LIFESTYLE I VET TALK
Preparing your pet for a new baby Attending antenatal classes when pregnant with my first child, I was very concerned when the midwife warned about cats smothering babies in their cots. How to prevent the family cat from jumping into the cot, potentially causing a disaster, is just one concern for new parents. My own online research revealed several options to prevent this catastrophe from occurring.
Preventing the cat from jumping into the cot There were many purchasable devices online designed to prevent the cat from sleeping in the cot with the baby – everything from cradle canopies to crib nets. But then the question dawned on me – were the devices designed to deter cats more dangerous than the actual cat? I contacted Dr Lewis Kirkham, veterinarian and animal behaviour expert, as well as author of ‘Tell Your Dog You’re Pregnant’ and ‘Tell Your Cat You’re Pregnant’. Some facts about cats and babies: ● Cats tend to fear babies and generally do not seek to harm the child due to jealousy or spite. ● There has only ever been one proven documented case worldwide where a cat has smothered a baby. Other cases were SIDS related and blamed on the cat without supportive evidence. ● There have been numerous cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) caused by devices fitted to cradles and cots causing strangulation or smothering risks. Red Nose (formerly SIDS and Kids) do not recommend any devices be fitted to a cradle. See www.rednose.com.au for current sleeping recommendations for babies. ● The only way to safely prevent a cat from gaining access to the sleeping quarters of a baby is a solid door. ● A pet (cat/dog) should not be left unsupervised with the baby.
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● Dogs generally pose more risk to a child than a cat. Owners need to be aware of how to read the body language of their dog to recognise fear and anxiety, as these signs often precede injury to the child.
Diseases transmitted from pets to baby (zoonoses) Many pet owners also have concerns about diseases transmitted from the pet to their baby, but the reality is that it is unusual for cats and dogs to transmit diseases, even though they are often blamed for infections. For example, toxoplasmosis (a protozoal parasite) is more likely to be transmitted to the pregnant mother and her baby via the placenta when eating tissue cysts in undercooked meat, poultry or seafood. It is vital to ensure all meat is thoroughly cooked prior to eating. It is important where possible that expectant mothers avoid cleaning out the litter tray unless wearing gloves - ideally your partner should do it. For more detailed information, refer to www.babyandpet. com.au or purchase Dr Lewis Kirkham’s books which provide detailed
information on juggling cat or dog ownership with a newborn.
Desensitising your pet to baby noises Dr Kirkham’s books come with a CD with various baby sounds. I played these to my cat during pregnancy, while providing her with lots of attention and her favourite food to positively associate the baby noises such as crying and gurgling with good experiences. I also set up the cradle and the baby change table long before our baby arrived so that the cat was used to the new furniture. Sleeping with the door shut did not pose any problems as the cat usually sleeps on the office chair in the study anyway. However, if your cat is used to sleeping on your bed, then it is important that this habit is changed prior to the baby coming along so that there is no negative association with less attention given to the cat when the baby arrives.
Dr Gretta Howard. Veterinarian Twitter: @ DrGrettaVet
