilities during your pregnancy.

Of course, you should always wash your hands after handling an animal.

You should not pet or touch animals outdoors.

Upon returning from the maternity hospital

• Periodically apply baby cream or lotion to the skin so that the animal has the opportunity to get used to the smell.

• Don't let your cat sleep on your lap, but train her to rest quietly at your feet instead.

• Do not allow the animal to enter the nursery before arriving from the hospital.

• If the child will sleep with the parents, the bed must be purchased in advance so that the cat gets used to the new furniture.

• When the baby begins to crawl, it is better to remove the cat's bowls away and feed the pet on time.

At first, the animal may behave inappropriately. To prevent this from happening, you need to give the cat the opportunity to sniff the baby, but not lick it. It is necessary to pet your pet upon returning from the hospital. You should not constantly drive the animal away from you, because... this will increase his jealousy. It’s better to let the cat watch your actions, and when the baby grows up, she will get along well with him.

Changes Pets Can Smell

We all know that animals have a much sharper sense of smell than humans. Animals can remember a person by his smell.

While carrying a baby, the expectant mother undergoes many changes in her body. Also, against the background of hormonal changes, a woman’s scent may also change, but only her pet will be able to smell it.

In addition, the animal may notice changes in your behavior. For example, you will start going to bed earlier, stop going to work, your gait may change, new habits will appear, etc.

The pet will also notice external changes over time.

A child... or a dog? Contact with animals during pregnancy

In fact, this is a completely wrong way to pose the question. It is formulated somewhat differently: how to make the coexistence of a pregnant woman and a dog safe? Therefore, now we will talk about how to prepare a dog for the appearance of a new member in his pack.

Experts from the World Health Organization note: you have no reason to part with your beloved dog, in addition, the presence of a faithful and devoted animal in the house will have the most beneficial effect on the formation of the baby’s character.

But the psychology of pets is such that during your pregnancy they will in any case suffer from jealousy - just like children with the expected birth of a brother or sister. Therefore, do not forget to pay attention to your four-legged friend and, as far as possible, try not to reduce the time that you usually spend with him.