Re: Cats in the baby room!

EMLYNNLERETTE · February 2011

I just wanted to post this because skimming through the responses I didn't see anyone mention this and I think it is fairly important in case you didn't know. I may have missed a comment, so ignore if I did!

There are warnings about having cats around infants because of the risk of the cat laying on the baby for warmth and smothering them, and also for sucking the breath out of a baby, suffocating them. A lot of sources say this is a myth, but I would still consider it anyway... They do have pet covers for cribs for this very reason! My step moms good friend lost her baby years back from the cat sucking the breath out of her baby and licking the inside of her baby's mouth to get the breast milk!

Food for thought!

CarlaAndJames · February 2011

everyone knows someone's friend this happened to, it really is just a myth. Sorry!

https://www.snopes.com/critters/wild/catsuck.asp

Birdies08 · February 2011

CarlaAndJames:
everyone knows someone's friend this happened to, it really is just a myth. Sorry!
https://www.snopes.com/critters/wild/catsuck.asp

Yes

EMLYNNLERETTE · February 2011

Interesting you would say that. I'm sure you wouldn't say it to the mother of the child who it DID happen to. If you read that article it does not say that it does not ever happen, it actually says that it has happened! Take it or leave it, it still information that should be shared.

sunset+skies · February 2011

It's the "sucking the breath out" part, and the idea of cats doing it to be malicious that's the myth.

Cats do snuggle up for warmth, or try to lick the baby's mouth, which can smother the baby BY ACCIDENT. It's not like they sit there and plot to kill your child.

Hbowers16 · February 2011

Really if its that big of a concern I would get rid of any cats I had. We have two and I'm not concerned at all. I'm not saying I don't believe it can happen, I will definitely make sure my cats are not on or really close to my kid. Its interesting, but remember everyone has their opinions. Sorry for the woman this happened to

Pookie's_Girl · February 2011

This wouldn't even be an issue at all if mothers would simply close the door of the nursery while their baby was sleeping, this would entirely prevent the cat from getting in and causing accidental harm to the baby.

newmomat33 · February 2011

The thought of a cat in the baby's bed is GROSS...IMO!

CarlaAndJames · February 2011

EMLYNNLERETTE:
Interesting you would say that. I'm sure you wouldn't say it to the mother of the child who it DID happen to. If you read that article it does not say that it does not ever happen, it actually says that it has happened! Take it or leave it, it still information that should be shared.

Honestly, wasn't trying to flame you, and if I ever met a mother whose baby had the life sucked out of them by a cat, of course I wouldn't say that to them.

The article doesn't say that it has happened - they actually said the one case where someone thought it had happened ended up being attributed to SIDS, not the cat.

My frustration comes from being a kitty mama who has been constantly told that we need to get rid of our cats because they're dangerous to our baby. And it makes me so sad to see all the people who do get rid of a helpless cat who never would have caused harm to the baby because of fear from people spreading stuff like this. It's our responsibility to keep an eye on where the cats are and where the baby is.

EMLYNNLERETTE · February 2011

CarlaAndJames:
EMLYNNLERETTE:
Interesting you would say that. I'm sure you wouldn't say it to the mother of the child who it DID happen to. If you read that article it does not say that it does not ever happen, it actually says that it has happened! Take it or leave it, it still information that should be shared.
Honestly, wasn't trying to flame you, and if I ever met a mother whose baby had the life sucked out of them by a cat, of course I wouldn't say that to them.
The article doesn't say that it has happened - they actually said the one case where someone thought it had happened ended up being attributed to SIDS, not the cat.
My frustration comes from being a kitty mama who has been constantly told that we need to get rid of our cats because they're dangerous to our baby. And it makes me so sad to see all the people who do get rid of a helpless cat who never would have caused harm to the baby because of fear from people spreading stuff like this. It's our responsibility to keep an eye on where the cats are and where the baby is.

The problem then is not with the potential that it could actually happen, sounds like you have a problem with irresponsible pet owners. I too love kitties.

helenejr · February 2011

that's why i don't like cats.......... lol

but seriously, some good points and plenty to think about for cat owners

mesr · February 2011

wow.

when i was pregnant with dd, one of my colleagues came into my office and noticed the pictures of my cats all over the wall. he asked me, "what are you going to do with your cats? you'd better be careful!" i asked "why" and he said "you know, because the cats will smell the milk."

seriously!?!?! my cats eat cat food. they are not interested in milk.

anyway, i replied with this story:

as i posted in one of the other cat/baby posts, i shared a crib with two cats when i was an infant. one slept by my feet. the other slept right next to my head. my mom was worried about this and discussed it with my pediatrician. he told her that if the cat was blocking my ability to breathe in any way, i would turn my head.

sammyb1017 · February 2011

CarlaAndJames:
My frustration comes from being a kitty mama who has been constantly told that we need to get rid of our cats because they're dangerous to our baby. And it makes me so sad to see all the people who do get rid of a helpless cat who never would have caused harm to the baby because of fear from people spreading stuff like this. It's our responsibility to keep an eye on where the cats are and where the baby is.

Awesomely put! The previous thread was in regards to having the animals in the baby's room in general. I think most of us agreed that we will keep animals out when the baby is sleeping for their safety. I, too, am frustrated with all the negativity surrounding (especially) cats during pregnancy. Perhaps people who do not have cats don't understand who important they are to us.

prncsstp · February 2011

LOL - can someone explain to me what "sucking out your babys breath" means?!?! All I keep picturing are dementors from Harry Potter!

mari_gold · February 2011

EMLYNNLERETTE:
There are warnings about having cats around infants because of the risk of the cat laying on the baby for warmth and smothering them, and also for sucking the breath out of a baby, suffocating them. A lot of sources say this is a myth, but I would still consider it anyway... They do have pet covers for cribs for this very reason! My step moms good friend lost her baby years back from the cat sucking the breath out of her baby and licking the inside of her baby's mouth to get the breast milk!

Riiiight.

"There are warnings .." "A lot of sources ..." A little vague, don't you think?

I'd like to see some reputable sources. Right now you're just perpetuating a common urban legend.

klv · February 2011

I adopted my cats when they were 10 weeks old. Since then, they were never given milk. I dont see it being a bug problem, nor do I think my cats are going to want to snuggle with the baby anyways.

Now if I were to roll my child in tuna, then yes...that might have both cats in the crib licking the baby.

sammyb1017 · February 2011

klv:
Now if I were to roll my child in tuna, then yes...that might have both cats in the crib licking the baby.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CarlaAndJames · February 2011

klv:
Now if I were to roll my child in tuna, then yes...that might have both cats in the crib licking the baby.

LOL!! So true!! I'll put that on my list. "Do not smear tuna on baby and leave them unattended."

and LOL at the dementors. That's what I keep picturing too!

walter7878 · February 2011

I love my two cats, probably more than I should. I do not, however, want them laying around in my baby's room getting hair everywhere. I would feel the same way if I had a dog, a hamster, or any other kind of pet. I really think they're going to avoid the baby because he is going to make loud noises and smell weird, two things neither one of them likes very much.

I don't go around telling people to get rid of their pit bulls, because I've never owned one and I don't know enough to form a personal opinion. Sure, I know of someone who knows someone whose pit bull is dangerous, but does that put me in a position to warn other people about it? I don't think so.

radical.edward4th@gmail.com · March 2011

I have 2 cats and 2 dogs, but there is NO WAY we would get rid of them!

My inlaws (MIL really) are freaking out about the cats, but the only thing I've heard of that I'm concerned about is their kitty box. Is it true that mommy-to-be shouldn't clean/be around the box and to keep it away from baby? I get the baby part, but what about me? Or is is just a great excuse for DH to clean it? LOL

Syncronicity09 · March 2011

Our concern is not so much that the cats will smother the baby, but that they will want ot sleep in the crib getting cat hair all over. We are both allergic, but adjust quickly, so it is likely our child will be too. I have been looking at these. But I have yet to actually see on in a store.

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