Final answer:
After an onychectomy, an 8 month old kitten should have paper litter in its litter box to prevent infection. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning cat litter due to the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, which can harm the unborn baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
An 8 month old kitten that is being discharged after an onychectomy (declawing surgery) requires special postoperative care to prevent litter from sticking to the healing paws and causing infection. The owner should be instructed to use paper litter or another dust-free, non-clumping substitute in the kitten's litter box. This type of material is softer and less risky, providing a safer environment for the kitten's recovery.
Regarding the safety for pregnant women and cat litter, pregnant women are advised to avoid cleaning their cat's litter box, or to do so with protective gloves, due to the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in cat feces. This infection can lead to serious health problems for the unborn baby, including birth defects and miscarriage.