anyone have cat or a kitten?

HEATHER - posted on 07/04/2010

i think thats just an old wives tale. i have 3 cats and they have never bothered my son. they were just curious to see what was going on. the smothering part comes from the milk/formula they smell around the babies mouth

Brittney - posted on 06/16/2010

i have a cat and a kitten, and they both are amazing with my daughter. they cuddle with her, while staying away from her face. not to mention, the cats are her best friends. its cute lol. they play together all the time. i say gooo for it!! =]

Angelina - posted on 06/16/2010

i have 4 cats. panda doesnt even care he just stays away from my son. valentine is afraid of EVERYTHING! so theres no chance she will smother him lol. Sugar kind of stays away unless she wants loving. and spicy LOVES Logan but she has never tried anything. if she gets annoyed she just walks away.

Donna - posted on 06/16/2010

I didn't think about my new cat when I wrote my earlier post ~ she's only about 2 1/2 years old and wasn't around when we had little babies. I had forgotten until this morning that she likes to sleep across my neck. She did it when she was a thin little thing. She was abandoned in our yard when she was about 6 weeks old and hadn't emotionally separated from her mom, I guess, so she took to sleeping across my neck if I was on my side or my throat if I was on my back and right up close to my face. She had stopped doing it when we adopted two new cats last year and started sleeping with them. This morning I woke up with her getting comfortable across my neck... Well, she's no longer a 12 oz kitten. She's now a 15 pounder! Across my neck was fine at first because I was on my side. When I rolled over onto my back, she re-situated herself to be on top of my neck (the throat, this time) again. This meant her side also covered my mout and nose. Since I'm a light sleeper and can move her, it was no big deal to just slide her off and let her curl up next to me. But a baby wouldn't be able to move her or get out from under her. I can see how not supervising your cat around your baby could be dangerous with the wrong cat and that you won't know until you actually bring the baby home.

Basically, like everyone else has said: keep an eye on the cat and "kitty proof" certain rooms if you feel the need to. Just remember that kitty needs to have some rooms where she is still encouraged to roam in and be loved on like before so that she doesn't feel that she's not wanted anymore because close interaction is important with cats who have been long-time family members.

Cassandra - posted on 06/16/2010

We have 2 cats. I've heard that is one of the fears. So, we always made sure they weren't able to get into the room he was sleeping in if we weren't in it too. just to be on the safe side.

Sarah - posted on 06/16/2010

We have five cats and we put a crib tent over the crib so the cats cant get in her bed.

Cheryl - posted on 06/15/2010

We had two cats when our sons were born. I just closed them out of the nursery.

Len - posted on 06/15/2010

They make a mesh "tent" that goes on the top of the crib and mesh bumper pads if it's that much of a concern. I have three kids and have had several different cats with no problems.

Lisa - posted on 06/15/2010

I have a cat, and I am lucky that he prefers to be outside at night and sleep inside during the day in a spot where he is not bothered. If he is inside the house at night I shut the door to my daaughters room and keep the monitor on so I will be able to hear her. Otherwise my cat and daughter love eachother. He is always looking for ways to get her attention.

Tamara - posted on 06/15/2010

I saw that snopes about sucking the breath out of babies also so I agree with that but my husband has woken up being smothered by the cats when they were laying on his face. They don't mean to hurt they just were looking to get warm. It is just better to keep an eye on them as I was talking about. Any animal should be monitored with an infant. I do agree that you should go with your gut feeling though:-)

Stephanie - posted on 06/15/2010

http://www.snopes.com/critters/wild/cats... thought this might put you mind at rest with all the conflicting advice but it just boils down to your own gut feeling Sweetheart... do what you feel confident doing. You can always wait a year to get the cat and then you'll be saving the kitten from strong baby hugs and not worrying about the other stuff.

Tamara - posted on 06/15/2010

It is not an old wives tale. There have in fact been infants that have been smothered by cats. Just make sure that the cats aren't left with the baby alone especially when they are sleeping. I don't think you should keep the cats totally apart from the child but just make sure someone is watching the interaction between them. We taught our cats to be cautious with our son when he was a baby and he is seven now and they have never even scratched him.

Donna - posted on 06/15/2010

It is an old wives' tale. It was probably started when someone caught the cat sniffing a baby's face and since cats were considered "witches' pets" they jumped to the conclusion that the cat was "stealing" the baby's breath. Our cats were curious but we just kept an eye on them and our babies. We caught the cats sleeping in the crib and and bassinet many times. If the beds were empty we didn't worry about it, but if the baby was in the bed we would gently remove the sleeping kitty. We did take a few pictures of them before we removed them. As the babies got older and could turn over in their sleep we didn't worry so much, we just made sure the cats were not close to the babies' faces. Only one of the three cats we had when the kids were born is still living (Smokey, our Siamese mix). She is 14 now and the kids are her favorite people. She enjoys a good rub by me or my husband, but she LOVES our 10 and 7 year olds! Just remember to love on the cats when they come to check out the baby while you're holding him or her. This will help curb most of the jealousy.

Vanessa - posted on 06/15/2010

Your husband has reason to worry as babies have died from being smothered by cats before but Its easily preventable If you are aware and keep an eye on where the cat is when bubby is sleeping. we have a cat, shes very friendly and Is great with our wee girl now that shes 2, but when she was a baby I made sure she was never alowed down the bedrooms and especially not ever in or near my wee girls bassinette or cott, cats and kittens have been known to smother babies as they sometimes cuddle up to the baby near Its face and can cover Its mouth and nose and smother them so they cant breathe much in the same way they say you are not meant to put things like pillows large duvets or padded bumper sets in their cots as they can cause suffocation to a baby so is a sids risk. To deter a curious cat from wanting to go in a childs bassinet you can put a bunch of blown up balloons in there when the baby Isnt in there and let the cat go in there and If It jumps up there Its claws will pop the balloons and It will give the cat such a fright that It wont ever want to go in there again! sounds a bit mean but Its harmless and It does the trick.

Katie - posted on 06/15/2010

i have 3 cats did have 4 at the time and none of my cats will even go near any of my kids. my eldest cat hissed and spat at my son when i brought him home so i have no problems although i have caught my cats in my daughters cot when shes not in it they wont even go in the room when shes in there. some people say its the milk that attracts them not sure how true that is but me being me i gave all my cats a bowl of baby milk and not one of them touched it so felt pretty safe with mine

Lady Heather - posted on 06/15/2010

We have three cats and it's never been a problem. I obviously don't purposely leave my baby alone with the cats because well...you can never really trust a cat. Two of mine are scratchers and we're trying to put that first scratch off for a while so they are highly supervised. My more laid back cat has actually hidden in her room and been locked in all night with her. Found him in the crib with her the next morning. They were both pretty pleased with themselves. Ha. He's special though. And even him, I wouldn't just leave alone with her just in case.

I think supervised cat/baby interactions are a good thing though. Learning to love and respect animals is a valuable thing.

Stephanie - posted on 06/15/2010

I've had three children whose ages are 19, 17 and 14... breastfed them all and owned cats the whole time the worse thing the cats ever did was sniff them and figure out they weren't exciting and then lay down at the foot of the bed. We always had inside and outside cats they never bothered the kids... LOL though the kids bothered the cats.

Brandy - posted on 06/15/2010

Simply this; you just got to make the cat/kitten know that it is not allowed in the childs crib. Cats/kittens are not dumb, they can be trained just like a dog. It's if the owners have the patience and commitment to train them. Just give them a good smack on butt and they'll stay away. I have 2 cats and they tried once to get into my kids crib. I picked them up by the back of their necks like they're mother would have and put them on the floor and gave them a swat on the butt and they never tied again.

Sharon - posted on 06/15/2010

I know a lot of people say it's an old wives tale, but think about it Cats like warm places, babys are warm. Mostly, the issue we have it the cats getting in to the cirb/bassinet. But there has been a few time they have gotten in to them while the kids were naping. We never really had an issue with our oldest and the cats, but they are much less afraid of our second baby and tend to sleep closer to him. Understand though our youngest still sleeps in our bed most nights, and our cats are use to sleeping with us too. I don't recommend letting th ecats in the room when your baby is sleeping becuase IF by chance the cat lays down beside the baby young babies wont have the ablility to move away. However, in some ways it the same as MOM always saying don't pull the blinkets over your head you will suffacte...Well...unless you have some really heavy blinkets thats not likely, but it isn't impossible. Best thing to do is just keep the baby and animal seperate at sleeping time, untill hte baby has a bit of moblility, perticularly in lefting and turning thier head

Brandy - posted on 06/15/2010

I have a cat and I have four kids we have had this cat for 5 years you just have to make sure you watch the cat until the cat just used to the baby, just never let the cat sleep in the room with the baby or child

Theresa - posted on 06/15/2010

my husband and I have to beautiful boys who have both been bought up with cats in the house and we have had no trouble with the cats. When our first son was born the cat took no notice of him until he was about one and starting chasing the cat around and by the time our second child arrived the cats were so used to having a baby in the house they just didn't bother going in there. If you do get a pet a kitten would be better as an older cat could get upset but with a kitten they will grow up together.

Chrissy - posted on 06/15/2010

This is not true!!!! We have two kitties and they have never bothered our daughter, who is going on 8 months. They actually have never been to interested in her. They'll sniff at her from a safe distance away but when she realizes they're sitting near her, she'll try to grab them, and they run off ( my brave boys!) A lot of people tried to tell me the cats would get jealous and try to sleep on her face... such nonsense. Tell your hubby not to worry! :D

Sonia - posted on 06/14/2010

I have 2 fully grown cats, and I have had them for nearly 5 years. When my son and I came home from hospital they were not worried about him. We have put a cat barrier on his bedroom door so the cats cant get into his room. And they know that they aren't allowed in there.
now that my son is rolling around we were a bit worried about the cats, but he rolls on them and kicks and hits them, but they don't worry about him, they dont move they dont attack. When they have had enough they get up and move.
Having cats is each to their own, and if you watch their behaviour you will be fine

Donna - posted on 06/14/2010

Yes it can happen!! My mum knows a lady who lost her baby from a cat smothering it while lying in its cradle. Never leave them alone unsupervised as with ALL animals & babies. We have 2 small dogs & so the same rule applies. Dogs can attack/smother too. You can enjoy having both - just take care & be watchful.

Patti - posted on 06/13/2010

It's always a possibility... I have cats, but i've always made sure they never slept in the crib. I would just make sure the door is closed where the baby is sleeping.

Candi - posted on 06/13/2010

Always had cats. They never bothered my children. Now my cat and our youngest are both 5 yrs old and they sleep in the same bed and have shared a bed for just over 3 yrs. The more you expose little ones to cats and other animals, the less likely they will be allergic to them when they get older

Autumn - posted on 06/12/2010

I'm pretty sure that's an urban legend. My father told me while I was pregnant that my cats were going to kill my baby!
After he was born, he had his own room that we put a screen door on. We still have it that way even though we have a baby monitor. I just dont want cat hair and litterbox dust in his room.
Some kitties are so friendly that they really do want to cuddle with and lay with the baby, but your little one should either always be with you, or always in a crib or playpen. A little vigilance never hurts. I've also heard folks say cats will "steal your breath" but I really think they just want a sniff of what you had to eat.

Suzy - posted on 06/12/2010

your very lucky when i was little my nans dog used to circle my pram growling it depends on the dog i suppose but i am alittle weary of dogs

Lorraine - posted on 06/12/2010

Hi Suzy I have two very beautiful dogs, and they do not go near my baby of 6 months, they know not to. They are very good with the baby and the baby loves them.

Suzy - posted on 06/12/2010

very unlikely I had 2 cats when i brought baby home they sniffed at her a little and climbed up with me when I was holding her but they never laid acroos her face or on her chest its dogs you have to worry about. If you are still concerned then make sure you dont leave the baby unattended with the cat but i honestly never had a problme

Lorraine - posted on 06/12/2010

Look I have to dogs, are they are great. It wouldn't smother your baby, unless you let it. what do you mean by smothering anywatys

Carman - posted on 06/12/2010

Our 2 cats never acted like they were even here!!

Kristy - posted on 06/12/2010

I've had several cats around my kids when they were babies and I never had an issue with them trying to smother them. Still I was cautious just in case the decided to get a little too cozy. I even had one cat who fell in love with my son when he was born. I had pictures of him curing up next to him to take a nap. The biggest problem I ever had with my cats was them making the baby's bed their favorite spot to sleep. The were convinced that the bassinet and later crib was there for their convenience. I recommend that you just be cautious and throw the cat out of the room when you are putting your baby down. Hope it helps.

Candi - posted on 06/12/2010

I was worried about that when I was going to have my son. I asked my dr. He said cats are a lot safer than dogs around babies. We never had a problem.

Vanessa - posted on 06/12/2010

Its a myth, we have two cats and they love my daughter, but they pretty much stay away from her crib.....if your worried, they do have crib tents ..its basically a mesh tent that goes over the crib so the cats can't get in. I hope I helped :)

Serena - posted on 06/12/2010

That is totally an old wives tale. I have 3 cats and they had no real interest in the baby until he was about 6 months old and they never went near him while he was sleeping. Also, having pets while they are young teaches them about empathy, always a good thing.

Brittany - posted on 06/12/2010

I really think that is myth. 1 cat, 2 kids both still breathing! i did find the cat in the baby's crib once, but he was just laying at his feet. That whole sucking the air out things is crazy!

Amy - posted on 06/11/2010

Oh! I did forget to post a warning...our first cat-when he was a kitten and I was breastfeeding out daughter-was always trying to shove his way in a lick my milk from my breast. :-S Needless to say he wasn't allowed to but it was kind of weird-lol! Just thought I'd let you know that you can get quirky cats like that! :-D

Amy - posted on 06/11/2010

We have two cats. We got our first when he was a kitten and our first child was 2 months old. They loved each other at first sight! Lol! We got the second when I was pregnant with our second child-she was a nearly full-grown stray. She loves everyone in the world! Lol! They aren't allowed in the room when the baby is sleeping in her crib because they always want to sleep in there and also love to curl up as close to people as they can. But otherwise they aren't a problem at all!

Jessica - posted on 06/11/2010

my advice would be NOT to have your cat declawed for one. as much as it may not make sense first hearing it, its will change your cat. i've been told by vets and many kennels who will not accept declawed cats because their personality kind of changes when they go under the knife. cats have feelings too and know something has happened to them. they often get more violent and aggressive, prone to spontaneous attacks that are often malicious in nature. most often cats dont even bother the baby, i've had 4 cats around my babies, 2 male and 2 females, all at different times, and not a single one even got close to the baby's crib or bassinette. one of my cats actually acted like a little siren, everytime the baby would cry, she'd go up to his room no matter what she was doing, sit outside his room by his door and meow til someone came to check on him. cats can be very useful. if he's that worried, buy one of those Angelcare monitors that have the breathing pad as well and shut the door for the night. My mom told me when I was a baby they installed a full screen door(think wooden framed storm door type thing) on the outside of my existing door so that my regular door could stay open but the cat couldnt get in my room, and I could still be heard.
Hope you come to an agreement on something! And hopefully humane :)

Patricia - posted on 06/11/2010

I wouldn't worry to much about the cat smothering the baby just close the door when you put the kid to bed! My biggest problem has been kitty scratch's cause no matter how good of intentions your child has eventually they will get scratched! Get the cat declawed as soon as its big enough to get away when it wants to!

Rachel - posted on 06/11/2010

We have two cats and they stayed away from the crib. They wanted nothing to do with it. There is a tent they sell that goes over the crib if that will make your husband feel better.

Karen - posted on 06/11/2010

I had a cat when my first daughter was born and everyone told me to get rid of him immediately because they swore that this would happen to her, that she would be suffocated by the cat. Well the opposite happened. He actually sat next to her bed and he protected her like nothing I had seen before. And then when our second daughter was born, he did the same thing. I NEVER had the problem with a cat smothering my child. I was told horror story after horror story that if they smelled milk they would lay on the baby because of the smell...but I never knew anyone that had this issue. Honestly I don't think its true. I asked the doctor about it and she said as long as we kept watch and when the cat was near the child we just monitored him, we were fine. But she said she didn't see any risks of a cat in the house. The biggest risk of a cat in the house, is later on when they are older and not letting them near the litter box. Because they can get diseases from the litter if they get into it. But I just kept that away from our daughters and they were fine. I never had issues with my cat.. I don't know about others, but I say you should be fine, just my opinion!!!

Michelle - posted on 06/11/2010

It is an old wives' tale that the cat will steal the baby's breath. I have had 4 kids and have always had two or more cats at once, and have never had a problem. Cats actually seem repelled by the smell of both breast milk and formula.

Sara - posted on 06/11/2010

We bought a "tent" that zippered for the crib and the pack and play. I think they both work well, The one for the pack and play had an extra cover for using out in the sun.

Sarah - posted on 06/11/2010

We have a cat that for the first year of our son's life wouldn't come near him, especially when he was crying. Now they are best buddies.

Amy - posted on 06/11/2010

I KNOW MY GRANDMA MADE ME GET RID OF MY CATS WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS BORN. MY COUSIN WAS TOLD THE SAME THING BY MY GRANDMA BUT SHE DIDNT LISTEN AND WE CAUGHT IT JUST IN TIME, THE CAT WAS IN THE BABYS FACE LICKING THE MILK (SMELL, CAUSE THERE WAS N MILK IN HIS MOUTH) OUTTA THE BABYS MOUTH. SO NOW I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CAT, I HAVE TOO MANY BABIES OVER HERE ALL THE TIME.

Susan - posted on 06/11/2010

My hubby was the same way (he's just looking for a way to get rid of my sweet kitty). There's an old wive's tale abt cats licking the milk off the baby's mouth and curling up and sleepin on the baby's face. NEVER HAS HAPPENED to us anyway!!!! My daughter is 8 mos now and has grabbed the poor kitty's tail and handfuls of hair while my poor cat just takes it, mostly. I supervise their playtime VERY closely. As sweet as the cat is she can still turn on my naive baby. I have a friend with 3 cats who love to sleep next his baby (my cat does too - just don't tell my hubby). Tell your hubby to chill and take out the litter - it'll be okay.

Nicki - posted on 06/11/2010

We have a one year cat and even though he is very protective of our 6 month old daughter he is very stand off-ish when he is around her...but we still take the necessary precautions of putting somewhere where he can't get to her while she is sleeping at night.

JacQuline - posted on 06/11/2010

actually they say it cause the cats are attracted to the formula, (milk) and cats like tocuddle thus can result badly. but a cat shouldnt be a problem we have a cat and she actually doesnt come near the baby enless we are holding her. and the never goes in to where the baby sleep. so its more people just being to paranoid about things. cause it you take care and clean up any left over formula there shouldnt be a problem anyways besides most cats will just run from the baby cause babys are grabby. and thats saying is mostly for smaller babys who cant move on there own yet. anyhow. so you should be fine. sorry i rambled abit heh hope you get my point