The American Pregnancy Association says it is not necessary to get rid of your cat in anticipation of a child. Despite this, we receive several calls a week from parents-to-be who say they must give up their cat. The caller typically provides a litany of reasons, starting with “health concerns.”
The truth is that the majority of these concerns are baseless, or can be dealt with easily, as we will discuss below. Based on our experience, we believe that this “need to relinquish” is a result of the expectant couple feeling overwhelmed with impending responsibilities. Certainly, the arrival of a baby demands a large commitment, and it is not surprising that people look to shed other responsibility. But we suggest that this is the time to renew your lifelong commitment to your current family, including your cat.
The most common health concern is toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite that can be shed in the cat’s feces. While toxoplasmosis is not something to ignore, the Centers for Disease Control explains how to avoid risk of infection. In fact, there is greater risk of becoming infected with toxoplasmosis from gardening than there is from your indoor cat. After the child comes home, common-sense hygiene and supervising your baby’s interactions with your kitty is important.
Far from being a health risk, your cat can have life-long benefits for your child. People with pets have are less prone to minor illnesses, score better on psychological tests and experience a greater sense of well-being than pet-less families.
Concern for allergies is another frequent health concern. Contrary to popular opinion, exposure to cats at a young age can help a child develop resistance to allergens and asthma.
And, one of the most effective ways for your child to learn the importance of gentleness and responsibility is by helping care for a pet. Researchers at Kansas State University and the Manhattan Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies found that youngsters who have a bond with a dog or cat show more maturity in their cognitive, moral and emotional development than children without a pet.
We all hope to raise responsible, caring young people who will change the world for the better. Rather than giving up your faithful feline, let her be part of helping your baby grow into a loving, compassionate and healthy person.
One of the most effective ways for your child to learn the importance of gentleness and responsibility is by helping to care for a pet. Researchers at Kansas State University and the Manhattan Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies found that youngsters who have a bond with a dog or cat show more maturity in their cognitive, moral and emotional development than children without such pets.[7] We all hope to raise responsible, caring young people who will change their world for the better. Rather than giving up your faithful feline, let her be part of helping your baby grow into a loving, compassionate and healthy person.
The truth is that the majority of these concerns are baseless, or can be dealt with easily, as we will discuss below. Based on our experience, we believe that this “need to relinquish” is a result of the expectant couple feeling overwhelmed with impending responsibilities. Certainly, the arrival of a baby demands a large commitment, and it is not surprising that people look to shed other responsibility. But we suggest that this is the time to renew your lifelong commitment to your current family, including your cat.
The most common health concern is toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite that can be shed in the cat’s feces. While toxoplasmosis is not something to ignore, the Centers for Disease Control explains how to avoid risk of infection. In fact, there is greater risk of becoming infected with toxoplasmosis from gardening than there is from your indoor cat. After the child comes home, common-sense hygiene and supervising your baby’s interactions with your kitty is important.
Far from being a health risk, your cat can have life-long benefits for your child. People with pets have are less prone to minor illnesses, score better on psychological tests and experience a greater sense of well-being than pet-less families.
Concern for allergies is another frequent health concern. Contrary to popular opinion, exposure to cats at a young age can help a child develop resistance to allergens and asthma.
And, one of the most effective ways for your child to learn the importance of gentleness and responsibility is by helping care for a pet. Researchers at Kansas State University and the Manhattan Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies found that youngsters who have a bond with a dog or cat show more maturity in their cognitive, moral and emotional development than children without a pet.
We all hope to raise responsible, caring young people who will change the world for the better. Rather than giving up your faithful feline, let her be part of helping your baby grow into a loving, compassionate and healthy person.
One of the most effective ways for your child to learn the importance of gentleness and responsibility is by helping to care for a pet. Researchers at Kansas State University and the Manhattan Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies found that youngsters who have a bond with a dog or cat show more maturity in their cognitive, moral and emotional development than children without such pets.[7] We all hope to raise responsible, caring young people who will change their world for the better. Rather than giving up your faithful feline, let her be part of helping your baby grow into a loving, compassionate and healthy person.