Babies and Cats

    There's a popular myth about how a cat will smell milk on a baby's breath and, by licking the infant's face, asphyxiate him or her. Another story is that the cat will lie across the baby's face or chest and smother him or her. Or someone may tell you how the cat, when hearing the infants' cries, will think a strange cat is in the house and leap into the crib to harm the baby. Horror stories like these continue to circulate, all with no good reason.

    "These old wives' tales are without any basis, founded in fear," notes Steve Ettlinger, co-author of Don't Pick Up the Baby or You'll Spoil the Child and Other Old Wives' Tales About Pregnancy and Parenting (Chronicle Books). "No pet, including a cat, can form a complete seal around a baby's mouth and nose and thereby suffocate him."

    Yes, your cat will be curious at first about the strange, new creature that makes funny mewling noises, but with time and carefully supervised meetings between the cat and the infant, your feline friend will eventually lose interest. Most cats are more frightened than fascinated when a baby begins to wail and will quickly seek cover.

    The sensible thing to do is to keep the baby's bedroom off limits to your cat. You can simply shut the door, using a nursery monitor to listen for the baby's cries. If you feel better being able to see your infant at all times, install a screen door to the baby's room. Be sure to keep an eye on your cat anytime it is around the baby, even if the infant is in its playpen, carrier or stroller.

    Also, be careful not to neglect the "firstborn." Your four-footed child is accustomed to your earlier lavish attention and pampering. By giving Fluffy extra attention and treats (not leftover baby food or formula!), the household should remain harmonious. Because cats are largely creatures of habit, try to keep your cat's routine as normal as possible within the confines of caring for a new baby.