Is it ok to bring a newborn to a house with 7 cats?

Question

I'm expecting my first baby in 4 weeks, and my mother in law has 7 cats and one dog, also her house is always with the windows closed (so that the cats don't escape.... I guess). I am concerned of bringing the baby there, at least for the first few months, there is so much hair from the animals, but I don't want to hurt their feelings. Will it be dangerous for the baby?

Answer 1

I would not take my baby to a house with 7 cats. Cats are sneaky and I have heard that they like the smell of milk on the baby's breath and will suck the air out of a baby. This could be harmful if you are not careful. Just as precaution I would say no with that many cats if you turn your head for one second something could happen. Also you don't know if the baby has an allergy to them. The hair from the cats could get wrapped around the baby fingers get into his/her mouth, are even get wrapped tightly around the private area if it's a boy. I read this on WebMD about mothers who's hair is shedding really bad that it could aggravate the baby, so I would imagine that it would be the same for he cats. I don't think that it would hurt her feelings if you don't want to come right a way but, it is what it is. That is your child that you have to look out for now and I would rather her feelings be hurt than something to happen to your child. She's grown she will get over it. You could make suggestions that she comes over to your home to help you with the baby. Maybe by including her that way she won't feel that it's personal. As a mother of a four month old I just would not do it. That's scary! Good Luck

Answer 2

I know exactly where you're coming from. I was raised with cats and thought nothing of the fact that my parents had 7 in the house. Now that I have a baby it is has become a concern. My mom is babysitting for me while I work and is watching my 3 month old at her house. She currently has 6 cats. My mom got all her carpets and furniture steam cleaned in preparation for the baby. She's been going to my moms for the past week and hasn't had any issues. No allergic reactions or anything from the fur. Also the cats barely notice the baby is there. My mom said they came over and sniffed her then just walked away. They seem to treat her like any other human they haven't made any attempt to scratch her or hurt her in any way. If you're super worried about the fur- ask your pediatrician. My guess is that the dander could cause allergies but that's the only real concern I could think of.

Answer 3

Wow 7 cats is a lot. I guess it is all up to you, I wouldn't think that cats or their hair would particularity be harmful to a newborn. On the other hand, if their house stinks of cat urine and there is so much cat hair all over that you cannot breathe I wouldn't take the baby there. If the house is clean, you cannot smell the cat box, there is no hair flying around, the house is generally clean then I would say o.k. Same goes for regular houses without cats, would you bring your newborn to someone's house that is very dirty and flies all around, probably not. I would just use your best judgment. Cats aren't out to hurt anyone and actually (besides their owners picking up their poop) they are very clean animals. So, if their house is clean and they take care of their animals I would say yes. If their house is very dirty and their cats are more like strays that come in for food, I would say no.

Answer 4

I know this will sound crazy.. but I have six cats.
They all live in and out doors.. just kinda come in when they want and what not. They dont bother anyone.. they sleep most of the time when theyre inside.. I wouldnt worry too much about it.. the thing is, make sure everyones hands are clean before touching the baby.
the baby doesnt lay down on anything with kitty hair.
and dont let the cats near the baby.
other than that.. it should all be fine.

Answer 5

if there is a family history of pet allergies then you may want to ask her if the cats can be confined to a different room while you visit. Chances are that there will never be a problem, but in the first few months you need to take some precautions.

Answer 6

You in no way, in no way, in no way bypass away slightly one and canines on my own in a room even whilst the infant is snoozing. That grow to be merely stupid, they ought to have closed the door to the mattress room to maintain the canines out. I easily have 3 canines and four cats interior the abode and have in no way had a concern, my son is sixteen months old. I in no way bypass away them on my own at the same time, no longer even for a minute. We keep all the mattress room doorways closed as quickly as we are snoozing to maintain animals out. no longer less than an animal might wake slightly one up that's a soreness and on the worst the infant must be harm or perhaps killed.

Answer 7

ive heard the stuff in kittylitter trays is dangerous to the unbornbaby! in fact im certain its dangerous.as for cats and babies they love the warmness of a baby and may try to lick there faces after a feed.just keep your eyes on them,as you would anyway.p.s good luck with the baby! xxx

Answer 8

i wouldn't worry about anything, just keep the baby out of the cats' reach, and don't let them jump on the baby or whatever and you should be fine....

Answer 9

your baby will be fine. we have 7 dogs and 3 birds. my daughter is only 11 months old but she is already kind to animals and gentle with them. and they would die for her.

Answer 10

No i wouldnt. Like u said wait a few months until u do that!!