Cats can be harmful to a baby’s health. However this does not always have to be the case as there are plenty of precautions pet owners/parents can take. Check with your veterinarian about your cat’s temperament and your baby. Cats with aggression problems are perhaps the biggest danger to infants and might need to be re-homed.
Possible Threats To Baby’s Health
Outdoor cats and sometimes even indoor cats, may encounter parasites (Toxoplasma gondii) and as a result can develop toxoplasmosis. Cats often get toxoplasmosis by eating infected animals. Toxoplasmosis has been known to cause stillbirths in pregnant women, as well as birth defects such as blindness. The best way to prevent toxoplasmosis is to bring outdoor cats indoors to prevent parasites. In addition, women who are pregnant should avoid the fecal matter cats and have somebody else change the litter box, as toxoplasmosis is often transmitted this way.
Are Cats A Danger To A Sleeping Baby?
According to the ASPCA, it is an old wives tale that cats will smother babies in their sleep. However it is important to keep in mind that newborns cannot turn their necks from side to side. It is for this reason that cats may obstruct infant breathing by snuggling up to them. Some cats may be found trying to do this as a way to keep warm. In order to keep baby safe, pet owners should keep the cat out of the infant’s room, or train it to stay out of the crib.
Leave a Reply