Bringing a new life into the world is an exciting journey, yet it often brings up numerous questions and worries, particularly for expectant mothers.
Among the various topics that might raise eyebrows, the relationship between cats and pregnancy tends to be a source of confusion.
In this article, we aim to uncover some of the myths about pregnancy, offering clarity and peace of mind for all the moms-to-be who share their homes with these furry friends.
Here are the 5 most common myths about cats and pregnancy:
- Cats Steal a Baby’s Breath
- Cats Cause Allergies in Babies
Cats Can Predict the Baby’s Gender - Cats Cause Miscarriages
- Cats Cause High Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women
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Myth 1: Cats Steal a Baby’s Breath
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The belief that cats steal a baby’s breath probably came from old superstitions and stories. Cats have always had a mysterious nature, making them part of lots of myths and tales in history.
The thought that a cat could hurt a baby might have been because people didn’t understand Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and how babies can die sometimes during sleep without a clear reason.
Debunking the Myth:
The notion that cats can steal a baby’s breath is entirely false. Cats do not have any interest in harming infants, and there is no scientific basis for such a claim.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has known risk factors, but cats are not one of them.
In reality, providing a safe sleeping environment for a baby is crucial for reducing the risk of SIDS.
It’s important to rely on evidence-based information and dispel unfounded fears to ensure a safe and healthy environment for both babies and pets.
Myth 2: Miscarriages Caused by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The myth that cats can cause miscarriages may have arisen due to misconceptions about the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Cats can be carriers of this parasite, and its transmission to humans is a concern, especially for pregnant women.
However, the misinformation likely stems from a lack of understanding about how the transmission occurs and the measures that can be taken to prevent it.
Debunking the Myth:
Properly cared-for cats pose no direct threat to pregnancy. The main worry about cats and pregnancy is a parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma Gondii.
Toxoplasmosis is typically contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, not by simply being in proximity to a cat.
Pregnant women can safely live with cats by practicing good hygiene, such as avoiding handling cat litter or wearing gloves if necessary.
Myth 3: Pregnancy Makes Cats Act Differently
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The idea that cats can tell if someone’s pregnant and act differently might come from people’s personal observations and how we tend to think animals are a lot like us.
This makes some folks think that the cat knows about the pregnancy in a special way.
Debunking the Myth:
While cats are observant animals and can pick up on changes in their environment, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that they can detect pregnancy in humans.
Cats may react to any change in their owner’s routine, mood, or scent, but these reactions are not indicative of an ability to sense pregnancy specifically.
Pregnant women can continue to interact with their cats as usual, ensuring that they maintain a loving and consistent relationship while dispelling the notion that cats have a supernatural ability to detect pregnancy.
Myth 4: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Cats Altogether
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The view that pregnant women should stay away from cats probably came from worries about toxoplasmosis and being cautious during pregnancy.
Talking too much about dangers without knowing how to avoid them can make fears bigger than they really need to be.
Debunking the Myth:
Pregnant women can safely coexist with cats by following proper hygiene practices. The key is to minimize the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission, which primarily occurs through contact with cat feces.
Regular veterinary care, a well-maintained living environment, and proper hand hygiene eliminate the need to avoid cats altogether.
Knowing the exact risks and taking the right steps helps pregnant women and their cat buddies have a happy and healthy time together.
Myth 5: Cats Cause Allergies in Babies
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The perception that having a cat around during pregnancy might increase the baby’s chances of developing allergies could come from not fully grasping the hygiene hypothesis.
Debunking the Myth:
The hygiene hypothesis suggests that a bit of exposure to germs is good for our immune system’s growth.
Surprisingly, having a cat around during pregnancy and early childhood might not actually up the risk of allergies.
It’s all about finding balance. Keeping a tidy home and being responsible with pet care can keep both kids and pets healthy.
This approach supports a well-rounded environment that might help the immune system develop in a healthier way.
Myth 6: During Pregnancy, Cats Need to Be Rehomed
Why Does This Myth Exist?
People often consider rehoming cats during pregnancy out of an abundance of caution for the health of both the mother and the unborn child.
Concerns about diseases like toxoplasmosis and other perceived risks could lead to this mistaken belief.
Debunking the Myth:
Pregnant women can usually keep their cats without worries by taking some simple precautions. There’s usually no need to give up a beloved pet.
By following basic hygiene practices, pregnant women can safely keep their feline companions without compromising their health or the health of their unborn child.
Myth 7: Baby’s Gender Can Be Predicted by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The belief that cats can predict the gender of the unborn baby likely stems from a desire for fun and excitement during pregnancy.
People may observe their cat’s behavior and attribute certain actions to the cat’s supposed ability to foresee the baby’s gender.
Debunking the Myth:
The gender of the baby is not something that cats can predict. While perceptive in their own ways, they don’t have supernatural abilities to determine a baby’s sex.
Any behaviors noticed are probably just coincidences or influenced by other factors. Gender prediction is a human idea, and animals like cats aren’t involved in such things.
Myth 8: Pregnant Women Should Avoid Cat Scratches Entirely
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The misconception that every cat scratch is risky during pregnancy might come from worries about infections and complications.
This belief could also stem from the overall caution people feel during pregnancy, wanting to avoid any possible risks, even if they’re unlikely.
Debunking the Myth:
While it’s good to be cautious, not every cat scratch is dangerous for pregnant women. Quick cleaning and proper care can lower the risk of infection.
Cleaning the wound with mild soap and water and getting medical help if needed is important.
With good knowledge about cat behavior and taking care of scratches promptly, pregnant women can safely enjoy their time with their cats without worrying too much.
Myth 9: Pregnant Women Experience Hormonal Changes Because of Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
Most individuals believe that cats can cause hormonal changes in pregnant women may stem from a misunderstanding of the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy.
Sometimes, people might think that changes in mood or hormones are because of having a cat around, believing there’s a cause-and-effect connection.
Debunking the Myth:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy are natural and are not caused by the presence of cats. Pregnancy itself causes significant hormonal fluctuations that contribute to mood swings and other physiological changes.
While pets can positively impact mental well-being, cats don’t have the ability to change the hormonal balance of pregnant women.
Knowing the typical processes of pregnancy can ease unwarranted worries, letting pregnant women enjoy emotional support from their furry friends without concerns about hormonal effects.
Myth 10: A Sleeping Baby Can Be Smothered by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The fear that cats will smother a sleeping baby by lying on their faces may be rooted in general concerns about the safety of infants during sleep.
Cats’ natural instinct to seek warmth and cozy spots might be misinterpreted as a potential threat to a sleeping baby.
Debunking the Myth:
It’s not likely that cats want to harm sleeping babies by smothering them. Cats might like cozy spots, but they’re naturally careful and won’t usually be a danger to a baby.
To keep babies safe during sleep, parents should follow rules for safe sleeping, like putting the baby on their back on a firm mattress in a crib without loose bedding.
Also, having grown-ups watch over and making sure the home is safe can help ease worries about cats and babies sleeping together.
Myth 11: Hair Can Harm the Baby
Why Does This Myth Exist?
There is this common misconception that cat hair could harm the baby might come from worries about cleanliness and possible allergens at home.
Pregnant people often become very aware of their surroundings and try to get rid of any risks they think might be there, including pet hair.
Debunking the Myth:
Cat hair usually isn’t a problem for babies, but for people with allergies or asthma, less exposure to pet hair might be better.
Keeping the cat clean by grooming it often can really help stop it from shedding too much hair around the house.
Cleaning the house regularly by vacuuming and dusting can also get rid of allergens and make things healthier for both the baby and the cat.
Myth 12: Indoor Cats Are Safe During Pregnancy
Why Does This Myth Exist?
Some people think that indoor cats are safer for pregnant women than outdoor cats because they worry that outdoor cats might bring in things that could include potential contaminants or parasites.
They believe that keeping the cat inside all the time gets rid of these risks.
Debunking the Myth:
Both indoor and outdoor cats can be safe during pregnancy if proper hygiene is kept up.
Even though indoor cats might have fewer chances to encounter certain dangers, they can still carry the risk of toxoplasmosis, which is a concern for pregnant women.
As mentioned earlier regular vet check-ups, keeping the litter box clean, and good hygiene habits can help reduce potential risks, whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat.
Myth 13: Preterm Labor Can Be Caused by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
Some people believe that cats can trigger preterm labor in pregnant women due to misunderstandings about having pets during pregnancy.
When there isn’t enough accurate information and people want to avoid health concerns, these misunderstandings about cats and pregnancy can easily spread.
Debunking the Myth:
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that cats can cause preterm labor. Pregnancy complications are complex and multifactorial, and cats are not known to play a role in inducing preterm labor.
Proper prenatal care, regular check-ups, and adherence to general health guidelines are essential for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnant individuals can safely coexist with their cats by practicing good hygiene, maintaining a clean living environment, and seeking appropriate medical advice for any health concerns.
Myth 14: High Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women Caused by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The belief that cats can lead to high blood pressure during pregnancy may be rooted in a general lack of understanding about the causes of pregnancy-related hypertension.
People might associate stress or anxiety from interactions with cats as potential triggers for high blood pressure.
Debunking the Myth:
Pregnancy-related hypertension has many causes, and cats aren’t one of them. While stress and anxiety can raise blood pressure, they’re not specifically tied to interactions with cats.
Pregnant women can happily spend time with their furry friends by keeping a stress-free atmosphere, using relaxation methods, and focusing on their overall well-being.
Myth 15: Cats Can “Steal” the Nutrients from a Pregnant Woman’s Body
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The view that cats can absorb nutrients from a pregnant woman might be based on a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of both humans and cats.
Some may believe that close contact with a cat could somehow deplete the pregnant woman’s body of essential nutrients.
Debunking the Myth:
This notion that cats “steal” nutrients from pregnant women doesn’t make sense biologically. Cats can’t take nutrients from a person’s body through contact.
The nutritional needs of humans and cats are different, so interactions with cats don’t affect a pregnant woman’s diet.
What’s important is maintaining a balanced diet and proper prenatal nutrition for the health of both the mom-to-be and her baby, and cats don’t interfere with these processes.
Myth 16: Mood Swings in Pregnant Women Are Caused by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
The misconception that cats cause mood swings during pregnancy might come from the common belief that pets, in general, affect our emotions.
People might link mood changes to having a cat around, especially if the pet is seen as needing a lot of attention. This association might lead to the belief that cats contribute to mood swings during pregnancy.
Debunking the Myth:
Changes in hormones during pregnancy happen naturally and aren’t caused by cats.
Even though spending time with pets can make us feel good, cats can’t make pregnant women have mood swings or change their hormones.
Knowing how pregnancy normally works and recognizing that pets can help us relax can help stop this misunderstanding.
Myth 17: Pregnant Women Will Be Aggressively Approached by Cats
Why Does This Myth Exist?
Some may mistakenly interpret normal cat behavior, such as seeking attention or becoming more affectionate, as aggression when interacting with pregnant women.
Likewise, pregnant women might notice changes in their cat’s behavior due to their own hormonal changes or different interactions. These alterations might be perceived as aggressive, even if they’re not.
Debunking the Myth:
While cats may exhibit behavioral changes due to adjustments in their environment, aggression is not a common response to pregnancy.
Cats may need time to adapt to changes, and proper introductions can help facilitate a positive relationship.
Providing the cat with attention, maintaining their routine, and creating positive associations with the baby’s presence can contribute to a smooth transition without undue aggression.
Cats And Pregnancy Myths FAQs
What do cats do when they sense you’re pregnant?
Cats may exhibit various behaviors when they sense pregnancy, including increased affection, seeking more attention, or even being more protective.
However, individual cat reactions can vary.
Does having a cat affect pregnancy?
In general, owning a cat does not adversely affect pregnancy.
However, pregnant women should take precautions to avoid exposure to cat feces, specifically from outdoor cats, as it may carry a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that can be harmful to the unborn child.
Can cats hear a baby in the womb?
While cats have acute hearing, it is unlikely that they can hear a baby in the womb. Human sounds, including the baby’s heartbeat, are muffled by the mother’s body and the amniotic fluid.
How soon can cats sense pregnancy?
Cats may start exhibiting changes in behavior shortly after a woman becomes pregnant.
Some owners report changes within a few weeks, but the timing can vary.
Why do cats attack pregnant women?
It’s uncommon for cats to intentionally attack pregnant women. Aggressive behavior could be due to various reasons, such as stress, fear, or discomfort.
If a cat displays aggression, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to understand and address the underlying cause.
Can male cats sense pregnancy?
There’s no conclusive scientific evidence that suggests male cats can specifically sense human pregnancy. However, they may react to changes in the household and the pregnant woman’s behavior.