2006-06-26 04:10:41 · 36 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Change that to "My wife..."
2006-06-26 04:12:43 · update #1
No, unless your dog has a bad temperment. You can keep both cats and dogs. Pregnant women should not clean litterboxes, but whoever said that you should get rid of your cat should be sent away. We have two cats and they are curious but very gentle with our baby. Just always watch them when they are together. Also, get a crib tent because your cats may want to snuggle with baby when sleeping and that is not safe as heavier cats can make it difficult for baby to breathe if they jump on top of the baby. Please do not abandon your beloved animals. There are always ways to make living situations work for all.
One thing we did is that when my baby was born, my husband would go back and forth from the hospital to home to feed the cats, etc. Each time he went, I sent him with a blanket or clothing item that smelled like the baby. When I came home, my husband carried the baby in and I went straight for the cats so that they knew I stilled loved them. Apparently, cats can get jealous. My cats love the baby and I think they think she is theirs too because they try to groom her and run to her when she cries.
2006-06-26 04:30:38 · answer #1 · answered by -- 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. Just don't leave the baby alone with them even if they are gentle they are still animals and who knows what might set them off. Just be responsible. As for the previous answer that cats cause miscarriage from a bacteria in their feces.... This is untrue. Cats who are outside animals and may possibly eat raw meat or small animals can have toxoplasmosis in their feces. If you have always been around cats and changed litter of said cats then you have been previously exposed and are immune now. If you are still concerned have someone else change the litter until you deliver. I have 3 healthy kids and I have had 2 healthy cats long before becomming a mon. I also have a dog in the house. Everyone gets a long fine.
2006-06-26 04:42:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you don't need to get rid of them. However, extra training is necessary. Labs are usually not agressive or dominant so you shouldn't have a problem. The cat might want to sleep in the baby's bassinett or crib because, well, have you ever seen a cat bed? They're comfortable in places like that. Squirt it with a water bottle if it goes in the baby's room.
Let them sniff the new arrival and expose them to the baby daily while giving them attention. Brush them both to keep the allergens down, maybe get an air purifier.
If you start to notice behavior problems, consult a behavior specialist or take them to training at Petsmart. I also recommend you watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel. He gives great tips.
2006-06-26 04:19:30 · answer #3 · answered by mom2babycolin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No reason to get rid of your pets(or wife) if you get the usto the baby as it first comes home there wont be a problem but you do need to monitor the always, when you are holding the baby allow the dog to sniff it so that it gets usto the baby's scent...I have 3 dogs who have always been around kids but never lived with any until my sister and her to toddlers and her 4 month old moved in with me well my dogs have adjusted fine to the sounds and smells and are actually very protective of the infant and the baby just loves hearing the dogs bark and sniff her she laughs everytime she sees them....but do make sure you dont allow the cat to get in the baby's face while it is young or get in its crib/basennett but they should be fine with the baby...as for your wife not sure what to tell you,......Good Luck
2006-06-26 04:43:25 · answer #4 · answered by shell b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but limit how close they can get to the baby and keep the baby's room off limits. I ended up declawing my cats for safety reasons, but I'm sure that's not necessary.
Don't get rid of your cat like that person suggested. Just be sure your pregnant wife NEVER changes out the cat litter. It can cause serious problems.
2006-06-26 04:14:00 · answer #5 · answered by WiserAngel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO. Keep your animals. You made a committment when you adopted them to keep them for life. I have two cats and a lab and they took a few days to adjust to the crying (and so will you) but now they all love the baby.
The cats snuggle with her and the dog likes to lick her feet.
There is no reason why they can't be friends. Besides, you raise her chances of not being allergic to cats and dogs when you have them in the home for the first 3 years.
**The only thing is that you shouldn't change the cat litter when you are pregnant - that is it.**
2006-06-26 04:21:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most animals do okay with infants, as long as you watch them well... Just be especially careful with the cat as cats will try to suck milk from a infants mouth which could cause the baby to suffocate. I personally had a pomeranian who was really high strung and I worried about the dog jumping to much on the baby and scratching her so I made the decision to get rid of him for my baby's safety and my peace of mind.
Good luck with your new baby!
2006-06-26 04:15:02 · answer #7 · answered by JAngel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will be curious at first. Don't leave them alone in the same room though. Cats like to snuggle and mine would try to sleep with my babies. At night I would put her in the spare bathroom or in her carrier. My lab would just look and sniff mostly. He pretty much kept a distance for the first month or so. Anytime the babies would cry or whimper, he would go to their rooms and look. If I didn't go right away, he'd come get me!
The cat died right after my second baby, but our lab became there protector growing up. When my oldest son was 6, a copperhead was in my garden. Our lab kept barking and pushing him back as he tried to get a closer look. Our dog would not let my son get near that snake!
2006-06-26 04:30:28 · answer #8 · answered by B Y 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your dog is fine to have in the house, just keep baby from pulling on his ears and being in face. Definitely keep baby away from the dogs feeding bowl!
As for your cat, baby's sleeping have the scent of milk which the cat will want to lay on baby, curl up and could cause suffocation. Kitty litter is filthy get rid of the cat.
2006-06-26 04:19:24 · answer #9 · answered by Lynn 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way! Cats and dogs can live with baby fine. You may have to do a little training, but it can surely be done. Talk to your vet about how to prepare your pets and home for the new baby. I am trying to get pregnant now, and there's no way I'll be getting rid of my cat.
2006-06-26 04:16:11 · answer #10 · answered by kbis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋