My wife and I have talked of adopting a dog for a while. Following the untimely passing of one of our cats, this is more feasible, and could help console us. But we have questions for adopting a dog in our desert climate, and on dogs coming into a family with a baby, and a cat. And we're concerned about being good owners, as our time at home is limited during the week. Also, we're discussing what a good age range for an adoptable dog would be. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on May 3, 2013 - 31 answers

We have an annoying cat. Now we're also having a baby. Suddenly things feel complicated. Please help me sort out what's just my hormones, what are real concerns, and what's fair to the cat. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 26, 2012 - 37 answers

Introducing a very stupid and quirky cat to another cat, a baby, or possibly both. Bad idea, or worst idea ever? [more inside]
posted by saladin on Feb 13, 2012 - 11 answers

My 2 cats (who up to this point have been nothing but adorable love monkeys wrapped in fur) viciously attacked me last night. I have never seen anything like it and it's making me wonder whether I can continue to keep them. But I love them! (Or at least I have for the past 6 years...) What do I do? [more inside]
posted by ohyouknow on Jul 1, 2011 - 20 answers

Cats, fleas, prevention, difficulty +11 weeks pregnant. How do I keep the fleas away but not endanger my wife (or future child)? [more inside]
posted by Towelie on Jun 7, 2011 - 21 answers

The pediatrician says my two-week-old baby has a potential eye infection-- her left eye isn't draining properly yet. The pediatrician prescribed erythromycin ointment. Coincidentally, about three weeks ago, our cat was prescribed erythromycin for her eye infection, which is now long cleared. I still have about four-fifths of a tube. Is there any reason that I shouldn't use the cat's ointment on the baby? It seems like a waste to open another tube of the stuff.
posted by Mayor Curley on Dec 2, 2008 - 34 answers

How do we deal with a cat with behavioral problems? It seems the youngest (2 years old) of our three cats is jealous of our 4 month old baby and my wife. I brought this cat into our relationship with her two other cats. The cats after an initial power struggle get along for the most part..... [more inside]
posted by TwilightKid on Feb 4, 2008 - 21 answers

My first son should be born any day now. I am concerned about his peaceful coexistence with my cat. [more inside]
posted by signal on Sep 6, 2007 - 23 answers

My wife and I will have our first kid in June. Our cat is a sweet, lovable, completely insane little pain-in-the-butt. He loves snuggling up to both of us, especially when my wife naps, but he's not allowed to sleep with us. But now we have to think about Baby Kickstart. [more inside]
posted by Kickstart70 on Mar 20, 2006 - 28 answers

Ugh, this is driving me CRAZY. Any idea where I can find that awesome video of the declawed cat attacking the baby (with the drumbeat soundtrack)? I wish ask.metafilter included giving readers cupcakes for their answers.
posted by hautenegro on May 12, 2005 - 8 answers