One of the biggest myths about cats is that they will jump in your baby's crib and suffocate them. As a vet, I frequently get asked about this. No, no, they won't jump in the crib, in fact, most cats are scared of the moving, breathing object inside the large, crate-resembling object. I knew that my three dogs would instantly love her, protect her and fight to be next to her. Little did I know that it would be one of my cats that would be the one to fall madly in love with Elliott the most.
Afton, the kitty pictured, was my first "child." She was adopted from a "no-kill" shelter in Montgomery County when I first got into vet school. She was there through it all: exams, new boyfriend and eventual husband, Spencer, new pets (McKinley, Milla, Jackson and finally Monti) and she has been my rock. I should have known that she would be the one to love my first human baby the most.
Now you can clearly see that every time the baby is awake, my dilute tortoise shell feline is right beside her. If I'm nursing the baby in the glider, Afton is on the arm, waiting to be petted. Elliott is often lulled to sleep by Afton's ridiculously loud purrs. Regardless if the dogs are around, Afton will get right next to Elliott on her quilt in the middle of the sun room. If I bring Elliott into our bedroom, Afton sprints into the room to see where she's going to be. It is amazing and so wonderful to see this interaction between baby and cat as a mother and as a veterinarian.
It is true that animals can sense things about babies and infants and now I am a true believer. I always had a vision that the dogs would be sleeping on the floor beside the crib (and they do on occasion) but my cat? It warms my heart and reaffirms why I love being a medical caregiver of such wonderful creatures.
And don't be surprised if Elliott's first word is "kitty." You can see why I think so.....
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