another stupid question: Pets

so many things I've heard. I have three cats and I can not imagine giving them up. They are our children. Diabetic cat has the care he needs and we really do treat them like our own and refer to them as 'the kids'.

So I know if I got preggers I can't do the litter (ha-boohoo no great loss) but there are mixed opinions on keeping the cats.

Some ppl say I 'have' to get rid of them. Asthma etc. Others have say it's not true. I know families with cats in their house during pregnancy and infancy with no problems and others who had their second child develop asthma.

I realize it's case by case (everything is really) but what I want to know is do you have any opinion on preggers wtih kitties?

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I have a cat, and have no intention of finding her a new home. Although she is an indoor cat and the risk is minimal to me with the litter, DH knows he will be changing it as I will not take any chances after all I've been going through to get pregnant.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I know tons of people including my own family that had or have cats while pg and around infants. In my opinion there is no problem with having cats around babies. There are pictures of me snuggling with my childhood cat as a baby and I have no breathing problems. And childhood animals I feel lead to more compassionate and caring children.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

thanks

I really couldn't imagine sending our cats away. The thought itself is pretty distressing.

Message edited 12/27/2007 4:29:29 PM.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I have two cats and NO intention of giving them up. They are our babies. I have asthma (not that bad-it's under control). I've always had pets and know lots of people that had pets during their pregnancy that didn't experience any problems.

I will say that I have heard that being exposed to dirty kitty litter isn't the healthiest thing for pregnant women. After I see a BFP DH will take over litter duties

Re: another stupid question: Pets

Anyone know about dogs, I have a crazy chocolate lab that is my first baby and I have no intention of giving her up...I haven't read anything about dogs and babies..anyone know??

Re: another stupid question: Pets

pickles
My landlady had a big dog during both her preggers and she seems fine.

Hope that helps.

Cats are harder (especially indoor cats) because they are always around and get their dander/hair on every surface. Dogs don't generally climb into window sills, high surfaces, cabinets, dressers, all pillows, couches, chairs, etc.

Since cats also use a box to urinate there's the question of amonia etc.

I 'think' you're ok.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

DH's friend had a cat during all 3 of his wife's pregnancies. It wasn't a problem.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I have three cats and there is no way I would get rid of any of them.
I won't be changing the litter, even though they are indoor and the risk is very little. I think those who say you "have" to get rid of them are following some kind of old wives tale.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I had 2 cats and a dog while I was pregnant with my son and my pregnancy was fine. I have read that exposing the fetus in utero to stuff, such as animals is supposed to lessen an allergy....my son has a very slight allergy to dogs. On the other hand, I ate peanut butter my entire pregnancy and my son has a very severe peanut allergy.
On a funny note, all my animals knew when i was pregnant. The dog would put her head on my stomach and the cats would knead it!

Re: another stupid question: Pets

there is absolutely no reason to get rid of a cat when pregnant

Re: another stupid question: Pets

Re: another stupid question: Pets

my friend has a child and three cats... it is fine and is working out great... she has no intention of getting rid of them! i have 4 chihuahua's and i have been asked when you have children are you going to find new homes for them i was like absolutely not...

Re: another stupid question: Pets

My parents always had a least two cats in the house and they also had 7 healthy children. My sister has asthma - but so does my mom - I think for her it was more of a heriditary condition than due to the pets.

We also have 3 cats and I don't plan on finding them a new home.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I have a cat and would not give her up for the world. She has been my comfort while I am prego too! While to dog is driving me nuts the cat's soft purrs put me to sleep at night. My Dr. was not concered in the least and everything about pregnancy and cats is blown out of proportion. I love my little fur ball!!! She is also an indoor cat and while I have not really touched the litter she is safe and tested safe.
Hope there is comfort knowing this!

Re: another stupid question: Pets

Never in a million years could I give up my baby! When I found out I was pg, went to the vet and got her tested for toxoplasmosis. She's an indoor cat so the chances of her getting it were very slim. I still clean her litter when DH can't - I use gloves and a mask.
Your pets are a apart of your family - why would somene tell you to give them up?!!

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I found out more info on Toxoplasmosis

Click here for CDC's facts on it.

Interesting.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I have a cat and a dog...I have no intentions on getting rid of either.
They are my first babies....
I don't do the litter box anymore, that's DH's job. Other than that, I still sleep with both and intend on letting them both get used to the baby when it comes.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

I know that the litter thing is true, but I think that getting rid of cats during pregnancy is an old wives tale. It is what our mom's were told when they got preggers. I don't see any reason to get rid of your cats. I know plenty of people that have had cats during pregnancy and nothing happened.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

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Re: another stupid question: Pets

I have to echo everyone else. There is really no reason to get rid of your cats. A lot of people caution to watch the cat around the newborn because some cats will jump in the crib with the baby & other such things, but that really depends on the cat. It is true that you have to watch the litter box, but if you have an indoor cat, there isn't even much risk from that.

Re: another stupid question: Pets

My brother and SIL registered for a type of net to put over the crib so their two cats wouldn't jump into the crib (if they decided to try). They, like a lot of posters, love their cats and did not want to give them up. My nephew is 8 months old and they haven't had a problem. I think BRU sells the net, they got it at their baby shower. Just some added peace of mind!

Message edited 12/29/2007 11:39:50 PM.