Introducing a kids immune system to a cat has so far done no harm to me or my family.
Pregnant women can have problems, but they're very rare.
Observe your own cleanliness regime.
The cats will observe theirs.
And don't let be getting too precious about cat contact.
We're rapidly becoming a species with immune problems from being too "clean".
Remember - all animals which can lick their butts do so - dogs are the worst of all - they lick *everything*.
Yet when was the last time you saw someone having caniptions when a dog expressed its slobbery affection.
One thing with small kids is that they need to become aware of a cats moods and you need to teach them to sense these.
Otherwise they can get scratched if they don't back off when the cate tells them too, usually be swishing its tail.
Don't allow babies near cats - cats tend to react badly to having their fur, ears and/or tails pulled.
Also be wary of scratching the tummy of an unknown cat.
Most cats adore this from a known human, but many are wary if they don't know you.
This can result in them swiftly changing from stretching luxuriously to leaping up with back arched, spitting and hissing.
Even with a known cat and a known human you can sometimes see the cat go into mouse-killing mode.
This is where they hug the humans hand like a mouse and pummel it with their hind paws.
Cats are warm blooded animals and express affection.
Most times this is done by rubbing their cheeks against you and scenting you are THEIR human.
Be wary of love nips.
Some cats can get VERY affectionate and give you love nips.
These can be sore to an adult but they can give a child a nasty fright.
Cats "knead" humans to express pleasure just as kittens knead their mothers to produce milk.
In both cases the claws are extended, which can try the staunchest male tummy or chest but seldom draws blood.
And yes, when they settle on you and are VERY happy and purring like a sewing machine their noses can run.
(sigh)
I miss my cats.
ONQ.