Cats and Pregnancy?

Question

I'm pregnant and my baby is due Feb. 13th. A few days ago my husband and I adopted a couple of cats. They are both fixed and have had all their shots. When I told my mother about the cats, she freaked out, and gave me a lecture on everything from how a cat will steal a baby's breath while it's asleep to how they could give the baby and my 4 year old son leukemia. These sound like old wives tales to me.

Is there anything I SHOULD be legitimately worried about when the baby comes?

Answer 1

Re. litterbox comments above: those are correct.

Re. your mother: she's nuts. No offence.

A page you might want to print out for her:

http://www.snopes.com/critters/wild/catsuck.htm

"Claim: Cats suck the breath from babies, sometimes killing them.
Status: False."

(With an explanation.)

About the toxoplasmosis risk from the litter: you can have yourself tested; if you've had cats before, there's a good chance that you're immune. The CDC has useful stuff on it --

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm

The leukemia thing strikes me as bizarre. Hmm.

"Veterinarian researchers generally agree that FeLV cannot be transmitted to humans. Some studies have shown a correlation between certain human leukemia and exposure to FeLV-infected cats, but this has not been proven."

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/

If your cats are healthy and indoor-only, I... Oh, for heavens' sakes. Your mother's nuts. Enjoy your kitties and your pregnancy.

Answer 2

Oh wow, those ARE old wives tales! The only thing you need to worry about is make sure you don't change the cat litter while you're pregnant. There's a germ in there that could cause problems.

Other than that, cats are excellent pets because they practically take care of themselves, and they're awesome with kids.

Answer 3

I have 5 cats and am 5 months pregnant and there is no reason to get rid of healthy cats. Just don't change kitty litter while pregnant..lucky husband gets that job for awhile ;-)
About the stealing the breath.. they say that because kitty's are attracted to milk on baby's breath and can suffocate baby. Just don't let kitty's sleep with baby and all will be fine! Good luck!

Answer 4

good grief!!! is the woman on drugs or something?? Just don't handle the litter tray whilst pregnant for fear of toxoplasmosis and make sure the cats cannot get into the babys crib. They like the warm milky smell of babies and just wanna cuddle up to them. Not a good idea with a tiny baby. Heard it was a bit of a myth that cats smother babies but Im not taking any chances, but refuse to get rid of my beautiful fluffy babies, so have brought a crib cat net. I think everything will be ok if u are sensible

PS - cats DO NOT pass on feline HIV to humans, that is just a silly thing to state.

Answer 5

very properly the failings you're able to do to ascertain in the adventure that your cat is pregnant. a million. 80% of the time a cat get pregnant 2. sense the tummy after a pair weeks sense for something confusing. 3. If she is drowsing interior a similar spot plenty could properly be an illustration of nesting 4. She turns into testy and ignores you 5. She disappears for a pair days, she probable is giving start or approximately to

Answer 6

Don't worry. If you are worried about a cat smothering your baby, do not let the cat sleep with the baby.

Just make sure your husband changes the kitty litter for now. There can potentially be something bad in the cat droppings that could be harmful right now .... I cannot remember what it is but you can read about it in your pregnancy book.

Do not worry.

Answer 7

oh lol-silly mothers--they are definately old wives tales--if not, no one would have cats, lol

the only thing I'd worry about is if you adopted them from a shelter--be careful of changing their litter OR by getting scratched by them--that goes for you and the kids.

the cat scratch fever is very common in animals adopted from shelters because of being around so many cats-and you dont know where they came from, if they were strays, etc etc.

when I was 5 months-we adopted a kitten from the shelter, he ended up scratching me -the doctor monitored the scratch for the cat scratch disease--but everything was ok.

good luck and enjoy your new kitties!

Answer 8

They are old wifes tales. But you should never change the litter box while preg. Also have the cats check for feline AIDS they can give that to you or your son. Talk to your doc just in case.

Answer 9

Kitty litter can be dangerous on your pregnancy even at this late date.
I can understand your mother freaking out even though it was for the wrong reason. It seems you have enough responsiblies with your son's condition now a new baby.

Answer 10

The only thing is - as said - have hubby change the cat litter while pregnant and breastfeeding.

(and as long afterwards as you can get him to!)

But seriously, there is a very rare problem that is easily avoided by not being exposed to cat leavings. (It isn't the litter that's the problem, if you know what I mean!)