If you grew up in an Indian household, chances are you’ve heard at least one well-meaning relative gasp dramatically at the idea of a cat and a newborn under the same roof.
“Billi bacche ka saans le legi!” (The cat will steal the baby’s breath!)
“Billi nazar laga degi!” (The cat’s evil eye will harm the baby!)
“Billi cradle mein chadh jayegi!” (The cat will jump into the crib!)
Ah, the myths.
They’ve been around longer than our grandmothers’ achaar recipes.
But let me tell you—after raising two babies alongside our now 10-year-old cat, Bobi, I can confirm that the biggest danger he poses is aggressively demanding cuddles at inconvenient times.
The Day Bobi Chose Us
Bobi didn’t enter our lives in a conventional way.
He didn’t come from a shelter, nor did we pick him from a litter.
No, Bobi chose my husband.
One fine day, he just strutted into his bachelor pad, made himself comfortable, and decided, Yep, this is my human now.
My husband, being the soft-hearted (and slightly cat-whipped) man that he is, accepted his new role as Bobi’s personal butler.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward a few years, and along came our first baby.
I won’t lie—I did have a tiny flicker of worry.
- How would Bobi react?
- Would he be jealous?
- Would he attempt to sit on the baby’s face?
- Would we have to referee feline vs. infant showdowns?
Turns out, I needn’t have worried.
Bobi: The Unofficial Nanny
The moment we brought our baby home, Bobi transformed from our mischievous, attention-seeking furball into a full-fledged guardian.
He would sit by the crib, eyes half-closed, tail flicking, as if supervising every nap.
Every time the baby so much as stirred, Bobi would meow at me like a concerned parent.
Night feeds? He’d follow me to the rocking chair, plop down nearby, and stay put until I was done.
Diaper changes? Bobi would sit outside the door like a self-appointed security guard.
And when the baby finally started crawling, Bobi let himself be used as a fluffy speed bump—no complaints, just patient sighs.
By the time our second baby arrived, Bobi had already mastered his role.
He didn’t just tolerate the kids; he adored them.
But here’s the funny part—his love is selective.
While he’s attached and fiercely protective of our kids, he wants nothing to do with the grabby little neighborhood kids who chase him.
In true cat fashion, he’ll vanish like a ninja the second he senses trouble.
The Grass-Eating Enigma
Now, if you’ve been paying attention, you might be wondering—“Wait, did you say Bobi eats grass?”
Yes. Yes, he does.
While some cats eat grass to help with digestion, I sometimes wonder if Bobi’s diet has something to do with his deep connection to my babies.
Maybe he’s just a different kind of cat.
Maybe his love for kids is as rare as his love for leafy greens.
Either way, I’m convinced he’s part philosopher, part babysitter, and 100% family.
Busting the Myths
For those still clutching onto old-school fears about cats and babies, let me set the record straight:
- No, cats don’t steal a baby’s breath. They might be curious about the warm, milky smell of a newborn, but that’s about it.
- No, cats don’t bring bad luck. If anything, they bring an extra layer of love, purring companionship, and, let’s be honest, free entertainment.
- Yes, a cat might hop into the crib, but that’s just because it’s a cozy spot. A little training (or just keeping the door closed) fixes this issue.
Bobi, the Baby Whisperer
As Bobi approaches his 10th birthday, he remains a steady, loving presence in our home.
He’s seen us through sleepless nights, first steps, tantrums, and giggles.
He’s been the silent support through the chaos, the unspoken comfort in times of stress.
So, to all the parents who wonder if they can raise a baby with a cat—yes, you can.
And if you’re lucky, like us, your cat might just end up being your child’s first best friend.
Just maybe don’t expect them to babysit. (Unless you’re okay with nap time lasting three hours.)
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