Introduction
Up to 39% of pregnant women have a pet cat, according to a 2016 study by Weng et al. published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740943/). Cats jumping on pregnant bellies is a common occurrence that may cause some women concern. In this article, we will explore whether cats can pose any risks to pregnant women and their developing babies when jumping on their bellies. Understanding the facts can help pregnant cat owners find the right balance between safely interacting with their furry companions while also protecting their pregnancy.
Cats Jumping Explained
Cats are natural jumpers and like to leap up on surfaces for several reasons. First, jumping allows them to survey their territory from an elevated perspective. Cats have excellent vision and jumping up high gives them a better vantage point [1]. Second, cats scratch and mark their territory when jumping, helping them feel more secure [2]. Third, cats are playful by nature and enjoy pouncing and jumping during play. It exercises their muscles and satisfies their predatory instincts [3].
The force exerted by a jumping cat depends on the cat’s size and athleticism. On average, a 10 pound cat landing from a 5 foot height exerts about 200 pounds of force [1,2]. However, larger or more athletic cats can exert over 500 pounds of force from a high jump. So cat jumps can potentially be quite forceful, especially from greater heights.
Potential Concerns
There are some potential concerns when a cat jumps on a pregnant belly, including:
Damage to the placenta – The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby. While unlikely, a cat jumping with significant force could potentially disrupt the placenta, especially later in pregnancy when it is lower in the uterus.[1] However, the baby is well-protected by the amniotic fluid and uterus.
Premature rupture of membranes – The amniotic sac contains amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects the developing baby. A forceful jump could potentially rupture the sac. However, this risk is low and the fluid provides cushioning.[2]
Preterm labor – The pressure or impact of a cat landing forcefully on the belly may theoretically trigger preterm labor contractions by releasing prostaglandins. However, there is minimal evidence linking minor physical impacts to preterm birth.[3]
Likelihood of Harm
The likelihood of a cat causing harm by jumping on a pregnant belly is generally low, especially in a normal, healthy pregnancy. According to DrWeil.com (https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/pets-pet-care/are-cats-a-threat-to-pregnancy/), cats pose little danger unless they weigh over 22 pounds. Additionally, the force of impact matters. A light hop or gentle walk across the belly is not risky, while a forceful jump directly on the abdomen could potentially lead to issues.
However, in most cases there is minimal cause for concern, especially in the second and third trimester when the uterus is more protected. The chances of miscarriage or harm to the baby from a cat are extremely small for a normal pregnancy. With proper care and precautions, pregnant women can safely keep cats in the home.
Precautions
While a cat walking or jumping on a pregnant belly is unlikely to cause any harm, there are some reasonable precautions pregnant women can take. The main goal is discouraging cats from being on or jumping up onto lap, bed, and nursery furniture during pregnancy.
One tip is to use cushions, boxes, or other distractions on your lap or chairs where the cat would normally jump up. This can redirect them to an alternative location. Pet experts also suggest keeping cats off beds and other nursery furniture like cribs or changing tables before baby arrives. This helps set the expectation that these are not areas for the cat to be.
Using a water spray bottle or making a loud noise can startle cats away when they try jumping up where you don’t want them. Just be sure not to spray the cat’s face. Pregnant women should also avoid picking up cats to avoid injury.
Cat owners can provide plenty of enrichment toys and designated cat furniture like towers and perches to deter interest in off-limit areas. This gives them appropriate outlets for their natural jumping, climbing, and scratching instincts.
Alternate Explanations
While a cat jumping on the belly may seem concerning for pregnancy complications like preterm labor, it’s important to remember correlation does not equal causation. There are many potential causes of preterm labor and birth that are unrelated to external factors like pets.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, some of the most common risk factors for preterm labor include1:
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Certain vaginal infections
- Chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use
- Physical injury or trauma
- Stress
- Short time period between pregnancies
- Pregnancy with multiples like twins or triplets
Additionally, previous preterm births or pregnancy loss like miscarriage can increase a woman’s risk for subsequent preterm labor2. So if complications arise during a pregnancy where a cat has jumped on the belly, it’s important not to assume causation without considering these other potential factors.
The takeaway is that while external factors may raise concerns, preterm labor often results from internal health factors, genetics, or prior pregnancy history. Jumping cats are unlikely to be the sole or direct cause of complications.
When to Seek Help
Though most cat interactions during pregnancy are harmless, there are some warning signs that warrant prompt medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms like vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage are considered urgent maternal warning signs that require immediate evaluation by a doctor.
The CDC also advises pregnant women to watch for severe pain in the abdomen that persists and does not go away. Other concerning symptoms include dizziness, headache, blurry vision, racing pulse, nausea/vomiting, and fever or chills. If you experience any of these symptoms in conjunction with a cat jumping on your belly, contact your obstetrician right away.
As the pregnancy experts at BSW Health explain, abdominal pain can sometimes be an early sign of preterm labor or other complications. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and get checked out if you have any doubts.
Reassessing Cat Interactions
After the mother gives birth, it’s normal for her to be protective of her kittens and wary of other cats, including cats she previously lived harmoniously with. According to experts, it’s important not to blame the mother cat or think she’s rejecting the other cats in the home. Her behavior is natural as she focuses on the care of her newborn kittens.
Set up barriers like baby gates so the mother and kittens can have their own space but the mother cat can still see and smell the other cats in the home. This allows them to become familiar with each other again in a gradual way. You can swap blankets or toys between areas so the cats relearn each other’s scents.
After several weeks, when the kittens are older and more independent, you can start allowing supervised interactions between the cats. Make sure the mother cat has an escape route if she feels overwhelmed. With patience and by respecting the mother’s signals, the cats can eventually return to their normal routines and relationships. Don’t force interactions too quickly as that can cause more stress.
According to animal experts, it’s crucial not to punish or scold the mother cat for her changed behavior. She is simply responding instinctively to protect her young. With time, consistency and positive reinforcement, regular interactions between her and other pets can resume once the kittens mature. For advice tailored to your specific situation, consult your veterinarian.
Expert Advice
Obstetricians provide reassurance that indoor cats pose minimal risks to pregnant women. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), indoor cats are unlikely to transmit toxoplasmosis as long as litter boxes are cleaned daily (ACOG). The main prevention measure is to avoid touching or ingesting cat feces, especially when cleaning litter boxes. Obstetricians recommend pregnant women avoid this task if possible.
Veterinarians advise taking basic precautions like washing hands after petting cats and keeping cats indoors. According to WebMD, vets emphasize there is no need to get rid of cats or avoid contact during pregnancy as long as litter boxes are cleaned regularly by someone other than the pregnant woman (WebMD). Vets suggest wearing gloves when gardening to avoid potential toxoplasmosis exposure from outdoor cats.
Overall, experts agree indoor cats present minimal risk during pregnancy with basic precautions. The key is avoiding direct contact with cat feces, especially when cleaning litter boxes. With simple steps, pregnant women can safely keep feline companions.
The Takeaway
The chances of a cat’s jumping causing harm to a pregnancy are generally low. Cats are agile by nature and their movements alone are unlikely to impact the fetus. However, as a precaution, it can be wise to limit opportunities for your cat to jump onto or put pressure on your belly, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.
While concerning symptoms are rare, it’s important to be aware of potential warning signs like abdominal pain, bleeding, or fluid leakage that warrant prompt medical attention. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any worries related to your cat’s interactions during pregnancy. With some added awareness and care, both you and your furry friend can have a safe, healthy experience awaiting the new arrival!