What should I look out for, and do other moms have any tips?
2007-08-17 05:36:21 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I have three children and I have always had cats. Despite all the wives tales, I have never had any problem with any of my cats being around my children. The only things you might want to watch out for is the child grabbing the cat and the cat scratching them (if they still have their claws), or if the child seems to be allergic to the cat.
2007-08-17 05:40:59 · answer #1 · answered by Ollie's Mommy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having a cat is safe, although many people say other wise. We have 3 pet cats, and all of them did just fine around our baby.
Most cats aren't even interested in a baby to begin with. Its something that moves unexpectedly, and makes loud noises. Cat dont like this. LOL.
Some peope are afraid that the cat will try and drink the babys milk, or get in the baby's face after they drink the milk. I did a test will all of my cats. I put some of the baby's milk in a bowl for the cats. They wouldnt touch it.
If your cats have claws, then do be careful that they dont scratch the baby. Also, my cats did like to sleep in the crib before the baby was born, but once the baby was born the ywouldnt get in the crib while the baby was in there. However, just to be safe, we kept the babys door closed at night so the cat couldnt get in there.
2007-08-17 12:54:46 · answer #2 · answered by cute_blondie_angel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two children and a cat. I just made sure that when the child was very young the cat was not allow in the room while the baby was sleeping. Because what some people are afraid of is the cat wanting to do is sufficate the baby because of the milk on his/her breath. So as long as you keep the cat out when baby is sleeping then you will be fine. Congratulations on the arrival of your baby.
2007-08-17 12:41:29 · answer #3 · answered by Karyn W 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have three kids and have always had cats. One cat even used to come tell us when a baby woke up after a nap.
The only possible concern would be if the cat tried to sleep on the child's face, this is where the old urban legend came from about cats stealing a babies breath.
But even that is not really a concern since the child will wake up and cry if something gets on its face.
Even a small baby is stronger than a cat.
2007-08-17 12:42:14 · answer #4 · answered by e13333 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you supervise them it is fine. You don't want the cat to sleep in the baby's bed. Cats like warm places to sleep and a baby is perfect to snuggle up against, so make sure that the cat can't get into where the baby is sleeping. You also need to make sure the cat doesn't scratch the baby and as the baby gets older you need to make sure that the baby doesn't unintentionally injure the cat. I wouldn't get a new cat if I had a baby, but there is no reason to get rid of a cat that you already have unless the cat is mean and aggressive.
2007-08-17 12:41:21 · answer #5 · answered by kat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's only an old wives tale that cats pose a threat to babies. The false theory was that cats could accidentally suffocate babies because they could smell the milk on their breath and they would sit on top of them or something. This ISN'T TRUE! We had cats at the same time we had babies and the babies were never harmed by any of them. Actually, the paid very little attention to the babies, at all.
The only thing to watch out for would be when the baby can grab, they might grab the kitties tale or his fur and pull which could cause the cat to scratch or bite. But that's the only thing I can see.
2007-08-17 12:44:19 · answer #6 · answered by kj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We've had two kids and 4 cats. They say you have to worry about the cat lying on the baby's face because of the milk the baby drinks, but I look at that as urban legend.
My biggest worries were scratches if the baby's big enough to pull a tail, or the cat peeing on blankets or in the crib because it was marking territory.
We never had a problem beyond that. Good luck!
2007-08-17 12:42:14 · answer #7 · answered by mamarat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have 3 cats and never have had any problems with them - ever!
We raised the adult female from 2 months old and then she had 2 female kittens that are now 13 weeks old.
The cats don't get up on my kids and they don't take a baby's breath away i'm sick of hearing that old wives tale. The cats got into my room yesterday i didn't notice and my 11 weeks old was in the bassinet sleeping. Never once did the cats bother her or even get near the bassinet (i have video moniters in the room).
Cats can be fine, some can be grumpy, but we've gotten lucky to have playful friendly kittens (and in all honesty i never did like cats) but i have come to love these lil critters so much.
I thinkyou'll be fine just don't let your kids pull them around or drag them along like teddies like my 18m/o has tried to do, i just pick up the kitten and have her stroke it and say to be nice that kitty isn't a toy and she has to love it, now we have no problems.
2007-08-17 13:58:29 · answer #8 · answered by Kat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, there are a lot of old wives tales about cats and babies. The truth of the matter is that cats and babies can be dear friends. Just be sure to introduce them respectfully to one another. Don't let the baby pull the cat's hair or tail. The cat may want to lick the baby. It isn't going to hurt them. Keep an eye on your baby just like you always do!
2007-08-17 12:50:35 · answer #9 · answered by Auntie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is safe. The old wives tales about the cat taking the breath of a baby are not true. I would keep the baby away form the cat box though, not only for the reason that they will put cat litter in their mouths but also the amount of ammonia in the cat's urine is unhealthy for baby and for Mom.
2007-08-17 12:40:26 · answer #10 · answered by Colette B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋