Seeing a cat after mikveh - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Seeing a cat after mikveh

April 11, 2022

Question

I live in an area that has many cats. Even though I try not to encounter an impure animal like a cat after the mikvah I can’t prevent it. What should one do if they saw a cat or impure animal after using the mikvah? What if one becomes pregnant?

Answer

According to some, there is a kabbalistic concern about coming into contact with tumah (ritual impurity) immediately after immersion. However, the first person/creature you encounter on emerging from the mikveh is the mikveh attendant. Therefore, you don’t have to be concerned about passing cats or other animals on your way home, and you don’t have to be concerned about it affecting your pregnancy.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.