What if I have a baby? Would the cats affect his/her health??

sboricua

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Jul 19, 2005
Messages
36
Purraise
1
Location
Twentynine Palms, CA
This has nothing to do with my kittens' health but my baby's. (If I had a baby)I have two kittens. I told my parents I got 2 cats and they told me that I would have to get rid of my cats when I have a baby b/c they will make my baby sick. Even my grandmother told me that. I know alot of people that have babies and pets? Why do they say cats will affect the baby's health and not dogs?
 

ricalynn

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 23, 2004
Messages
1,611
Purraise
2
Location
The Banana Belt of MT
It's an old wives' tale - the "legend" says that cat's steal baby's breath. There's no basis in fact for this, but long-held superstitions like that are hard to get rid of. I'm living proof it ain't so - Mama cat brought her whole litter into the crib with me the day after my parents brought me home. Have your parents/grandmother ever had cats?

Now, pregnant women (and thus their babies) ARE more susceptible to some illnesses/parasites carried in cat feces, so I've heard it recommended that you have another family member change the boxes, but I've also known plenty of pregnant women who've had no problems even so.
 

maverick_kitten

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 6, 2004
Messages
3,933
Purraise
3
Location
London, uk
the cats will in fact make your baby healthier.

Cat owners are less prone to anxiety and depression and studies show that children who own cats/dogs are healthy, fitter and are less likely to have asthma.

if this rumor were true my mother nor her 7 siblings would have made it past childhood!
 

elizwithcat

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 17, 2005
Messages
1,303
Purraise
2
It's a complete nonsense about cat affecting baby's health. No, you don't have to get rid of your cat. But it's recommended that somebody else cleaned the litterbox while the woman is pregnant. If nobody else can do it, the woman should wear gloves and a mask while cleaning the litterbox. So, don't worry about it. Cats don't affect baby's health.
 

huggles

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jul 3, 2003
Messages
9,620
Purraise
4
Location
Melbourne, Australia
well if this is the case then I am in trouble - I have 2 kitty boys and am 35 weeks pregnant - the cats are going nowhere and nor is the baby when he/she is born!!

As Erica said its an old wifes tale and again as mentioned these types of things are hard to get rid of. Some people fully believe it. My DH's greatest fear is that one of the cats will smother the baby while it is sleeping - I have never heard of this happening.

The parasite that can be carried in cat feces is toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a disorder that affects the nervous system and the potentially the brain .
My DH has been changing our litter since the moment we found out we were pregnant. Simple.
This parasite can also be found in some raw meats, so its not limited to cat feces. There is a lot of information that can help you avoid this parasite. I wouldnt worry about it at all.

The majority of pregnant woman and new babies are perfectly healthy and have no problems whatsoever with the resident cats
 

maverick_kitten

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 6, 2004
Messages
3,933
Purraise
3
Location
London, uk
its like with everything else, you just have to excercise caution and use your common sense.

techincally we probably should use rubber gloves and a mask when cleaning out a litter tray any way. same as we shouldnt eat raw cookie dough or smoke or drink.

Its just when your pregnant and/or have a new baby you have to be extra careful.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7

sboricua

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Jul 19, 2005
Messages
36
Purraise
1
Location
Twentynine Palms, CA
Thank you for your reply. That makes me so much better that everyone said it isn't true. Lets just hope my parents don't have a fit when I get pregnant.
 

ollyextra05

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
2,520
Purraise
3
Location
The Windy City
Originally Posted by sboricua

Thank you for your reply. That makes me so much better that everyone said it isn't true. Lets just hope my parents don't have a fit when I get pregnant.
When/ if you do get pregnant, and they have a fit, maybe you'd want to bring them some articles that explain away the myths. Or, you could even get your vet and obgyn to write a letter, or give them a call to reassure them.

I'm sure your family only has your best interests in mind, and once they are reassured and informed, they'll just be happy for you and kitties, and new baby!
 
Top