I think that having a cat around teaches a child from jump at least a small bit of respect for other living creatures. My parents had cats when I was a baby and I think I'm better off for the experence. My kitties love kids, and are rather polite about letting a kid know when they get too rough. If they don't like something, they just go someplace else. Cats are pretty self managing that way lol.

Sigh, Im suprised that the old wives tale about cats is still around. Some people...