Pets can carry germs too, so you need to take extra care about handwashing and cleaning surfaces and objects which they come into contact with.
How can reduce the risk of my pet spreading germs?
Take extra care about handwashing and wiping down surfaces and objects which pets come into contact with. Provide them with their own feeding dishes and utensils that you clean regularly and separately from other household items. Make sure pets are fully immunised.
I’ve heard that pregnant women shouldn’t handle cat litter or some pets. Is this true?
Yes. Handling cat litter can put pregnant women at risk of toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection that can be passed from animals to humans and may harm your unborn baby). Reptiles can carry the salmonella bacteria in their faeces and therefore pose a risk. Pet rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs can transmit a harmful virus and should be avoided during pregnancy.