Cats and Babies: The Health Risks

Cats and babies can be best of friends with a helping hand from mum and dad. Friendship, whether between humans or animals and humans, is a privilege that comes with a modicum of responsibility. Namely taking care of everyone’s health while nurturing good relations – as the adult, that falls on you. In this article we take a look at what health risks (like toxoplasmosis) are associated with cats and babies.

If you’re expecting or planning your family, we’ll walk you through considerations for keeping your human and fur kids happy and healthy while helping them become the best of friends.

Protecting cats and babies

When it comes to cats and babies, there are several considerations. From avoiding toxoplasmosis during pregnancy to preventing cat scratches or bites to baby (and potentially vice versa).

And of course, there’s understanding your cat’s feelings when they have to shift over and make way for baby being number one!

Cats and toxoplasmosis

We spoke to veterinarian Dr. Joanne Lonergan to get her advice on best practices for parents of cats and babies. Besides being a practicing vet for 11 years in Australia and New Zealand (where she currently works with HUHA) Dr. Lonergan is also a mum and a pet parent.

Dr. Lonergan explains that if you get toxoplasmosis whilst pregnant there’s a risk of passing it onto your developing baby. This can cause hearing or visual learning problems, so she recommends that the best way to safeguard the family is for the pregnant mum to not handle cat litter.

A partner or someone in the home should instead be the lucky one to handle kitty’s litterbox. Or in the worst case if the expectant mum must handle it, they should wear disposable gloves.

What is toxoplasmosis?

Cats are often carriers of a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes Toxoplasmosis. While this rarely makes cats or people sick, it can have serious implications for pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems.

Thankfully, toxoplasmosis isn’t airborne so there’s no risk of inhaling it. The primary concern is avoiding contact with kitty’s poop. (Also be aware of this if the mum-to-be is an avid gardener whose cat is toilet trained to go in the garden).

Reducing stress for cats and babies

It’s common for pets to be the apple of one’s eye. But when baby comes along your pet’s world can be rocked (not in a good way). They’re suddenly forced to take second seat with little warning which, as you can imagine, isn’t nice. Lady and the Tramp is exemplary in showcasing this common parenting conundrum.

In truth, a baby rocks everyone’s world, from pets to parents, friends to family, and on to extended networks. A baby is a pretty significant makeover for a household. For pets – who aren’t part of the pregnancy planning, breathing classes and nappy buying, to say the least – the transition can be inexplicable. Not to mention stressful.

However, as Dr. Lonergan shows, there is a way to soften the blow and relieve your pet’s stress. She recommends using a cat calming pheromone spray or diffuser during any transitions, saying, “put it on a few days before stressful events.”

Pet pheromones sprays

Cat pheromones sprays mimic the pheromones produced by a mother cat, so you can see why this is a wonderful de-stressing solution. Just as you become a parent, your pet loses their parent (in a manner of speaking). Which is why recreating the feelings they had around their mummy cat helps them feel located again.

Any lifestyle change can be unsettling for pets, from moving house to bringing home your new bundle of joy. This is why Dr. Lonergan says it’s good to “realise your cat may struggle with the change and try to address it before it happens.”

Safety for your new baby and your cat

Cats snuggling up to warm sleeping babies and preventing them from breathing is a common parenting concern. It may be more folktale than reality but it’s nonetheless important to guard against.

Potential suffocation

It’s entirely plausible that a cat, meaning to snuggle, ends up too close to your baby’s face. And unlike an older child or adult, your baby may not be able to reposition the cat or themselves. As Dr. Lonergan notes, it can be a challenge to keep your cat out of a room using a baby gate, as they can simply jump over.

Perhaps close the door to the baby room when they’re in their cot and invest in a high-quality baby camera, so you can keep an eye and ear out? Or maybe kitty should be confined to their own closed-door room when baby sleeps? Dr. Lonergan says:

“As much as you trust and love your dog or cat,
I would advise that you never leave them unattended with toddlers and babies.”

Babies don’t understand warning signs

She explains how it’s not just that you don’t know how your pet might behave toward your baby. You also can’t predict how babies and children will behave around pets. For example, a baby might grab hold of your cat’s tail, sparking a hiss. Or worse, a scratch or bite that in all likelihood will get infected.

It’s worth noting that newborns have an uncannily strong grip. Anyone who’s ever had a little baby hold onto their finger knows that dynamite comes in small packages. But for a cat or dog who can’t get away, they may resort to physical reactions that can be dangerous.

As Dr. Lonergan explains, often when pets react by biting or scratching, they’ve already given a warning sign that hasn’t been heeded. If your toddler sits on your cat or dog and/or pulls their hair or fur, your pet can’t pick them up or ask them to please stop. This is why, when it comes to cats and babies, a parent should always be present to supervise.

Read about introducing your dog to a new baby and teaching dogs and kids to respect each other’s boundaries.

Pet insurance to protect your cat or dog

Cats and babies are family. And just like we have health insurance for ourselves and our little humans, pets deserve to have pet insurance for scrapes, scratches, breaks, accidents, illnesses and more. Your pet’s best health plan is about providing them with medical treatment if and when they need it. Without having to worry about the costs.

It’s often just as common for pets to need vet treatment as it is for us peeps to need to go to the doctor once in a while. Find out more about getting one or more months of free cat insurance or dog insurance when you sign up with PD Insurance online.

Click below to get started.