Cat or Dog? Research Reveals Which Furry Friend is Not Recommended for Pregnant Pet Owners

According to a study, having a dog decreases the risks of mental health issues. On the other hand, having a cat while pregnant raises the risk of postpartum depression.

Although the "dogs vs. cats" showdown is a "tale as old as time," this study proves which pet is better for expectant mothers.

Cat vs. Dog Showdown

The parasite toxoplasmosis, which results in an infectious disease that can cause miscarriage, infant anomalies, or brain disorders, is another risk for pregnant cat owners.

According to the study's lead author, Kenta Matsumura, a mother's mental health can be impacted by the type of pet she owns, both during pregnancy and after giving birth.

According to their research, cat owners should receive special attention because they are at an increased risk of toxoplasmosis and mental health problems.

Previous studies examined the connection between owning a pet and the mental health of various demographic groups.

But few specifically targeted pregnant women, who are more susceptible to mental health problems.

A questionnaire was created by Matsumura's team to examine the impact pet ownership has on pregnant women's mental health.

Surveying 80,814 Mothers

Demographic and socioeconomic data, medical and obstetric history, mental and physical health, and way of life were all topics that were gathered.

In both rural and urban areas of Japan, 80,814 mothers who owned either cats or dogs during their pregnancies completed the questionnaire.

Each of them took it five times: once during the first trimester, once during the second or third trimester, and once each at one month, six months, and 12 months after giving birth.

The results, which were released this month in Social Science & Medicine, showed that having a dog during pregnancy was linked to fewer depressive and anxious symptoms at one month and six months after delivery.

At one year after giving birth, new mothers who had dogs displayed signs of lessened psychological distress.

On the other hand, having a cat was linked to a higher risk of symptoms of depression six months after giving birth.

Both pregnant dog owners and pregnant cat owners reported experiencing symptoms of psychological distress in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

But compared to a reference group composed of mothers without pets, this was largely comparable in the study.

Read also: 7 Basics for Being the Best Cat Owner Ever 

Depression During Pregnancy

Another study found that one in four expectant mothers experience mental health problems before giving birth, Mail Online reports.

Post-natal depression is becoming more widely known, but few people are aware that issues can arise before the baby is born.

27% of pregnant women had mental health issues, according to King's College London researchers.

They discovered that 11% of women had depression, 15% had anxiety, 2% had eating disorders, and 2% had obsessive-compulsive disorders. When a psychological screening technique is used at midwife appointments, these results are obtained. Many women also struggled with multiple problems.

These are frequently overlooked because it is a common misconception that pregnancy always results in a woman having a positive "glow."

Related article: Stress Management Gene in Dogs make them 'Man's Best Friend' - Japanese Study Reveals