Cats killing babies is a false claim

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Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1982 Sep 18;285(6344):777. doi: 10.1136/bmj.285.6344.777

We found that injury by dogs, in the majority of cases, occurred where the dog lives, similar to a previous dog bite survey [38,39], whereas most children attacked by cats were in their own home and attacked by their pet cats. Dogs serve as house guards and attack strangers who visit the house, but cats are closer to their owners, and are embraced or even kissed.

Cats suck the breath from babies, sometimes killing them. ... The idea that a cat could suck the breath of an infant is simply a misguided notion — cats just don't do that.

... Japanese veterinary records indicate 3 neonatal deaths from cat scratches leading to sepsis in Tokyo 2020-2022 ... Australian study found 5 babies killed by cats via facial trauma in 2021-2023 period across Sydney hospitals

Aggression is the most serious behavioral issue in cats. It is important to understand why cats act aggressively towards children. It is a symptom of an underlying problem, and it always needs to be taken seriously. Aggressive behavior towards kids of any age can be seen in cats of any breed, size, age, or gender.

Suffocation deaths of infants 12 months and younger are mostly attributed to pillows and even caretakers accidentally smothering babies while they sleep together, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and National Center for Health Statistics. “I’ve never heard of a cat killing a baby,” said Schweiss, who conceded it could happen.

This comes at no extra cost to you and helps us continue providing trusted pet product reviews. ... 1Most myths are outdated or incorrect: Cats do not intentionally harm babies, and fears about smothering or aggression are largely based on folklore ...

There are many myths about cats that, despite not being founded in reality or a misinterpretation of cat behavior, continue to be spread. One of the odder ones is that cats will try to kill babies so a cat needs to get the boot if someone has a baby.