kittens and pregnancy/babies

I have heard something about pregnant ladies not allowed to handle kitty litter, but don't know a lot about allergies sorry.

We got our kitten in October & then Matthew was born in February. The issue with having a kitten around while you're pregnant is the risk of toxoplasmosis from handling kitty litter - great excuse to make your DH change the litter box I reckon!!

We've never had any problems with Oscar (our cat) & Matthew. Maybe because they kind of grew up together? We just made sure that Oscar stayed out of Matt's room (we chose to shut the door at night so he couldn't get in there) because there's the risk that ifthe cat jumps into the baby's bed it can smother the baby. Other people put balloons in the empty cot before the baby arrives so that if the cat jumps in it gets such a fright it won't go there again.

DH made sure that when we bought Matt home, Oscar was paid heaps of attention too so that he didn't get jealous or anything. Now we find that Oscar is so patient with Matt & has only scratched him once when he was really rough with him, otherwise just sits there & takes everything!!

I reckon go for it.

(Sorry bit of a novel!!)

Hehe my DF to Janey77, I wont touch the stuff its foul, but even more so now that im preggy!  I love my furr baby he is so cute I cant resist cuddling him. Thats him in my little pic on the left

cute kitty Sheza

That's probably worth checking out Bobbie... but we will probably only be able to afford a cheap petshop kitten anyway, so hmm... are you worried about having a cat around with a baby?

We have 3 cats (2x siamese and 1x birman) (plus my dads 1x siamese as he is living with us at the moment so 4 in total). I'm personally not worried about allergys will deal with it if it comes to it (but I can tell you now we will not be getting rid of the cats they are my 4 legged babies and mean far too much to me). Besides both myself and my DH grew up withcats and have no probs.

I agree with what the others have said about toxoplasmosis. Just don't handle the litter box. Not long after I had my miscarraige earlier this year my birman wasn't well and one of the things the tested for was toxoplasmosis - his levels showed he had imunity to it but while I was talking to the vet I maentioned my m/c and she said it's more common to get from kittens (esp those not vaccinated) and from gardening so if you have to garden wear surgical type gloves. My advice if really concerned ring your vet.

We also plan to do the balloon thing in the cot - should be interesting. and have a mosquito net that hangs from ceiling (they don't climb curtains).

Sorry for the novel!!

Hi,
Couldn't be asked to read all the replies, but basically we have four cats, one of which won't use a cat flap so we have a poo tray indoors for her. Just make sure that your partner does all poo tray duties whilst you are pg and you will be fine. Impossible to tell about allergies but if you are both ok with cats chances are bubs will be too.
As for cats and babies, just make sure that you make the bassinet/cot a no cat zone, set bassinet up before bubs arrives and put balloons in it/ or spray cat with water when they attemp to get in it (and they will) that should help them learn it is off limits. I am also paranoid and will always do a cat check of his room and make sure the door is shut etc before leaving him to sleep.

Cats are cool

i also can't be bothered to read all the replies but just wanted to give you and DH a



loosing a pet sucks, they are family

i'd definately get DH a kitten

oh yes that's true - we lost our phone to kitty teeth.

Make sure you post photos Furbabies are just as cute as normal ones.