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.