December 13, 2011
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Supplies, Pet Training

There are a number of opposing views out there about cats and babies, but many of them are myths or are not rooted in fact. Gynecologists and other doctors who are treating you today are probably up to date on the current thinking in this area – that pregnant women can in fact live harmoniously with cats while offering their baby the safest upbringing.

Well-meaning relatives or friends may tell you that cats are a hazard to pregnant women and babies because of the risk of parasites in their feces or because they will smother and suffocate the baby either out of vengeance or affection. The former is true, while the latter is not.

Just because your cat's feces may be harmful to you, there is no reason to get rid of your fluffy companion. Dr. Marty Becker often says, "get rid of the risk, and keep the pet." In this instance, pregnant women should simply give up their litter-box cleaning duties for nine months. Leave that job to your partner or other family members and you will be fine. Getting some pet supplies like Arm & Hammer Multicat Clump Litter might make the task easier for your helper.

Once this one proven risk is taken care of, you may have to do some modifications based on your cat's personality. One thing to keep in mind is that your cat is not out to get your baby, no matter what stories you may have heard. Cats do not act out of spite, maliciously smothering the baby. However, if your cat is especially curious, it is possible that it will find a way to sneak into the crib to explore this interesting new member of the family that smells like milk. To prevent your cat from cuddling up too close to your baby, set up a One-Touch Pet Gate 150 to block off the nursery well before the baby comes so the cat gets used to its new boundaries. You can create a positive association with the cat's new space by giving it treats like Greenies for cats and toys. If you get new pet supplies when you bring home the new baby, your cat may be more interested watching the world from its Heated Cat Window Perch or exploring its Whisker World 3-Tier Cat Tree than your
infant. Using a calming pheromone like Comfort Zone for Cats may also make the introduction a little smoother.  

Related posts:

1. When Fido knows there’s a bun in the oven
2. How to adopt a feline
3. Can I catch something from my pet?
4. Helping your cat recover from spaying
5. Troubles of moving with an outdoor cat