Key takeaways: The idea that cats “steal a baby’s breath” is a myth, but cats should be kept out of a baby’s sleep space, since anything in the crib can be a suffocation risk. Pregnant people should avoid changing litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis. Keep your cat’s vaccines and parasite prevention current, and supervise all interactions.
Cats and babies can share a home safely. Here’s what’s true and what isn’t.
Myth: Cats Steal Babies’ Breath
This is an old superstition. However, a cat curling up near a baby’s face in a crib could pose a suffocation risk. Keep cats out of the crib and bassinet.
Keeping Cats Out of the Sleep Space
- Close the nursery door during sleep, or use a screen door.
- Supervise when your baby is in a bouncer or play area.
- Give your cat an appealing alternative resting spot.
- Avoid crib tents. The CPSC has warned about crib tents due to entrapment and strangulation risks.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite infection that cats can spread through their feces. It can harm a developing baby during pregnancy.
- During pregnancy: have someone else change the litter box. If you must, wear gloves and wash hands well.
- Change litter daily.
- Keep cats indoors and feed them commercial food, not raw meat.
Scratches and Bites
- Supervise all interactions.
- Trim your cat’s nails.
- Wash any scratches and watch for infection.
- Cat-scratch disease is caused by bacteria and can cause swollen lymph nodes. See a doctor if a scratch leads to swelling or fever.
Allergies
Some research suggests early exposure to pets may lower the risk of allergies in some children, but results are mixed. Getting a cat to prevent allergies isn’t recommended.
Health Tips
- Keep vaccines and flea prevention up to date.
- Wash hands after handling pets and litter.
The Bottom Line
Cats and babies can live together safely. Keep cats out of the sleep space, avoid litter boxes during pregnancy, and supervise.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Toxoplasmosis: pregnant people; healthy pets, healthy people. https://www.cdc.gov
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Crib tents recall and warnings. https://www.cpsc.gov
- Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Sleep-related infant deaths: updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
