30 weeks pregnant - me and DH want 2 kittens - are we crazy?

[Bethrosegrundy]

Me and my other half are really keen to get two kittens (siblings will be 9 weeks when we would pick them up next weekend) I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant expecting my first baby.

Had kittens before and know that they are really good to have around the house and I grew up around a lot of animals when I was little and LOVED them all.

I know we can afford the kittens and it's not a matter of cost, but more I don't know if it's a good idea, I am super worried from reading all these posts about the kittens scratching my baby or sitting on their faces.

Also want to be fair to the kittens of course and I worry it will be too much work to have them with a new born? Will they react badly to my new little boy being around even though it will only be about 2 months after they arrive themselves?

Has anyone done it ? Advice is welcomed! - Really keen to pick them up this weekend coming but just don't know if anyone else has got kittens this late in pregnant and its been a success?

[GinLoverSharon]

Hi mum to be! As someone who owns three cats and last year found myself with a litter of kittens let me tell you, they aren't a cute as they look! Imagine litter training, the change from their regular diet to whatever cat food you chose will leave them pooping everywhere! And then there's getting used to the smell and having them scratching all your curtains and sofas. Whenever your pulling bags in the house them climbing about them. If you think tying your shoes is difficult now wait until you try doing with with kittens pulling at the laces!! I wouldn't want to combine the stress with having a newborn baby. And personally I know I wouldn't have the time to give the kittens the attention they needed if there was a newborn in the house!!

[Couchpotato3]

This is not the right time to get kittens. Please don't do it. It won't be right for you, them or your new baby. Baby first, kittens later.

[ElizabethShaw]

I just got a kitten at 30 weeks pregnant - it was the best timing for us as I am off work for the summer holidays so someone is here all the time. Also it means 10 weeks to settle in before the baby, and time to train our older DC to behave around the cat.

Litter training wasn't an issue as she's been very clean from the start, but we have had to do a bit of experimenting with food that doesn't upset her stomach as it appears she can't eat wheat!

We've also been quite strict from the first night about her sleeping in the kitchen and not going in bedrooms so at least I don't get woken by her in the morning and no worries about getting in the baby's cot etc.

[minmooch]

Yes you are crazy. This is not the time.

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

We got 3 new kittens shortly before our first child was born. Never caused any problems for us - the last one of the litter is now 20. By the time your baby is mobile the kittens will be perfectly able to look after themselves - I'd go for it.

[mummabubs]

Bear in mind as well that you shouldn't be handling any cat litter whilst pregnant due to toxoplasmosis risk so if they do have accidents during the day your other half should tackle that. Personally I would wait (I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant with my first and we have an 8 year old dog and I'm already really aware of how much it's going to take to balance the needs of both the dog and newborn... and we've had him over 4 years so know all of his habits and personality!) You won't be able to give the kittens as much attention as you would with a slightly older child and with insurance / jabs etc plus the usual expenses I'd be very inclined to wait and see how you feel after baby arrives... delaying a decision for 10 weeks isn't too long but equally means you've got a realistic lay of the land before you commit one way or the other?

[Oops4]

I feel stressed just thinking about that lol. I'd definitely wait! When we got two kittens together they were completely nuts. Hilarious but nuts. They need your patience and with a newborn thrown in you really might not have it to give them.

Plus, it's your first baby and the first few weeks can be so very tough so I really wouldn't do anything to make it harder. X

[Vinorosso74]

No,do not get kittens right now I volunteer for CP and think they would rightly turn you down.
Adult cats are better with small children. Please wait until human baby has arrived and rethink.

[Francenfeet]

I wouldn't. That said, our cat was already litter trained so didn't really need much work. But they do need like us of handling when young to socialise them and you won't have time. Also don't get them if they're long haired as you'll never have time to brush them and they'll be all matted.

[Francenfeet]

lots of handling

[SilverBirchTree]

Now isn't the time. It would be irresponsible to adopt kittens now.

I'm so sick of reading posts on here by people seeking to rehome pets they never would have adopted if they'd had a bit of bloody common sense in the first place.

[user1499786242]

Just no