i have a cat and iv been told i can't keep him as any1 else kept there pets? x

Isabel - posted on 07/26/2012

I had two cats at the birth of my prem twins! and they were still around with my latest baby, who is now almost 1 1/2... Just make sure that they aren't sleeping in the same room as baby, so that they cant smoother her/him! So, Yes, I have kept my cats!

Pearl Marie - posted on 07/26/2012

I think it is crazy for people to say for anyone to get rid of their pet. I have a pitbull and cats and they both love Chan'ler.

Shakira - posted on 09/07/2009

my cat slept next to me till the day i had my son i trained the cat to go to the toilet out side just move the litter box closer and closer to the door each day and then when it gets next to the door then just put it out side then just take it away they catch on might take bout 2 weeks to do the whole changed but then u never have to worry about it again from there i just put a bed in the lounge room for it and it has never went near my son

Rikki - posted on 09/07/2009

YES!!! I have a cat...have had him for 6 years BEFORE having my kids... used gloves while I was pregnant to clean litter box... no allergy problems for the babies...my other sister had 4 cats while pregnant with twins...no problems, (gloves/mask during cleaning)..

My cat knew that the babies were not "his" but I also made sure to make room for him on the couch/bed when he wanted attention.

Julie - posted on 09/07/2009

The only thing you can't do is handle/empty/clean the cat litter box. If you want the cat keep the cat. I'm sure you've grown to think of him/her as part of the family too.

Ava - posted on 09/06/2009

It's not pets in general, just cats. Cats are actually very dirty animals. You can keep your cat, but take a lot of precautions before your baby is born and after. Cats carry diseases that babies are especially susceptible to, even inside your tummy. Invest in an automatic litterbox (around 90 bucks) so that you never have to touch cat litter. The box is also a lot harder to get into than a regular litterbox for kids running around. It has automatic motion censors to stop the rake if any object is in the way, so your kid will never be hurt by it. Encourage him to -stay away- from the litterbox. Also, while pregnant, always wash your hands immediately after touching your cat. Do the same after the child is born, and make sure the child washes his/her hands after handling your cat as well (invest in some hand sanitizer). I didn't bother with too much of that because I'm immune to any contagious feline diseases (I grew up with about 25 in one house, almost like a make-shift shelter), but most people are -not-. Make sure you exercise caution, and look up ways to keep healthy while having your kitty around. But no, you don't have to get rid of him if you're smart and do your research. Oh, do NOT declaw your cat. It is inhumane. Make sure someone else in your household regularly clips your kitty's nails so that they can never scratch you or your baby. Make sure your baby isn't sleeping with or cuddling the cat too closely until he's quite a bit older; limit contact between your baby and your kitty. Keep it out of where your child sleeps and plays frequently. But really, it's okay to keep your cat, don't worry about it.

Leslie - posted on 09/06/2009

I had two cats during both of my pregnancys and after. I also cleaned the litter box's of course i used a mask and latex gloves and there where no problems. I did how ever make them stop sleeping with me after babys where born. So to answer your question YES keep the cat if you feel you can do the right things to ensure the safety of your family .

Jemma - posted on 09/05/2009

I think pets are an important part of a child/rens life. We have always had a cat with our children and not once has it deliberately hurt or layed on their heads, as is the reason for most people saying to get rid of cats. Smokey our adorable fur ball loves the kids to bits and the kids love him and even put clips on his fur and brush him haha, So definately keep the cat. If you are concerned at all perhaps keep your new babies bedroom door closed until you know how the cat will react to the new arrival. Let the cat meet the baby and smell it, i can guarantee they will love each other.

Theresa - posted on 09/04/2009

unless you or your baby have severe allergies or the cat has turned into psycho-kitty, why do you need to get rid of her/him ... anyone who tells you otherwise needs a smack upside the head to remind them this IS the 21st century, old wive's tales are not valid science - as a former vet-tech(small animal - 6 years, equine - 7 years) and mother of 1 toddler, 2 dogs and 2 cats I will tell you any reason other than the 2 I've mentioned are boelsh*t - feel free to prove me wrong, I know I'm not .. if your OBGYN or NursePrac. is the one saying this, you might want to consider finding another healthcare professional, preferably one who is current on science and medicine!

Kathy - posted on 09/04/2009

Of course you can keep your cats... I'm expecting my first, and unless theres a problem I won't be getting rid of either my cat or dog. When I was born mom and dad had to get rid of a cat because of behavioral problems, but later on got another cat that we had when both of my brothers we born... and I'm pretty sure my mom cleaned the litter box with all of us. My fiance won't let me clean the litter box because he's very protective over the baby, and we intend to keep the door closed when baby is sleeping. She's a gentle cat most of the time so other than jealousy I cant see there being a problem with her. Our pets are part of the family, and I have every intentions of raising my kids with pets, as I was... whats the worst that really can happen?? Baby starts crawling and gets scratched for pulling the cats tail?? Scratches can be cleaned, baby will be fine.

Karen - posted on 09/04/2009

Unless your child has an allergy - why not keep the cat,



I have mine and everything is fine - my husband was concerned because she can be aggressive, but she hasn't bothered the baby at all.

Nicole - posted on 09/04/2009

I had cats through both of my pregnancies! I also cleaned the litter box both times! I have a healthy 9 yr old and I am 35 weeks pregnant with a healthy boy now. Just tested negative for toxo, so don't worry! Good luck

Marcelle - posted on 09/04/2009

I kept my cat and my baby and the cat later became firm friends. The cat wasn't happy initially but we soon managed to sort out the new pecking order. Just relax and let it happen.

Kelli - posted on 09/04/2009

i kept my cat and my dog and our birds. just dont clean the cats littler yourself while you are pregnant or if there is no one else to do it wear gloves. you can get a fairly serious disease from their faeces. the cat is fine. some people just over react to pets. as long as you are hygienic and wash your hands after handling them you will be fine. :)

Tracy - posted on 09/03/2009

I've heard that you need to keep the cat out of the baby's room as it could climb in the crib and lay on the baby and smother it. Also during your pregnancy you shouldn't come in contact with cat fecees as there is a toxin that could be damaging to the fetus. Otherwise keeping the cat shouldn't be a problem.

Jonni - posted on 09/03/2009

I had two cats when I got pregnant. The only thing that changed was the hubs had to do the litter. I let mine smell everything and set up everything early for them to smell then rewashed it before he was born. If you treat the baby as something thats "off-limits" they will get jealous. I hope this helps!

Jenn - posted on 09/03/2009

you absolutely can! i recommend the Breeze litter system; it's mainly rocks - no dust or "particles" to worry about. i used it with both of my pregnancies. and if you're the only one around to clean the box for some reason, just use gloves and wash with antibacterial soap to your elbows when you're finished. The Doc said it was fine that way.

Laurissa - posted on 09/03/2009

Of Course!



I used to work as a vet tech. From what I understand if you have ever been scratched (even accidentally) by a cat you're already carrying the antibodies for the diseases that doctors are concerned about. I have two cats. I have had them for 6 years. I kept them when I had my daughter. She was fine. They stayed away from her for the most part. I am expecting my second baby in October. I now have a third cat and I intend to keep ALL my pets. There is no reason not to. If you are worried about the cat bothering the baby, don't be. They are naturally curious animals and will smell your baby and move on when they figure out he/she is just another little version of you. Additionally, keep the cat OUT of the baby's room until the baby comes. This will deter it from making a habit out of sleeping in any soft bedding (crib) that you intended for your baby alone.Let the cat smell the baby when she/he comes home from the hospital to elate any curiosity and that shoudl be the end of it. If possible, have your husband/boyfriedn change the litter box if you are truly concerned about toxoplasmosis (disease that you most likely have antibodies to already) but its really not necessary. I hope this all helps and Good Luck!

Angel - posted on 09/03/2009

Yes Yes Yes....I kept my two cats and my son loves chasing them around the house...Pets are great for children to grow up with...

Jill - posted on 09/02/2009

I have 3 cats 2 ferrets and one dog and no problems at all with any of them an the baby. The dog is stressed but he doesn't do anything to the baby or her things, he just runs away from her. The baby room used to be the cat room so they still try to go in there but we keep them out. The only thing that has happened is the cat peed in the dog bed. They don't even notice the baby.

Jill - posted on 09/02/2009

I have 3 cats 2 ferrets and one dog and no problems at all with any of them an the baby. The dog is stressed but he doesn't do anything to the baby or her things, he just runs away from her. The baby room used to be the cat room so they still try to go in there but we keep them out. The only thing that has happened is the cat peed in the dog bed. They don't even notice the baby.

Jennifer - posted on 09/02/2009

of course! We had 3 cats when my daughter was born. Just stay away from the litter box and keep the cat away from the baby like you would any other animal. We had no problems what so ever with our cats. It is part of your family and there is no reason you should have to get rid of it. Also my daughter was born 8 wks early and still was never expected from doctors or anyone to get rid of my cats. Good luck!

Charity - posted on 09/01/2009

We have 4 cats and throughout my pregnancy had up to 28 kittens in the house at one time. The only thing my Dr advised me of was to not change the litter box. The ammonia is what's toxic from their urine and breathing it in can cause problems. Ofcourse, with my husband working 80 hrs a week, every now and then I would change it. I would tie a towel around my mouth like a mask as to not breathe in the ammonia. We have just the 4 and a dog now and had absolutely no problems when we brought baby home. He's 15 months old now and loves the cats dearly. would do it all over again!

Carrie - posted on 09/01/2009

yes you can keep your cat.i had a cat and he used to jump up in my arms when I was rocking the baby...you just have to make sure the cat dont feel left out because of the baby, keep giving it attention and they wont have nothing to get jelious over.You may not be able to give it as much attention but your cat still loves it

Mandy - posted on 09/01/2009

why not keep the cat .. the only thing i would do is make ur spouse clean the littler box and make sure the cats nails are trimed at all times .. i never had a cat but when i was pregnant i had a little puppy and i had him till my twins where about 9 months old and we trained him to stay away from the babies and if they wanted to pet him i held him while they did and taught him to just lay there .. he was such a good dog i miss him :(

Tracey - posted on 09/01/2009

yes, it is ok t keep a cat......i've had our max and smudge with all my kid's....just a case of being xtra careful when the kid's are babies

Serena - posted on 09/01/2009

i kept both my amall dogs with my first pregnancy, my boy is 20months old n we got him a kitten 2months ago that he thinks is hilarious. he loves watching the kitten play n giving the dogs treats xx we had no probs apart from teaching myo he cant eat the dog/cat treats lol xx

Alicia - posted on 08/31/2009

i would say its fine. I have a dog and my baby is almost 4 weeks old. My sister has two cats, a 7 month old and is pregnant with her second. The only thing is that while ur pregnant u cant be around the cat pan or anything like that. Just keep an eye on the cats and your baby is all. You just dont want the cats near the baby, expecially a newborn.

Heidi - posted on 08/31/2009

Keep the cat! :)

Cindy - posted on 08/31/2009

I had animals the WHOLE time my son has been alive...He is now 18 years old...I had a cat when he was a baby, (she is my FB profile pic)...she passed on last year at the age of 17 years old, so what do you think I am trying to say...wait it gets better when they start asking for "PETS",

Tammy - posted on 08/30/2009

oh my goodness.....i never heard so much rubbish!

We have 3 Cats and 1 Dog and they are part of the family, Luan our little one who will be 1 in 2 weeks loves them all and we had them when i was pregnant aswell!

I would never get rid of our pets just because i am pregnant, i personally think its lovely to have pets when you have children, it makes them learn to respect them.x

Crystal - posted on 08/30/2009

I had two cats throughout both my pregnancies. We had a little trouble keeping one out of the crib, but not while the baby was in it just when it was empty, the cats wanted nothing to do with the new (and sometimes loud) creatures in the house. My cats still want nothing to do with my 4-yr old and 1-yr old as they are generally trying to catch them.

Charity - posted on 08/30/2009

Will I was told the same thing but the thing is not your cat its the litter you just can not change it you got to have someone else do it thats all because I still have both my cat and I didn't get rid of them.

Evelyn - posted on 08/29/2009

Yes, Keep the cat. My cat hates my kid and has scratched her as long as you clean the scratch there is not problem. Now, my girl is a toddler he just ignores her. She's never been sick and she still loves cats.

LINDA - posted on 08/29/2009

ive a puppy he's 9mths my daughter is 7 though, n cats are very dif r child is a baby, id keep t cat away, but not leave it on its own as cats shead hairs alot n r babe cud get alliges etc....should b ok, r health nurse will no more

April - posted on 08/29/2009

I would never get rid of my furry four legged family members. As long as you avoid the cat litter. Washing your hands after petting them doesn't hurt either. There is a bacteria found in their feces that doctors worry about, but I read that if you have a cats for a significant amount of time your body has come in contact with it and you have become immune. Just be safer than sorry. I just kept the cats out of my daughters room. Good luck with your growing family!

Katrina - posted on 08/29/2009

Hey debra as long as you dont have a litter tray near the baby or child it will be ok,i have had a cat most of my childrens lives and they are fit and healthy i hope this helps.

Autumn - posted on 08/29/2009

I am a veterinarian and it is ABSOLUTELY OK to keep your cat. If you are still pregnant the only concern is Toxoplasmosis and it is easily handled. If your cat is indoors only you can have him/her tested and if negative you do not have to worry about it at all. Even if your cat goes outside or is shedding it takes 24 hours for the voided poop to become infective so if you clean the litter box everyday you won't have a problem. Also, the way you get it is my EATING the poop, so wash your hands after doing the litterbox and you shouldn't have a problem. The even better way is for your significant other to clean for those short nine months! As far as keeping the kitty away from the baby we have been dealing with that at our house as well. We had a premature baby and brought her home at 3#12oz. My cat weighs 16#! We just keep the cat out of the room where the baby is when sleeping and just recently invested in a pack n play tent (baby sleeps in our room right now in the bassinet attachment) to keep kitty out. I ordered it on Amazon and it is perfect. They also make them for regular cribs. This way you don't have to keep kitty out of the room. We have had it for two nights and both night my cat has slept right next to me in bed and not even offered to try to get into the bassinet. I think the baby is way to wiggly for him anyway!!! Let me know if you have any more questions.

Maria - posted on 08/29/2009

Whoever is telling you that is a cat-hater or really invested in old wives tales. We had 4 cats while I was pregnant. Husband changed the litter during that time, but if that is not an option, line it with a garbage bag and use gloves (it is important not to let it touch your skin while pregnant). One of our cats slept right near the baby and would run to her if she cried. (I know people will suggest this is dangerous, but get serious, it's a cat, not a life sucker). Our daughter is 15 now and sleeps with at least one cat sometimes two. I hate it when animal haters make their children or friends afraid because the never knew the unconditional love and companionship an animal brings. Many studies document that people are happier and healthier if they have animals in their life!

Patrice - posted on 08/29/2009

it is fine to have wat eva pet u want as long an u dont clean its poo up or things like that if its cats then just get a cat net thats if ur cats climb up things coz thay might climb in the babys cot but i think it is fine i got 2 kittons an an 8 week old baby girl an a 19 month old baby boy an my cats are fine an i had a dog but i sold her bit to big so but i hope this helps

Gayle - posted on 08/29/2009

Ask a vet or humane shelter if you can wear something to protect your hand in order to clean out the litter box; pregnant women are not to come in contact with cat feces. Please protect your pet and unborn child. Thank you.

Terra - posted on 08/28/2009

Debra, there is absolutely no reason you cannot keep your cat either during pregancy, or after the baby comes! The one thing you need to watch for is that since cats like to cuddle and curl up in warm items, just watch that he does get too 'snuggly' with the baby - which isn't usually a problem - cats don't generally care for squirmy little people! LOL! The one thing I will caution you about it that during your pregnancy, have someone else change the catbox. Cat feces can carry a bacteria that can sometimes be a danger to an unborn baby. Other than that, you should be able to keep the 'baby' you have, and welcome the new one home with no problems!

Terra - posted on 08/28/2009

Debra, there is absolutely no reason you cannot keep your cat either during pregancy, or after the baby comes! The one thing you need to watch for is that since cats like to cuddle and curl up in warm items, just watch that he does get too 'snuggly' with the baby - which isn't usually a problem - cats don't generally care for squirmy little people! LOL! The one thing I will caution you about it that during your pregnancy, have someone else change the catbox. Cat feces can carry a bacteria that can sometimes be a danger to an unborn baby. Other than that, you should be able to keep the 'baby' you have, and welcome the new one home with no problems!

Jennifer - posted on 08/28/2009

I have two cats and before I even knew I was pregnant one of them would lay on my belly. He knew I was pregnant before I did! Anyways, of course you should keep your cat, it's not a pet it's a part of your family. After my son was born my husband brought back one of the beanie caps that the hospital gives the baby so that the cats could smell him before we brought him home. When you bring the baby home let the cat feel him/her out. Just make sure that you keep the cat away from the baby at night when you are both sleeping. My cat's are still curious about my son but have not done anything that would make me worry. Beware though....they crave SO much more attention since you are giving the attention to the baby, so make sure to take some time out everyday to let the cat know you still love him!

Shannon - posted on 08/28/2009

as long as you don't change the liter it's ok. just have someone else do that chore for a while.

Jennifer - posted on 08/28/2009

LOL, this is a VERY long thread, and i cant read everyones comment but if noone wrote this yet here it goes :) lol



cats have a tendency to cuddle up and get warm with their human mommies and daddies :) ..... they find your warmest spot at night and they nestle there. so the danger is if the cats go in babies room and lay with baby, they can actually lay around babies neck during the night..... just close babies door. you'll be fine. keep your cat

Lucy - posted on 08/28/2009

If your consern is regarding toxoplasmosis, you have no need to worry. Just be religious about scooping the litter box daily. The organism that causes this disease is not infective for the first 24 hours acter the cat defecates, so if you clean the litterbox every 24 hours, there will never be infective poop even if your cat has toxo. If your cat is indoor only (which is safer for the cat) it is unlikely he has toxo, and if you have had him for over a year, and he has it, you have mostlikely already been exposed and built up an immunity to it. You are far morer tikely to be exposed to toxo via raw chiken than your cat's litter box! I would recommend deworming your cat to eliminate any other parasites that can be contagious to humans. If you are worried about behavior problems, now would be the time to speak to a trainer that has worked with cats. Your local humane society may have a good trainer recommendations.



~Lucy



PS - I work in the veterinary industry and I ran fecal exams on cats during my pregnancy. If you use good hygeine and keep to the 24 hour window you will be fine!

Jean - posted on 08/27/2009

i don't see a reason why to get rid of your cat. i have two indoor cats, one boy one girl. The girl cat avoids my 17 month old daughter, while the boy cat doesn't mind her at all.

Cassandra - posted on 08/27/2009

Yes, you can keep your cat/s... There are only 2 things you need to watch for...

1. During pregnancy, try NOT to change the litter box... if you have to... put a mask over your mouth and nose. And wash your hands VERY well.

2. When your baby is born make sure that the cat/s can NOT get into the baby's room because some think that they are cuddly and want to sleep with them and do so too close to their airways or on top of their chests...



I have 2 Cats that I have had since before my son was born and he is just fine. And my cats want NOTHING to do with him even when he was born!

Good luck!

Renee - posted on 08/27/2009

When i had my daughter i kept my cat and now they are best friends! I even have pictures of him getting in bed with her, we would always take him out but he would never sleep near her face or anything! I'm happy i never got rid of him.