Debunking Myths About Cats and Babies: What's True and What's False

Cat behaviors writer T.J. Banks contributed to this article.

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Understanding the Truth Behind Common Myths About Cats and Babies

Myth 1: Cats can tell when you're pregnant

Or is it a myth? According to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM, of The Animal Clinic of Clifton, Va., cats can indeed detect scents unique to pregnancy that are imperceptible to humans. This ability is due to their heightened sense of smell, which allows them to pick up on subtle changes in a pregnant woman’s body chemistry.

• Fact: Cats have a highly developed sense of smell that enables them to notice these subtle changes.
• Truth: While this might seem extraordinary, it’s just one of the many ways animals adapt to their environment.

Myth 2: You have to get rid of your cat when you get pregnant because of the risk of toxoplasmosis

Although toxoplasmosis is a risk for fetuses, women are more likely to contract it from handling raw meat or digging in the garden than from a cat. To protect yourself from cat-related exposure:

• Empty the litter box daily while wearing disposable gloves.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.

More than 60 million Americans carry the Toxoplasma parasite, but their immune systems usually prevent illness. Cats are carriers of the parasite but are rarely affected by it—they usually shed it.

Don’t panic. As Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, writes in It's a Cat's World... You Just Live in It, "Despite what your M.D. may tell you, you don't have to get rid of your cat just because you are pregnant."

So, why do some couples send their cats off to shelters as soon as they find out they’re expecting? A lot of it is pure ignorance, really. Some people still believe the cat has it out for the baby somehow—which brings us to our next myth about cats and babies

Myth 3: Cats smother babies or suck air out of their lungs

This myth has been around for ages, but it’s nothing more than an old wives' tale. The belief that cats are symbols of evil often fuels the misconception that cats and babies can’t coexist safely.

• Personal Experience: Having always been told that babies were not safe around cats due to the "milk scent" on infants' bodies, I panicked when I saw a strange cat trying to break through a screened window to get to my baby. With the help of a neighbor, we set a trap and caught the cat that night. After that, I never trusted a cat around my baby.

However, I later learned that most cats are just curious heat and comfort seekers. Curling up with an infant in a crib satisfies these needs.

• Important Note: If a cat presses up against the face of a bundled infant who doesn't know to turn away, this can be a dire problem. Infant deaths by suffocation are most often attributed to pillows or a sleeping person accidentally smothering the infant as they sleep together.

Some cats “may become jealous and spray to cover up the scent of the baby,” according to Messy Beast blogger Sarah Hartwell. She advises helping your cat become more confident and less dependent on you well before the birth.

• Practical Tips: Ease your cat into the new routine before the baby arrives. Let the cat explore the crib and other baby items. You can also bring home one of the newborn’s blankets from the hospital to help your cat get used to the new scent, assuming that mother and child are in the hospital for more than 24 hours.

My recommendation? Keep your cat out of the nursery during napping or bedtime, just in case.

Myth 4: If a cat hears a baby crying, he will climb into the crib to harm the baby.

Cats are naturally curious and may feel compelled to investigate when they hear a baby crying. Babies give off warmth, and a cat might try to climb into the crib to share in that warmth. However, it is extremely unlikely that the cat would harm the baby.

• Precaution: It's generally not recommended that cats and babies sleep together. To prevent any potential issues:

Myth 5: Flea bites can kill a baby

At worst, your infant may develop a rash from flea bites. According to Dr. Ann L. Huntington, DVM, of Suffield Veterinary Hospital, it's crucial to eliminate any flea problems before your child is born. Prevention Tips:

Myth 6: Cats are not good with babies

In reality, the opposite is often true. When you bring a new baby home for the first time, it’s important to let your cat sniff around the infant. Allowing the cat to look at, smell, and even touch your newest family member will assure your cat that he has nothing to fear. Practical Tips:

Cats will adapt beautifully as long as they know they still matter to you. As Hartwell notes, "The baby is part of his life too, and if he is made to feel part of the baby-raising activities, he will be more accepting of the noisy intruder.”

With a few guidelines and proper supervision, cats and babies can develop a loving relationship, filling your life with many happy memories. This video says it all:

Praising your pet when he behaves well with the infant teaches him that you are all one happy family. When feeding the baby, consider these tips: Give your cat a few treats during feeding time.

• Play a laser game with your cat so he’ll associate good things with the baby’s presence.

Cats will adapt beautifully as long as they know they still matter to you.

• Set Aside Time: While the baby is sleeping, make sure to spend quality time with your cat.
• Visitors: When people come to see the new arrival, make sure they “pay attention to the cat as well as the baby,” says Hartwell.

"The baby is part of his life too, and if he is made to feel part of the baby-raising activities, he will be more accepting of the noisy intruder.”

With a few guidelines and proper supervision, cats and babies can develop a loving relationship, filling your life with many happy memories.

Monitoring Initial Interactions Between Cats and Babies

When you first bring your baby home, it’s important to closely monitor the initial interactions between your cat and baby. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they may be both intrigued and cautious around the new family member.

• Tip: Allow your cat to observe the baby from a distance at first, and gradually let them come closer under your supervision.
• Observation: Watch for any signs of stress or aggression in your cat, such as hissing, swatting, or attempting to hide. If your cat shows any of these behaviors, give them some space and try reintroducing them to the baby at a later time.

By carefully managing these first interactions, you can help ensure that your cat and baby start off on the right foot—or paw.

9 Ways to Prepare Cats and Babies Relationship

Welcoming a new baby into the home is a joyful time for parents, but it can also be confusing and stressful for your cat—who may not welcome the change to their “normal” routine. Here are some steps you can take to make things less traumatic for your pet:

Sounds and Smells

Help your cat adjust to the changing situation through the sounds and smells that will be commonplace once the baby arrives.

• Tips: Try using baby lotion and CDs of baby-related sounds. Rewards can be used to encourage positive associations with these introductions.

Schedule Changes

Cats are creatures of habit, and the chaos of a baby could easily leave your cat feeling hugely distressed and anxious. Gradually adjusting to the schedule that will be in place once the baby arrives will help your cat feel more comfortable and give them more chances to adapt to the inevitable changes.

Playtime Frequency

In the run-up to the birth, you may be tempted to lavish your cat with attention and affection to compensate for the baby’s arrival. But doing so risks causing further confusion and stress when this attention doesn’t continue after the baby comes home.

• Practical Advice: Use the pregnancy period to gradually move playtime to times that will still be feasible after the baby arrives. This way, your cat won’t feel pushed out in favor of the baby.

Litter Box Blues

Try to strike a good balance when deciding where to place your cat’s litter box. It should be in a spot that is out of the baby’s reach but not in a place where your cat is too reluctant to use.

Spay or Neuter

If your cat has not already been spayed or neutered, this would be a good time to have it done. In addition to the health benefits, spaying/neutering will likely make your cat calmer and less inclined to act aggressively.

Baby Room Barriers

Will your cat be banned from the baby’s room? A robust barrier such as a safety gate will prevent access without shutting your cat out altogether. This way, they can still see, hear, and smell the baby without being able to interact.

Crib Access

If you don’t plan to prevent access to the baby’s room, you may be worried that your cat will try to sleep in the baby’s crib. Discourage this behavior from the start by attaching double-sided sticky tape to the edges of the crib. This will create a negative association with the crib and keep your cat away.

Refuge Room

If you expect to receive guests after the baby comes home, set up a quiet room where your cat can seek sanctuary. This room can also serve as a space where your cat can retreat if things become overwhelming with the baby.

• Room Essentials: Ensure the room contains food, water, a litter tray, and a comfortable sleeping area. Check in with your cat regularly while they’re using this room, offering treats and affection. If they don’t want to come out, don’t force the issue—wait until they feel comfortable enough to venture out.

Escape Tower

Set up “perches” that your cat can use to escape from the baby. These can be simple items like cat trees or scratching posts with platforms. Ensure these perches are out of reach for a toddler, in preparation for the baby learning to crawl.

Creating a Baby-Safe Environment for Your Cat

Creating a safe environment for both your cat and baby is crucial. This involves more than just setting up physical barriers; it’s about ensuring that your home is a place where both can coexist comfortably.

• Home Adjustments: Baby-proof your home in a way that also considers your cat’s needs. This might include setting up areas where your cat can retreat to when they need a break from the baby, like high perches or quiet rooms.
• Safe Zones: Ensure that your cat has access to their litter box, food, and water without having to navigate through areas where the baby frequently plays or crawls.

By creating a baby-safe environment that also caters to your cat’s needs, you’re setting the stage for a harmonious household where both cats and babies can thrive.

Managing Allergies and Hygiene When Raising Cats and Babies Together

Managing allergies and maintaining hygiene are important aspects of raising cats and babies together. Some babies may develop allergies to cats, or parents may have concerns about cleanliness when having both cats and babies in the home.

• Allergy Management: If you suspect your baby might be allergic to cats, consult with your pediatrician. Regular grooming and bathing of your cat can help reduce the amount of dander in your home.
• Hygiene Tips: Ensure that your cat’s litter box is kept clean and located away from the baby’s living areas. Regularly vacuum and dust to minimize allergens and maintain a clean environment.

By proactively managing allergies and maintaining a clean, hygienic home, you can create a safe and comfortable space for both your cat and baby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “Cats and Babies.” ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cats-and-babies
• “New Baby and Cat Safety.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/new-baby-cat-safety
• “Cats and Babies: How to Keep Both Safe and Happy.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/cats-and-babies