Grandaughter and my cats

[ladyj57]

I have 5 indoor cats. I've had all of them except 1 since they were born.  I live in a 2 bedroom apartment.  My sons girlfriend refused to bring their baby to my apartment because she is 'nervous' about the cats being around the baby.  She is not afraid they will harm her, but she doesn't want them around her.  I have assured her we would put them in the bedroom, and vacuum really good, and cover all the furniture.  The baby is not crawling, or even sitting up... so basically she is held the whole time she is around us.

Am I missing something.. she still wont let the baby come to my apartment.  I would never put any child in harm, but I honestly do not see what harm there would be.

Please.. let me know your professional opinion on this.

Thanks
LadyJ57

[peabug59]

New mums are extra-protective.....no bad thing.....better than being under-protective. She may simply be finding her feet and needs a bit of re-assurance. I can understand.Perhaps best to have a friendly,supportive chat with her,ask maybe what you can do to best allay her worries. Cats=wonderful.Visits from new baby grandchildren= WONDERFUL !!! Best Wishes .xxxxx

[JDarla]

I can understand your son's girlfriend being somewhat diligent where cats are concerned.  I love all animals and am not passing any judgment.  That being said, many diseases that cats can get do transfer to humans.  Pink eye for example can be given to children via cats and is cause by fecal matter.  Many babies and children haven't built up a tolerance yet to outside germs and can develop allergies.   On babies in particular this can be very difficult to diagnose, as it can present in various symptoms.  
  What is worse then cats is birds.. the dust in the feathers  can cause respiratory problems in infants.

If you have any concerns talk to your vet or physician. they will give you the answers you are looking for..

Good luck  hon..

[AnnieBrooke]

Five cats in a 2-bedroom apartment who don't go outside is, well, a few cats.  Has anyone honestly told you how your apartment smells or how much cat hair is there?  A person's nose gets used to smells after a while and can't tell how much scent is there -- and people with a lot of cats often wind up living in a place where the catbox can be smelled, except they are accustomed to it so they don't smell it.  I don't think she is afraid of the cats per se, but probably of their dander and their hairs and their scent.  If you can knock down the scent concerns and maybe buy one of those really high-quality air cleaner machines that have the filter and the ozone thing, it might alleviate her concerns.

[zodiacqueen]

WOW, she's just a tad paranoid, huh?

I would just go to the baby or have your son sneak the baby over......just make sure the baby doesn't come home w/ cat hairs on him/her.  LOL

Good luck!  Hope you get to see the baby soon!!!

[teddybears4ever2]

She is being a little overprotective. She is being crazy!  I would talk to someone else about it and see if there is a way to make it so the baby can come over.