In response to everyone on this matter the I believe the reason that the myth came about was because yes, cats like warm places, but even more so, they like milk. Now if you have an infant, who’s breath reeks of the stuff, you will definately have a cat who will climb up there on top of baby to try to get some leftovers out of baby’s mouth. thus making it appear as if the cat is trying to suck the breath out of the baby. I am pretty sure that this is where the old wive’s tale came from…
Stephmcu
What’s the origin of the myth that cats can suck the breath out of babies? (17-Aug-1990)
I like the story of El-Broosha better! Or the idea that cats like warm places to sleep on. (For example car hoods, because I’ve seen cats do that.) I’ve never noticed that a baby’s breath smells particularly of milk, usually that smell is overwhelmed by other ones. Any parents in the audience?
Okay I am more than confident that cats like milk and warm places. But come on, for it to be an old wive’s tale someone has to believe it. And who would believe that little Fluffy could suck the breath out of a baby. Now if the cats jumped up onto the baby and killed and then proceeded to lick it’s face I supposed it would look convincing to someone. So my final thought on the subject is that if you can prove that a cat can kill a baby by drinking the milk out of it’s mouth I’ll by that story but for now I think that the warm places theory is probably better. And what’s up with this other guy’s theory?? Sorry I didn’t see Myths About Cats Part 1 or 2…I’ll look later.
–Michael
Or would you rather talk about monkeys?
I didn’t say that the cat killed a baby by doing this, just that this is where the myth came from. but like the guy said keep the cats out of baby’s bedroom—steph
Monkeys???what’s this about monkeys?Do you want me to pet yours?
Steph
Well no. I think it’s better if you just stay away from my monkey pet or not. And yes keeping the baby out of the bedroom is probably one of the best ideas. And all I’m saying is that if you are going to think that a baby’s getting it’s breath sucked out by a cat I’d imagine to believe that you’d have to see the baby die with the cat nearby. Or maybe not. I don’t know…I’m under the idea that anyone who makes up stories the way these old wives (I guess since it’s their tales??) did would have to be pretty stupid anyways. (?) Who are the old wives anyways? Okay now I’m really confused so just leave me alone.
–Michael
Or would you rather talk about monkeys?
Yeah, don’t let the baby in the bedroom, that’s where the cat stays! 