Hellobee Boards

Plenty of people have both cats and babies! The pregnancy precaution is for toxoplasmosis, which can be dangerous to come down with during pregnancy. Basically, pregnant ladies should not clean the litter box (it's a job you can give to your partner during pregnancy). But pregnant ladies and babies can coexist just fine with a healthy cat up to date on his/her shots.

Since you just got her, keep the cat quarantined from your dogs (which it sounds like you're doing), and don't pick her up for as many snuggles until she's vaccinated against rabies (less picking up = less chance to get bitten). Call your vet ASAP and schedule her to have a basic checkup, shots (most cats need an initial FVRCP series and a rabies vaccine at the very least- you don't know her vaccine history, so it's best to assume she's had none), and to talk about spaying (or neutering- I've been assuming girl, but maybe this is a boy?). A spayed/neutered cat is much easier to get along with (no going into "heat" for females, less chance of spraying urine for males, less stinky urine for males, and either sex tends to live longer), so it's a good idea to look into. You can also ask them to scan her for a microchip and get one if you intend to keep her and she doesn't have one.

Other than that, cats are basically like dogs but easier in some ways. Sure you have the litterbox, and they're smaller so they can get into a little more, but you don't have to walk them and many cats keep to themselves pretty well much of the time. You can train cats to not jump on things (maybe start once you've done the vet care and give kitty time to adjust), and you can also just close doors to keep them out of rooms where you don't want them. Good luck!

You're definitely doing the right thing by taking it to the vet first. They make even have some suggestions of foster homes or other solutions besides a shelter if you don't end up keeping it.

If you do keep it...we have two cats and they've been perfectly fine with our LO - he's 3.5 months old. The biggest problem we have had with them is they're not getting as much attention as they were used to so they have eaten through a few cords (like my phone charger cord) and do other annoying stuff like knock over their food bowls. We've been trying to get better with cuddling with them more so they are basically back to them normal selves. Our cats are definitely lap cats, though, so you may not have to worry about the attention thing if this cat's personality is more independent. Thankfully we never had any marking issues with them or I think my husband would have had it!

As a crazy cat lady I thought I should weigh in. I would for sure take it to the vet but don't feel bad if it is too sick to take care of. Do not feel guilty! Make sure the cat eats enough and if it is a kitten go get some kitten formula from the grocery store. Good luck!!!