Baby with a cat

Are there any parents on here that have a cat? My husband and I are planning on starting a family and we have one cat. Please don't think for one second that I am willing to give up my cat ... I'm just wondering with all the old wives tales if anybody took extra precautions when bringing a baby home with a cat in the family.

We have three cats, and we are thinking about having a baby as well! I don't believe any of the old wives tales, we have not even discussed the issue because it is not an issue for us. Our cats are clean, healthy, indoor-only cats. I don't think there will be any problems.

There is no problem with cats around, as far as they are indoor ones but one thing has to be taken care of that you need to train them as to how to react to the new guest of your family.

I have a baby, and a cat. Our cat likes to leap up on you and sit on you etc, as do many house cats, you just need to keep the cat away from the baby in these circumstances, to make sure that the cat does not pounce on the baby. Also make sure the cat knows that babys bedroom is out of bounds. For outside, you can buy a mosquito net to cover the baby in the pram, which acts as a barrier and the cat, well my cat, does not jump up into the pram at all.

Never leave the cat alone in a room with the baby, althought your cat will mean no harm, they could accidentally scratch or frighten your baby.

I don;t believe in old wives tales for a moment, but there are a few real concerns about having a cat and a baby. Especially since your cat is the first born so to speak.

You will have to introduce your cat to the baby when it comes in steps in order to make sure that the baby will be safe from a cat who, after all, was there first.

Listen to the previously writer who has a baby and a cat. All her ideas are great.

I'd also put the cat into its own room for a while when the baby gets home. Let it get used to the smells and sounds before you introduce them. Also take a lot do time to reassure your cat that he is still loved and adored!

You might really do well to get some books on this subject and to do a lot of research. Though wives tales are silly, there are a few dangers to a baby from a cat that simply has to do with how an animal see its home.

Good luck!