Man Dragged for Not Cleaning Cat Litter for Pregnant Wife: 'Absolutely Not' - Newsweek
A man has been dragged online for telling his pregnant wife she must clean the cat litter box.
In a post on Reddit's r/AmITheA****** sub, which already has more than 23,000 upvotes, user u/mozzz22 shared his reasons.
"My wife and I are expecting our first baby. Three years ago my wife decided she desperately wanted a cat. I hate cats and all animals in the house so I was against it," he explained. "She wouldn't stop talking about it so finally we made a deal she could get a cat but it was her responsibility—I would have nothing to do with it."
The couple stuck to their word and the woman cared for the cat while the Redditor admits he mostly ignored the animal. But now she is pregnant, things have changed.
"[She] asked me if I can scoop the litter until she gives birth because of toxoplasmosis. I looked it up and as long as she wears gloves and washes her hands she should be good. So I told her absolutely not," wrote the poster.
Allison Banfield, owner of motherhood website Proud Happy Mama, told Newsweek: "From the perspective of a mom of two who has been through the wonderful process of pregnancy, pregnant women ideally shouldn't go near cat litter boxes at all. If it can be avoided and someone else can clean the litter box daily, then that is great. If it can't be avoided, then I would definitely recommend wearing gloves to prevent any contact with cat feces."
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection can occur as a result of eating undercooked contaminated meat or shellfish, eating food that was contaminated by knives, utensils or other items that have come into contact with raw contaminated meat or shellfish, drinking contaminated water, or receiving infected blood through a transfusion.
One of the most well-known causes of toxoplasmosis is accidentally swallowing the parasite through contact with infected cat feces, something that can easily happen while cleaning a litter box.
Animal behavioral and nutritional specialist Daniel Jackson told Newsweek: "Toxoplasmosis is a very common parasitic disease and is found in most warm-blooded animals—cats being one. It can cause serious eye disease to humans and, if the person has a weakened immunity, even lung or brain disease can be a major risk."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that: "Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are not aware of it because they have no symptoms at all." But some will suffer flu-like symptoms and in serious cases the infection can cause damage to the brain, eyes and other organs. Those most likely to suffer from severe toxoplasmosis include infants born to mothers who are newly infected during pregnancy and persons with severely weakened immune systems.
The infection can be easily passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, and while infants are unlikely to have symptoms at birth, they may still develop symptoms later in life. Some infected newborns will be born with serious eye or brain damage as a result.
"If you fear you are experiencing any symptoms of contamination, then always seek help from a medical professional," said Banfield.
But the Redditor was sticking to his word and explained: "She wasn't happy but I reminded her of our agreement when we got the cat. I told her it was her responsibility and if she didn't want to take care of it anymore with the new baby coming we can get rid of it and find it a new home. She said no and has been scooping the litter," he said. "Her sister was over and saw her doing this and flipped out at me telling how dangerous it is. But of course her sister is going to be on her side and overreact."
In over 8,600 comments, Redditors were appalled at the man's decision to tell his wife she must scoop the litter.
In one comment with over 73,000 upvotes alone a reply said: "She really shouldn't be around cat feces while pregnant. Even at the vet clinic where it's literally your job to clean this stuff, we do not allow our pregnant employees to clean the cat boxes," which prompted a reply from another Redditor who wrote: "The vet clinic cares more about their employees than this man cares about his pregnant wife."
Another reply said: "Guess what? I'm pregnant, I have two cats. I wanted cats. My husband didn't. And you know what? My husband loves me enough to take on that responsibility while I'm pregnant to protect our unborn child like a father and husband or partner should."
"You're behaving like an immature brat to the woman carrying your child," said another reply.
Newsweek has reached out to u/mozzz22 for comment. We were unable to verify the details of this case.
Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Comments
Post a Comment