Question:
Kindly review the attached article regarding cats and human babies. Any comments to dispel the old wives' tale of cats smothering infants would be appreciated. Thanks from a fan and animal lover.
D.G., North Palm Beach, FL Jul 12, 2009
Answer:
I cannot believe that a syndicated columnist like this pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, could write that "some cats will seek out the infants' mouths and noses and lie on them to smother them. ... It would be better for the baby if your daughter would rid herself of the cats." While this article that you and others sent me is undated, it comes from the Dark Ages. Its main focus of concern is toxoplasmosis, which cats can transmit to humans. But there are ways that vets deal with this so a pregnant woman doesn't have to "rid herself of the cats." People are more likely to get this parasite from handling infected meat in their kitchens and from soil when out gardening.
This doctor should either wise up or fold up. Perpetuating myths and spreading disinformation like this is highly unprofessional, and the doctor should write a retraction.
Subscribe