Is it better for a cancer survivor not to be around cats because of lowered immune system? My son's white blood count is low but still within normal range and I'm concerned because he has 3 cats. His last Rad treatment was 12/19. I've been doing the kitty litter at his house every since his surgery, and I think he's decided to give them up but I was hoping to have some sort of information on this. I've heard that pregnant women shouldn't be around cats because the hair and cat saliva can get everywehre and I was wondering if the same applied to oral cancer survivors.

Old wive's tale, I think. As long as he's not allegic to them, it won't make any difference. I had 4 very loving little dogs to help me through my recovery, and I really needed them some days.
Wayne

Anne marie,

My wife & I have 8 cats and a bunny. I continued as many of my "chores" which included managing all the litter boxes, while I was being Tx. My docs knew of our pets and never advised any type of caution. If anything, I received a TON of comfort from all our pets throughout my ordeal. Most would crowd the bed and keep me company during the day when I was alone. They seemed to sense I needed attention. Even our trouble makers backed off while I was disadvantaged. Now that I'm back to normal, so are the trouble makers. LOL

Absolute bunk. I had three cats that kept me company throughout my treatments and I wouldn't be without them. There was a thread this past summer or fall that talked about how wonderful our pets were and how much they conforted while we were so sick. See if you can find it. I'm on my 12 years old computer at home and if I try to find it on this, it will be well into 2007 before it comes back. Please do not make it give up his beloved cats. He needs them to keep him company, especially now.

Tell him to pet the kitties for all of us and have a Happy Holiday.

Take care,
Eileen

Pregnant women can get toxoplasmosis from cleaning litter, which can affect the baby but does not harm the mother. The only thing that would concern me with an immune compromised individual is the possibility of Cat Scratch Fever. ANyone can get this infection caused by cat scratches, and it is easily treated with antibiotics, but I would be concerned with an immune compromised individual, simply because a normally innocous infection can become life threatening when the immune system does not work properly.

We have five cats. I took care of all the litterbox duties during David's treatment. We kept the rowdier cat away from David because he is always playing too rough and scratching David. Since he was told that he should not even use a razor (with the exception of an electric razor) during his treatment, it seemed prudent to avoid being scratched by one of our 'children' as well.

OTOH, our one cat who has been declawed was David's constant companion. We started calling her Nurse Betty (after the movie by the same name starring Renee Zellwegger). It has been 16 months and Nurse Betty still takes care of her 'patient'. If David says, "I'm sick" she comes running and starts head butting him and loving on him. The odd thing is that before he got sick, she was MY cat and would have NOTHING to do with him. Now she is more his cat than mine. She has a special kitty bed that is all hers, which sits near the foot of the bed. We call it the Nursing Station, because if David is in bed, Nurse Betty won't leave her nursing station except to use the litter box and eat...and she checks on her 'patient' exactly at 11pm, 7am and 3pm, any time he is in bed. Now that is a smart cat! LOL!

Thank you so much for all your comments. I am truly feeling the spirit of Christmas today and feeling the compassion and concern that you have for us. I have just printed out your comments and will bring them to my son when I see him today. I've been going over to his house every day to care for him and the cats. The older female "Sammie" that he got from a friend whose wife is pregnant has taken a special interest in me, sitting on my lap whenever i'm sitting down and especially when I'm using my laptop. The two younger brother-sister cats are rowdier and the male "Mayfield" poops on the carpet just outside the litter box! (They even have their own room!) But he's only been doing it since I've been coming over to care for my son. Last night when I brought him home from my house after spending Christmas Eve with my daughter and other son, Mayfield stood up on his hind legs to touch and greet my son and I could tell it made him feel loved. All three cats wait outside my son's bedroom door which he keeps closed and where he's been spending a lot of time lately. Maybe if he lets them in, he and the cats will both be happier. And so will I if he (the cat) stops crapping on the carpet! I will look for the thread on pets and the comfort they bring us. I had searched for something on cats but will try pets and comfort. Before yesterday, I had been dreading Christmas but this whole cancer experience with my son and the caring and compassion we've received from everyone at OCF, has helped me to appreciate the truly important things in life.

Anne Marie,

Cats will go to the bathroom in different places usually to get your attention. Pretty ingenious huh? They usually have either a physical or emotional problem. Sounds like the cats upset about being left out. If that's not it, he could be sick.

Thank you, David. I'm going to check on the physical (he's overweight) and emotional needs of the cat. So far today no poop on the carpet . . . maybe being Christmas and all he decided to take a day off. :-)

Anne-Marie,

Do a search under PETS. The post you want to read was started on Oct 2006. It will cheer you up.