Protective cat appreciation

[Kittyfrickle]

I'm not sure why I'm awake at this time but it's probably down to being kicked constantly. This may be long

I rescued my beautiful cat from someone I knew through friends who didn't feed her and subjected her to loads of parties/noise/people and smoking horrible stuff around her from 8 weeks old. She was so tiny and starved when I got her home and now she's a big confident kitty. She sees me as her mother and rarely takes to other people because of being traumatised at a young age. She is very vocal and interactive with me, I never feel alone if it's just me and her.

Ever since I became pregnant she has become very protective of me and my LO. She sits around my bump and purrs when she can feel her kick and move. She has been amazing ever since I've been living on my own. I get very very anxious because the previous resident owes a lot of dodgy people money and have had people coming round and banging on the doors and windows. Obviously I can't really protect myself if anyone does get in as I don't want
my LO to come to any harm. My cat sleeps by me at night and stays by my side during the day. Whenever she hears noises or detects movement outside she's on it like a shot, growling at anything that moves. Even when she's sleeping soundly and I get a knock at the door or I get post she's straight there growling. It's good if I don't quite hear anything because then I'm aware that there's something going on outside without having to look. She used to hide if she heard noises but now it's like she is protecting us and it makes me so happy. Anyone that is pregnant/planning on having a baby and think they need to get rid of their cats, don't. I can only imagine how protective she will be over my daughter when she is born.

Look at this cute face though

[thecatneuterer]

What a lovely post. It sounds as though you were both very lucky to find each other.

And yes it's very sad the amount of cats that are needlessly abandoned because the owners are pregnant.

[Kittyfrickle]

I couldn't imagine of giving her away because of the baby. I think she'll be brilliant with her and they'll be good friends since she's so interactive and gently playful. In fact her first word will probably be 'meow' since my kitty is so vocal and has conversations with me

[kinkytoes]

What a beauty! I agree there is absolutely no reason for cats and babies not to live happily together. My cats tolerated my ds until he became mobile and then they soon learnt to avoid him when they needed to! However one of them will let him stroke and snuggle him for a short while which is lovely to see. He adores them. Pets are so enriching for children and I know as my son gets older (and less noisy) they will be firm friends.

[FrancesNiadova]

A lovely picture & so great to hear that your cat's protective of you. When baby is born, your cat might also want to snuggle in with him/her. Just be careful that they don't get into the carry cot with baby in their quest for a cuddle.
It sounds like your cat has been so lucky & got a loving family to go to. Best wishes

[Oldraver]

I've never understood the 'getting rid of cats as your pregnant' thing

I did a lot of resting when I was pregnant and my female cat used to lie on my bump. and when she started purring DS would start to kick which would make her get up and move around. She seemed perplexed but I'm sure she knew someone was in there.

Yes you do have to watch out for cats wanting to sleep in the Moses basket or crib as they are nice snuggly places to sleep but they are not out to harm the baby (I've heard this said in the past)

[thecatneuterer]

Round our way the people who visit pregnant women and those who have recently given birth (what are they called? Midwives? Health visitors?) routinely tell the mothers/mothers-to-be that they should get rid of cats if they have them.

I think it's partly cultural. The vast majority of the people employed in these roles in this part of London at least are African or Caribbean which seem to be rather anti-cat cultures. It's a huge problem for us.

[Vinorosso74]

The whole 'get rid of the cat' really pisses me off too. So often I hear it from people with dogs who would never dream of getting rid of dog...
Despite hiding for the first hour after DD first came home our cat and DD are very fond of each other. For the first few weeks whenever DD cried cat would suddenly appear near her (never too close). One midwife even commented how maternal cat was.
I found the midwives who visited liked cat but health visitor clearly disliked cats and was very negative about her.
DD is 5 and the two have a good bond. When cat was ill this summer she had two stays in specialist animal hospital and DD was quite upset. Anyway once she was home she wanted to snuggle up with DD.
Sorry waffled a bit but cats and kids do get on. Kids just need to learn how to treat them and they learn by example so OP am sure your new baby will get on with your kitty who looks gorgeous.

[Kittyfrickle]

I wouldn't have a big dog around a baby. I got bit by one when I was little and I wouldn't risk it with my baby. They have a lot more strength than cats. I really want a dog but will wait until they are children. I've not even been around one whilst pregnant either in case they get too rough and knock me over or hurt me but maybe that's just me being paranoid. I love dogs don't get me wrong, i've just had bad experiences with them but have never had one with a cat

[Leavingsosoon]

Cats and babies are fine!

But DO be aware that if you choose to breastfeed, your cat may love you ...