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Franny's Cats Blog

By Franny Syufy, About.com Guide to Cats since 1997

Dilemma: Baby OR Cats?

Monday August 25, 2003
Did you grow up with the old-school understanding that you should have to get rid of your cat (or dog) before your baby is born to reduce the chances of childhood allergies? Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About Guide to Pediatrics, helps to dispel that myth with his article, Pets and Allergies in Children.

He says, "A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association put that risk in doubt. The study, Exposure to dogs and cats in the first year of life and risk of allergic sensitization at 6 to 7 years of age1, concluded that having two or more dogs or cats around during the first year of life actually decreased a child's chances of developing allergies." For more information on pregnancy, allergies, and cats, see these resources:
  • Expecting? You do Not Have to Get Rid of Your Cat!
  • How to Live with Allergies and Cats
  • Allergic to Cats
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