Is it a good idea to get a cat if I have a baby?

Is it a good idea to get a cat if I have a baby?

Arden Moore (Animal Behavioral Specialist, Editor and Author) gives expert video advice on: What lifestyle changes should new cat owners expect?; Is it a good idea to get a cat if I have children?; Is it a good idea to get a cat if I have a baby? and more...

First of all, cats have had a bad rap that they're going to suck the breath out of your baby. That is just not true, it's an old wives' tale. Secondly though, you need to make sure that you introduce your cat and baby properly. I would encourage that you let your cat smell the smell of the baby: the blanket and things like that. But you also have to be a little more cautious. I would keep the door closed in the crib room where your baby is, or have your cat in a safe interactive area where they can be while you tend to your baby. Another issue you might have is "While I'm cleaning the litter box, is there going to be danger of toxoplasmosis for the baby?" It's this big scary term. And actually, you can get that disease probably more readily working in a contaminated garden than you will in your litter box.