Cats and babies

Most cats and babies live together without trouble. The keys are early preparation, a safe retreat for the cat, no unsupervised contact and sensible hygiene around the litter box. Keep your cat out of the baby's sleeping space. Start changing the cat's routine before the baby comes, not after.

What worries parents, and what is true

Several myths surround cats and newborns. One says a cat will suck the breath from a baby. That is not true. The real risk is simpler: a cat that curls up beside or on top of a sleeping baby may cause suffocation or overheating, and a cat can scratch or bite a baby if frightened. A cat is not a danger because it is a cat. It becomes a risk when nobody supervises.

Parents also ask about disease. toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that cats can shed in their faeces for a short time after they first become infected. It matters most during pregnancy. People can also pick it up from undercooked meat and from soil. Ask your doctor or midwife about it. See the section on litter below.

What to do, step by step

During pregnancy and before the birth

1. Ask your doctor or midwife about toxoplasmosis. Many suggest that a pregnant person avoid cleaning the litter tray, or wear gloves and wash hands afterward, and have someone else do it where possible. Your own medical team knows your situation and decides what you do.
2. Clean the litter box daily. The parasite in cat faeces is generally not infectious right away, so frequent scooping lowers the risk. Wash hands after handling litter, and wash hands after gardening.
3. Book a vet check. Make sure your cat's vaccines, flea and worm prevention and general health are up to date. Ask your vet what you need to know about your own cat.
4. Train for the new routine early. If the cat will be barred from the baby's room, begin now. Fit a screen door, a gate or a door latch that stops the cat entering without stopping you.
5. Keep play and attention going. Bored cats cause trouble. Offer enrichment, such as puzzle feeders and wand toys, so the cat has something to do when you are busy. Add a tall cat tree or shelf so the cat has a place of its own above the action.
6. Get the cat used to baby sounds and smells. Play recordings of crying at low volume and reward calm behaviour. Introduce baby lotions and powders slowly. Let the cat sniff the cot and pram while empty.
7. Trim nails. Keep the cat's nails short. Ask your vet or groomer to show you how. Do not declaw. Declawing is a surgery that removes bone, causes lasting pain in many cats and is banned in some countries.

When you bring the baby home

1. Have someone bring a blanket the baby wore for the cat to sniff before the baby arrives.
2. Greet the cat first. Give it affection while the baby is elsewhere.
3. Let the cat investigate. With the baby in your arms, let the cat approach and sniff while you stay calm. Reward relaxed behaviour. If the cat hisses or flattens its ears, stop and try later.
4. Keep everything supervised. Never leave a baby alone with a cat, even a gentle one.
5. Keep the sleeping space off limits. The cot, bassinet and pram should have a cover or mesh that cats cannot push through, or a door that stays shut. Ask your doctor or health visitor about safe sleep.

As the baby grows

A crawling baby can grab fur, tail and whiskers. Teach the child to touch gently, and never force a cat to tolerate rough handling. Give the cat places a child cannot reach. Put food and water bowls, litter trays and cat toys out of the child's reach. Cat litter and cat food can be dangerous if eaten. Keep an eye on the cat's body language: tail lashing, flattened ears and hiding all mean it needs space.

Cat health and your baby's safety

• Scratches and bites. Wash any wound well with soap and water and ask a doctor if it is deep, swollen or does not heal. cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection that can follow a scratch or bite.
• Fleas and worms. Ask your vet for regular prevention that is safe for your cat and household. Do not use dog products on cats.
• Hair and dander. Cat hair is not a reason to remove a cat. If your child develops itchy eyes, a runny nose or wheezing, see a doctor.
• Litter box position. Put it away from where the baby plays or eats, and out of reach of a crawling infant.

If the cat reacts badly

Some cats hide, spray, soil outside the litter box or become aggressive after the baby arrives. Do not punish. Keep the routine steady, give the cat a safe room and extra play time, and ask your vet. A sudden behaviour change can also be a sign of illness, so a check is worth doing. A behaviourist can help with persistent problems.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until the baby is born to change routines. Cats link the change to the baby.
• Letting the cat sleep in the cot or bassinet. Block access.
• Leaving a baby and cat alone, even for a minute.
• Scolding the cat around the baby. It teaches the cat to fear the baby.
• Giving the cat away without trying other steps. Most problems improve with preparation and time.
• Skipping hand washing. Wash hands after litter, pets and before feeding the baby.

When to get help

Call your doctor if you are pregnant and have questions about toxoplasmosis, or if the baby has a bite, a deep scratch or signs of infection such as redness, swelling or fever.

Call your vet if your cat:

• stops eating for a day or more
• strains in the litter box or passes little or no urine, especially a male
• has trouble breathing
• becomes sharply aggressive or hides constantly
• shows a sudden change in behaviour

Always seek urgent medical help if a baby has a serious bite, trouble breathing or any sign that it cannot be woken.

Summary

• Ask your doctor or midwife about toxoplasmosis, and scoop the litter box daily.
• Prepare the cat in advance with routines, a high retreat and play.
• Keep cats out of the baby's sleeping space and never leave them alone together.
• Teach children to be gentle, and give the cat spaces they cannot reach.
• Keep claws trimmed, do not declaw, and keep vaccines and parasite prevention up to date.
• Ask your vet if the cat's behaviour changes.