Should we worry about our cats with a newborn?

Question

We have two very sweet, well behaved cats. They both have their claws (of course...cruelty free household). My mom keeps bugging me about "what if the baby is allergic" and "what if the cats accidentally smother it" or scratch it, etc. 
Any thoughts?

Answer

If they are both female, female cats have very strong maternal instincts to the point where a female cat who had recently given birth will foster almost any motherless baby regardless of species and the foster mum will breastfeed and clean it like it is its own. They should be able to detect that it is a newborn baby and will more than likely want to be around the baby and will follow the baby around or watch it from a close distance on the "look out" to make sure that it is safe. You'll have 2 little nannys looking out for you. They shouldn't smother the baby, if you're worried about it though place them in a separate room at night for a few nights and during the day monitor how they interact with the baby. 
The allergy thing; if the baby gets sick (respiratory issues) or is getting unusual rashes bring the baby to your family doctor have them look it over and ask about the possibility of a fur allergy.

Answer

It's all about how you introduce them to the baby. Make sure the cats have their own space they can retreat to while they adjust to the change. Keep the baby separate at first and put things that smell like the baby with the cats (like a swaddling blanket that the baby has been wrapped up in). Let the cats slowly meet the baby in short bursts, and probably one at a time. If the cat seems agitated at all, just end the encounter and try again later. Cats have a hard time with change (whenever we rearrange furniture our cats freak out for several days) and respond better if the change happens slowly, which is hard to do with a baby! Be patient and make sure the cats get plenty of attention and I am sure you will all be fine.

Answer

We had one well-established queen kitty when our first was born- baby was too noisy & squirmy for her to want to hang around her. Tulip would lay in the crib when Cate wasn't in it. This time we have 2, almost two year old kitties and so far they can't even figure out how to get into the crib (one hasn't tried and the other just smashed her face between the rails). They both have their claws & I can't imagine them having the desire to be all up in the coming baby's business, even though they love attention. Guess we'll see.

Answer

I never had problems with my cats near my daughter when she was born. If anything they stayed away. Just keep an eye on them.

Answer

People actually remove cats claws!? Poor things. 
We have 2 cats and I am slightly nervous due to them both being very affectionate and loving cats, always wanting to sit close or on our laps but we'l just deal with it as best we can. Our cats are our babies too. At nightime they'l be shut downstairs and if they are home during the day il just be extra vigilant. It wont be so much of a worry once the baby is old enough to push the cats away if she wants or needs to.  I just hope our baby wont be allergic as if thats the case we would have to rehome them

Should we worry about our cats with a newborn?

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