Cats
We have cats…you might have picked up on that. 2 cats, 2 dogs. I’ve been told, by more than one old maid, that “cat’s will steal the baby’s breath.” Thanks Steven King for expounding on that in “Cat’s Eye” (Great story though).
The truth is that cat’s, while not 100% safe with newborns, aren’t sent from Lucifer to kill your baby. My wife does think they are demon spawn, but for other reasons.
Cats can be great companions for baby. My son has had a cat, Friday, since he was born. Friday would always check out whoever was holding Jack when he was little. Friday slept with jack all the time. He still sleeps with Jack, who is now seven. Jack has learned to be more gentle with animals thanks to his cats.
Now, NEVER leave them alone when the baby is little. Cats love the smell of milk on the baby’s breath (leading to the “steal the breath” myth) and will snuggle up, with no regards to the infants need to breath.
So don’t get rid of Garfield because you are bring home a baby. Also, pregnancy is not the best time to get a pet. So use your common sense about pets and babies. I really think people who grow up with pets make better adults.
Here’s a link to an article about bring baby home to a home with a cat.


October 8th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
[...] I’ve talked about it before, animals are not a danger to infants if some precautions are taken. I found this tonight on the Humane Society of America web site: Below are several suggestions to make introducing your pet and baby safer and smoother for all. Be sure to carry out these changes months before the baby’s arrival to best prepare your pet. [...]