I am 8 months pregnant and I have two cats that I love very much. I have had them since they were very young and have grown very attached to them. Is it true the saying that you shouldnt have cats and have a baby because they will smother them?
2006-08-26 15:44:25 · 10 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
also my male cat is very attached to me, what do I do if he starts acting jealous with the baby?
2006-08-26 15:45:22 · update #1
No it is not true. The best thing for you to do is make sure that your cats do not get into the habit of getting into the crib. I have a cat and a new baby and I have had no problems. What I do is at night I shut the door to the baby's room so the cat cant get in there. Of course the cat will be curious at first and hopefully nice to the baby if not then you will have a problem but no the cat will not smother a baby. GOOD LUCK.
2006-08-26 15:51:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each cat is different ,some may not like the baby while others will just adore the baby.
The claim that cats suck the breath out of babies or smother them is in fact that the cats like the milk on the baby's breath and could get to close or the cat adores the baby so much that they cuddle to closely and this instead of SIDS is sometimes mistaken for the cause of death. For safety sake watch the cats and introduce them in a controlled situation and see how they react. then "try" controlling the interaction for a few months if all goes well, before you know it they will be old buddies for life.
Dogs can have the same or simular actions.
2006-08-26 16:06:09 · answer #2 · answered by Robert F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be cautious with the cats. I have 2 cats as well and my husband and I have been trying for a baby for quite some time now. The best thing to do is keep them in a certain room while the baby is sleeping and very closely watch where the cats are at around the baby. Cats smell milk on the babys mouth and a cat will sit on top of the baby. It's been known to happen and it's terrible.
2006-08-26 15:52:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is true, that 'during' your pregnancy, you need to be careful, cleaning the 'litter-box', due to strains of viruses and bacteria, found in the fecal matter. I've even read, and have known some people whom have done so, (*had someone else clean the litter-box, during the pregnancy)
As, far as the 'smothering' issue...it's an "old wives tale". You do have to be careful and aware of the hair, and dander, in case there would be allergies, and or breathing problems.
Perhaps, you can keep the 'kitties', but distance them from any close proximity from the baby, until, the baby is older.
2006-08-26 15:47:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
There are consequences for having cats while pregnant and having infants in the home -- and they do carry diseases that can cause infant mortality and problems pre-birth as well.
Did you not receive this information when you 1st found out you were pregnant from your OB doctor? That is very odd if you did not receive the information -- because one of the danger areas to a fetus is when the pregnant mom cleans the kitty litter.
PLEASE talk about this with your OB right away.
2006-08-26 15:52:52 · answer #5 · answered by sglmom 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No it is not true. I hate people who spread misinformation.
You can keep your cats (all of them!) and your baby, as long as your baby is not allergic to them.
However, you should have someone else (a friend or your partner) clean the cats litterboxes while you are pregnant- because of the risk of pregnancy toxoplasmosis- a disease that can spread to pregnant women through cat waste...
2006-08-26 15:51:11 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Fancy Pants 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't be worried. My mom had 6 cats when my sister was born. but if your worried don't leave the cats with the baby unnatended.
2006-08-26 17:28:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, its an absolute myth!
http://www.snopes.com/critters/wild/catsuck.htm
Also, It is unlikely that your baby will be allergic to your cats. Studies have shown that if a child has been exposed to animals from infancy onwards, they will not be allergic. The infants immune system gets used to being around that animal dander.
2006-08-26 15:50:25 · answer #8 · answered by ♫ Violinist ♪ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
that isn't true. But if you truly believe that then just have your cats sleep in a different room.
2006-08-26 18:09:27 · answer #9 · answered by xX~*Vanity*~Xx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ur cats love u. dont worry. they might get jeaolus but i dink they would get ova it
2006-08-26 15:50:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋