Pets

Eltina21 · June 2010

Hello Again,
I am doing pretty well with my chemotherapy. I still smile and view each day as a gift. I have a question. Now that I am going through Chemotherapy, do I have to get rid of my cats due to the kitty litter? Please advise.
Peace and Blessings,
Karen

Unknown · June 2010

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TLG320 · June 2010

kitty litter
I'd recommend using rubber gloves and a surgical mask - you can pick both up from the pharmacy for a minimal cost - and then washing up really well with antibacterial soap. Cats are wonderful! They'll provide you with lots of love as you're coping with chemo - just use a little extra caution when cleaning their litter boxes.

msccolon · June 2010

agree, just take precautions
when i began my fight I had 2 cats, but my daughter was still living at home and she took over all the cat litter duties. I don't have any more cats since I have relocated twice since then and my allergies do better now that I don't have fur in the house. If you don't have anybody else in the house to take over litter duties, the suggestion of rubber gloves and mask is a good one!
mary

Betsydoglover · June 2010

PETs and Chemo
Please don't get rid of your cat - just take precautions. Also, I don't want to stir the pot, but not everyone is immuno-compromised on chemo - I for one never had my WBC's affected by chemo, not in 2005, not in 2009. Good luck and love that kitty!

Betsy

Jaylo969 · June 2010

Betsydoglover said:
PETs and Chemo
Please don't get rid of your cat - just take precautions. Also, I don't want to stir the pot, but not everyone is immuno-compromised on chemo - I for one never had my WBC's affected by chemo, not in 2005, not in 2009. Good luck and love that kitty!

Betsy

I agree
I agree with the advice you have gotten. Your cat is a friend who will love you no matter what.I have 3 and am triple blessed:)

My oncologist told me to just be careful with the litter...use surgical gloves and a mask which can be bought at Walgreen's or wherever. My onc nurse gave me a handful.Wash up real good immediately afterwards.

As Betsy said, not everyone becomes immuno-compromised. I didn't. My bloodwork was always great/normal.

DO ask this question to your oncologist though, just to be on the safe side.

-Pat

lisa42 · June 2010

cats
Hi Karen,

I have three Persian cats and I am the one who changes their litter box. It may make a difference if they are indoor or outdoor cats. I remember from being pregnant that I was told pregnant women shouldn't change litter boxes because they can get toxplasmosis. I believe that's something that cats could pick up outside. It's my thought that there's no risk if you have indoor cats. If your cat(s) go outside, then I'm not sure. I'd talk to someone about that. Google it and see what the risks really are. My immune system has stayed pretty strong most of the time, even through close to 3 yrs of chemo now, and I'm sure that also makes a difference. I'd hate to see you have to get rid of your cat(s).

Let me know what you do or find out.

Lisa

KathiM · June 2010

My kitties made a bee line for the door....
And never had an accident!

I was escorted always by at least one of the three during my fight...even to the toilet!!! (I shut the door, they acted a bit put out).

Pets are a wonderful comfort to a very trying time!

Hugs, Kathi

geotina · June 2010

Cat
We have a wonderful stray cat named Simon that we adopted and have had for several years. He even jumps up and sleeps in our bed. I have never heard of giving up pets during chemo, doc never said anything. Ours is a strictly indoor cat. I have alwayd done the kitty liter duty (hubby one with cancer). Simon is always sitting next to George, laying on his chest (yep, all 17 pounds of him) and George never had any problem. Please don't give up your pets, you already have enough crap to deal with with the cancer and chemo.

Meow ^._.^ - Tina

khl8 · June 2010

geotina said:
Cat
We have a wonderful stray cat named Simon that we adopted and have had for several years. He even jumps up and sleeps in our bed. I have never heard of giving up pets during chemo, doc never said anything. Ours is a strictly indoor cat. I have alwayd done the kitty liter duty (hubby one with cancer). Simon is always sitting next to George, laying on his chest (yep, all 17 pounds of him) and George never had any problem. Please don't give up your pets, you already have enough crap to deal with with the cancer and chemo.

Meow ^._.^ - Tina

I was told to not even use
I was told to not even use the pooper scooper for my dog while on chemo.

Lifeisajourney · June 2010

Pets
There would have been a problem if they mentioned pets. My dog and cat are not something I think I could even think about not being around. If they had said chemo-no animals that would have been a real issue. I am sure we would have worked something out, living is important...now they did say be careful of kids, they are full of germs. So we did the no kissing of grandkids and I could avoid them if they were sick. If I were young and had kids that would have been an issue also. Maybe masks!!! My husband who was my caretaker, even took care of himself so he would not bring home germs to me. In case I would ever need more chemo, this would have to something to ask. As I laid there everyday, thinking I was dying, that cat laid on my blanket on my stomach, first time he had ever done that, dog was at my feet. Great comfort......Pat

RickMurtagh · June 2010

Just don't
Just don't eat the kitty litter!

KathiM · June 2010

RickMurtagh said:
Just don't
Just don't eat the kitty litter!

I like mine....
With B-B-Q sauce!!!

Thanks, Rick, for the giggle!

Hugs, Kathi

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