What's the origin of the myth that cats can suck the breath out of babies?

Comments on Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports
#1

What I have been told about the cats taking a baby’s breath away is that a cats like milk, and is attracted by the scent of milk on the baby’s breath. When you lightly blow around a newborn’s mouth and nose, the child will gasp for breath (If you try this, remember that only you are accountable for your own actions, and be gentle).

I hypothesize that with a cat’s lactic attraction to a baby’s milky mouth, the exhaling of the cat while sniffing for milk may cause the child to gasp for air- or cause an asthmatic response due to allergic reaction. Shaunn

The Curious One

CKDextHavn adds: CKDextHavn posted 09-06-1999 07:22 AM CT (US)
Here’s the link to what Cecil said in his column on this topic: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_081.html
[Note: This message has been edited by JillGat]
[Note: This message has been edited by JillGat]

#2

I can tell you the answer I came up with. Cats like warm, comfy things. And what is warmer and more comfy than a bundled up baby?

I found my cat was driving me nuts sleeping on the back of the couch, back of the chair, on my be etc. and leaving her hair.

I went to a garage sale and bought a bunch of baby blankets. No matter where I put this blanket; on the couch, on the back of the sofa, or on the floor, that was where the cat slept. Then instead of having hair everywhere I only had it on the baby blanket which was easy to clean.

#3

Another post from CkDextHavn… I accidentally moved it to a place where it wouldn’t make sense, so I’m putting it back. So sue me.

CKDextHavn: Marxxx, it’s usually helpful to read what Cecil had to say before posting comments. That way you won’t need to repeat what Cecil said as “what you came up with.”

#4

I am very aware that Cecil has already commented on this subject, I just provided new insite to the topic. Besides, how do you reply to comment on subjects within the “Classics” section?

The Curious One

#5

[[I am very aware that Cecil has already commented on this subject, I just provided new insite to the topic. Besides, how do you reply to comment on subjects within the “Classics” section?]]

This is the appropriate message board to do that. And add a link to the column.

#6

There is also the theory that the notion comes from or was at least enforced by the problem of sleep apnea. People experiencing sleep apnea often have vivid impressions of having their chests or faces sat on by cretures ranging from horses and succubi to cats and children.

#7

You mean it’s NOT succubi?
Damn.

#8

As neither the orginator of this thread, but just a responder I was unaware that what Cecil said was what I came up with. As a moderator or administrator I suggest that you rise above small shots. If the mods and admins can’t adhere to this policy it is no wonder the members can’t.