Cats and babies: It's a good thing
Ever hear the one about how cats can suck the breath from a sleeping infant?
An Associated Press story posted at the Daily Breeze web site dispells that and other myths, concluding that cats and babies can get along just fine. In fact, the adjustment is really hardest on the resident feline.
"To some cats, babies are like aliens from outer space," says Dr. Kat Miller, behaviorist with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As if that's not enough, there's also the disruption to the household routine, she says.
"Cats are creatures of habit, they prefer consistency," says Miller. "Any abrupt change in their life can cause anxiety and fear."
Demitrius Behram Farley, 2, cuddles with his cat Penelope, in Hyattsville, Md.
Photo: Associated Press
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About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.
awww....
totally agree: cats who are loved gently and compassionately are gentle and compassionate companions for babies, children and adults.
beloved and spiritual creatures