If you are expecting a new baby or your bundle of joy has already arrived, there's a lot to think about, and if you're a cat owner too, worrying about whether you pet could pass on an illness to your child can be one more thing on the list

There are so many old wives' tales out there about cats, pregnant women and babies, especially concerning the disease Toxoplasmosis. That's why the charity has produced this information, to give you a few more facts and figures about cats and the disease itself.

We hope it will debunk some of the myths out there, and that by raising awareness of this issue, we can reduce the number of cats handed over to the charity unnecessarily

Did you know?

• Statistically cat owners are no more likely to get Toxoplasmosis than non cat owners
• You are more likely to contract the disease from handling raw meat than from your cat

There is no reason why you should get rid of your cat if you are pregnant or have a baby in your household, and with some common sense and planning, the very small risk of Toxoplasmosis being passed on to your cat is reduced even further. Practising good hygene when you are pregnant or have little ones around is what parents do anyway. But when it comes to your cat we would recommend you follow the tips below:

• Get someone else to change your cat's litter tray if you can, and if you can't, wear rubber gloves and wash your hands carefully after changing the tray
• Change cat litter daily as T.gondii, which causes Toxoplasmosis is infectious one to five days after the cat defecates
• Do not feed your cat raw meat
• Wash your hands after contact with stray cats and kittens
• Keep outdoor sandpits covered
• Wear gloves when gardening in case a cat has toileted there

Cats make wonderful companions to young children, helping them develop. Learning how to care for a cat can do wonders for a child's self esteem, social skills and sense of responsibility to others. So please don't forget about your cat if you are having a baby......puss is part of the family too!

Cats Protection has produced a UTube video which aims to allay the fears surrounding Toxoplasmosis for mums to be. Click here to see it

Please also read our news item on this subject; Climate of Confused Cat Advice Concerns Expectant Mums