Advice for getting through chemo while caring for cats?

I have two dogs in the house and asked my oncologist about them and she said as long as they were healthy, it would be fine.  I read that it is not advisable to clean up dog or cat poop, but if you have no one, I would wear a mask and gloves and do very good hand washing.  Of course, this would only apply if you are taking chemotherapy.

I have been going through treatment for over 5 years now and I have 2 cats and a dog. They are my best buds and no way would I ever let them go. In all the time of my treatment, my docs/nurses have never raised a concern about my taking care of them. Actually during chemo one of my nurses and I always talk about our cats. I have a hubby, but like cat54, he won't touch poop so I clean cat box and dog poops. I have never had any issues related to cleaning up after my pets. Agree that if you are concerned get some gloves/mask, but don't get rid of your babies!

No, no, no, whatever you do, do NOT get rid of the cats!!!! Pets about the best source of emotional comfort a person could have during a tough time. (I had two during chemo, and now am up to three thanks to a kitty who showed up on the doorstep and adopted us.) As others have mentioned, if you are doing chemo be sure to wear the gloves/mask when you do the litter, wash good afterwards etc. Best of Luck! Ruth

I didn't do anything special concerning my cats.  They slept with me, I fed them, cleaned their litterbox, cuddled them.  Nothing's better than cuddling a cat after a chemo day.

I had (have) three cats during my cancer treatment. One slept curled up against my incisions after surgery. Felt great! I cleaned their litter boxes throughout chemo and had absolutely no problems. I also had pet rats at that time, and I played with them and cleaned their cage as well.

I attended a chemo class taught by the head chemo nurse prior to my first infusion. She said nothing about animals, but she did warn us away from children and crowds!

I cared for my kitty during chemo too. They're great for cuddling.

hugs,

jenny

Daisy - Two of the cats were mildly curious about the rats. My third cat is a Maine Coon, which were originally bred to hunt mice and rats. When I had the rats out of their cage, he would watch, intently. I could not, for even a moment, drop my guard around him, or the rats would have been lunch! Several older cats that I use to have (who have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge) were great with the rats, even curling up in my lap with the rats and taking a group nap!

Yes, rats unfortunately don't live long...only about two years. They are great pets and are like both cats and dogs in many ways. One would follow me from room to room and lick my hand!

Good for you for volunteering with the Humane Society! I'm a member of our local chapter. I also maintain the Website for a local cat rescue group. I use to do center visits and clean cages but gave it up when I was diagnosed with BC (not due to germ/cleanliness issues, but because of down time from surgery, chemo, etc.).

I agree about the cat pan liners, they'll make your life much easier.  The ones that are sold as cat pan liners are rather expensive -- but any plastic bag that's larger than a kitchen-size bag will probably fit over your litter box.  I use Costco trash bags. 

Cat box liners don't work for me, because my kitty isn't declawed - he'd shred those liners in a jiffy!

I never thought I would be thrilled about cleaning kitty litter pans,but I was so sick during chemo my husband had to do it for me.Now every time I start to think of it as a chore,I remember when I would have given anything to have the strength to get up and do those litter pans and I smile!Works with washing dishes too!!