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Myth #2 - "The cat hates your baby!"

The rumor that Dr. Brazelton helped repopularize goes like this: Families with infants should get rid of their cats because the animals will harm the baby by sucking its breath or lying on it and smothering it.

But experts say this tale probably began because cats, attracted to soft, warm bedding, probably curled up near babies who died from other causes. Because they were found near the babies, the cats got the blame for the death.

Some suggest that millions of women for thousands of years have had healthy babies and lived with cats. The only danger of a cat around a baby is that cats like to snuggle next to warm things in small areas, and a cat will not know if this position is dangerous for the baby.

The best advice is to keep cats out of the room where the baby sleeps. If the cat is used to spending time in that room, start restricting its access at least a month before delivery, and don't allow it to nap in the bassinet.

paws

For more information please contact Lara O'Keefe at 972.838.9156 or visit Hunter's Creek.

Posted by Lara O'Keefe (Hunter's Creek, Melissa) on 03/26/2009 06:38 PM

Comments (9)

Pets in the ActiveRain Channel

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9 Comments on Myth #2 - "The cat hates your baby!"

MAR

Thanks, Lara.

We expect to have a new baby in the house soon and there are lots of cats here. Your article will start the discussion about this.

Well, my son's pediatrician also told me to get rid of the cats when my son was born (allergies, etc.).
I told the doctor that my 7 cats were there before the baby came, and they were staying.

Up until the last one of my babies (cats) died last September, they were great babysitters.
If I had to leave the room, they would lay down on either side of the bed or couch, so the baby wouldn't roll off.

Even now, that my son is 18, before she passed away, Mamma cat ALWAYS went to lay down beside him, as soon as he went to sleep.

I miss her, and my son misses her ...
Cats won't hurt the babies .... 7 cats didn't hurt the baby. :)

Our cats never hurt babies when the kids were little either.

What a beautiful picture of the baby sleeping peacefully; sure doesn't look like this cat will hurt anyone. Thanks for sharing.

Lara, that picture is so adorable. I'm trying to type but I have a cat trying to sit on my hands :-)

Lara - That is one thing that scares me. As long as people don't let the cat in the room while the baby is sleeping like you said.

MAR

Bob - congrats on the new baby in your home!

Sylvie - I'm sorry for your loss and 18 is a ripe old age. They did a good job helping you love and cuddle with your son.

Bob & Carolin - it's really just an old wives tale.

Pat - thanks, they both look so peaceful!

Terry - That's funny. My cat used to chase the mouse on my computer screen. They are great pets.

Robert - we just have to be careful extra careful with everything when a baby is in the home.

MAR

Lara, Is that your baby. What a sweet picture. Cats are so sweet. But I never let them in my baby's room. When I had my son we started putting the cats in the garage at night. But in the daytime they were around the kids with supervision. I have a lot of pics of my boys with the cats!

Jane, it's not my baby, but was the perfect picture. I would agree that keeping cats out of the baby's room is just safer. It's great that your boys grew up with pets in the house :-)

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