Chemical safety
Arrange safe litter cleaning during pregnancy
Clean litter daily, use gloves and wash hands with soap afterwards. If a pregnant person cannot avoid the task, seek healthcare advice on precautions.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
Why it matters
Cat faeces can expose a pregnant person to toxoplasmosis, so cleaning arrangements matter.
Wrong action
Leaving litter for days then handling it with bare hands during pregnancy.
Correct action
Clean litter daily, use gloves and wash hands with soap afterwards.
What to do
- Arrange for another suitable adult to clean litter when someone is pregnant.
- Clean litter daily, use gloves and wash hands with soap afterwards.
- If a pregnant person cannot avoid the task, seek healthcare advice on precautions.
If something happens
For serious injury, unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, keep yourself safe, call 999 and follow the operator.
Sources and review
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department — AFCD: proper care of cats
Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.