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Pets or your newborn?

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Last year in November we got a cat. Two months later, I fell pregnant. And then last month we got a 4-month-old kitten. Yeah, we’re expanding our family rather quickly.

The reason for getting the kitten was that the older cat seemed lonely all day while we were at work and we wanted to get her used to another entity, hopefully as some sort of preparation for the arrival of the tiny human. We also got the kitten before the baby arrived because I will have no time to settle a new kitten in with a new baby on hand.

They’re now very much a part of our little family so I was astounded when my mother turned to me and said: “Well, you have to get rid of the cats now that you’re pregnant!” I couldn’t understand why. I firmly believe that children who grow up with animals learn responsibility earlier and learn how to treat other creatures with kindness. I’m also wildly projecting because I firmly believe I wouldn’t be irrationally afraid of dogs if my father allowed us to have one growing up.

I asked our Facebook fans what they thought and they seem to agree with me:


I had 4 cats when my daughter was born. Sadly one passed away when she was a month old. And we now have a 6 month old puppy as well. All our animals are amazing with her and I would NEVER have considered giving any of them away as they just as much my babies as my daughter is. - Sasha Henderson

Old wives' tales! I've always had cats, and we have a dog who is 6 months older than our youngest: they love each other. Best way to teach children how to treat other beings. - Carmen Rieth

Never! You can take some safety precautions when it comes to the cat's litter box, but no need to get rid of the cat. That's just wrong! - Tania Horne

This attitude makes me so angry. Pets are for life, not until they are no longer convenient. Our son was born into a family of dogs and cats, and I believe he will grow into a better, more caring individual because of it. The joy pets can give to children is immense. It is true that as a pregnant lady you should avoid handling cat faeces for health reasons, but this is no reason to suddenly 'get rid' of your pets, merely a reason for being careful. - Julie Brand

NO!!!!! People who have pets and get rid of them for no reason make me sick!!!!! Animals have feelings and souls just like people! Rather get rid of the baby the cat was there first! - Allison Hardwich Whitelaw

We had a Staffie, German Shepherd and a cat when my son was born, sadly the German Shepherd died when my son was still small, but the Staffie and him were best buddies until she died from cancer - and we NEVER had an issue with the cat either. The animals came to our house first and were as much of the family as any human - but if there is an allergy - then sadly that is different. - Michele Lamont Winters

Both my children were born into a family that included two cats. Obviously you take more care with cleanliness etc but I have never even considered giving them away. They were there first. I become very upset when I see people advertising their cats on e.g. Gumtree due to pregnancies. - Linda Coetzee Van Bruggen

Only if the baby is allergic. - Margo Prowse

Read the rest of the responses on our Facebook page


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Would you put your pet up for adoption if you were expecting?
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