Cats and Babies can Co-Exist

GUEST BLOGGER

Plenty of couples still rehome their cats, or bring them to a shelter, when they are expecting a baby. When my husband and I adopted a little kitten while I was suffering from pregnancy signs and symptoms, relatives were sure that the cat would “smother the baby”, and that cat hairs can kill young kids. It didn’t happen, and the cat is our kids’ best buddy today. Cats and babies can’t just co-exist, they can benefit immensely from each other’s company. There are some dangers, but common sense can ensure that your little one and your furry friend both stay safe.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis can be a real danger to unborn babies – it can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, blindness and deafness. That is why pregnant women are advised not to clean cat litter trays, or at least to wear gloves when they do. But did you know that cats contract toxoplasmosis by eating small mammals and birds? Families who keep their cats indoors largely eliminate the risk of this infection. If you are trying to get pregnant, now is the right time to transition your pet to being an “indoor cat”. Expectant mothers should also avoid gardening or wear gloves, because they may come across cat feces.

Preparing your cat for the baby

Your cat will probably sense that you are pregnant. You can prepare her for the baby’s arrival by setting up your crib and other baby gear a few months in advance. This way, not too much will change when your baby comes, and your cat will have had a chance to learn to stay out of the crib before she meets your little one. We introduced our cat to the new baby very soon after she was born, and let him sniff her. Making sure that you include the cat in your baby’s life helps avoid jealousy.

Cat naps

Our cat loved to nap next to our new babies, and would try at every opportunity. Now that our kids are five and three years old, this isn’t a problem – but a big furry cat can make it hard for a newborn to breathe. If you do let your cat sleep next to your newborn, only do so when you are right there. Close the nursery door when your baby naps there alone, so the cat can’t make his way into the baby’s crib.

Older babies and cat

Cats may sometimes be a danger to tiny newborns, but the tables will soon turn. Once your baby starts to crawl, she may chase your cat, and pull on his ears or tail. If this happens, your cat will obviously defend himself. Close supervision is the solution to this problem. Crawling babies should also be kept away from the cat’s litter tray (that encounter is not one you even want to think about!) and from the cat’s food bowls. Your son or daughter may think cat food looks tasty, and you’ll be traumatized if baby starts munching on whiskas!

Olivia writes about fertility, expecting a baby, and weight loss after pregnancy at Trying To Conceive.