Q: I am planning to become pregnant, and a friend says I should give away my cat, Myrtle, because she can transmit a disease that could harm my unborn child. Is this true? A: Rest assured that you may keep Myrtle. It sounds like your friend is referring to toxoplasmosis, nicknamed “toxo,” a disease caused by a one-celled protozoal parasite called Toxoplasma. If you are among the approximately 30 percent of the population who’s already been exposed to Toxoplasma, you have antibodies that will protect your unborn child from the disease. Your health care provider can check your antibody levels and advise you. If you do not have antibodies to Toxoplasma, you should take steps to prevent infection during pregnancy, since it can increase the risk of miscarriage, eye problems, and brain damage in your unborn child. Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent infection once you know a little about Toxoplasma. …