Article about Cats and Babies

Getting Cats and Babies to Coexist
There are many untruths surrounding cats and newborn babies. Stories about cats harming infants are usually exaggerated and based on ignorance. Shelters are often asked to take in the family cat because a new baby has arrived and the parents worry about the risk the cat poses to the child. However, future parents can educate themselves and learn how best to help their cats and newborns coexist.

While your cat may be curious about the new baby, he's more likely to be frightened the first few times he hears the baby cry and try to run under the nearest chair. In fact until your cat gets used to the baby, he will probably want little to do with the newest family member.

To help your felines adjust to the strange sights, smells, and sounds of the new arrival, let them get involved before the baby arrives. Let the cats check out the nursery during supervised visits. Have someone bring home a baby blanket or item of clothing with the new baby's scent before you return from the hospital so the cats can become accustomed to the scent. Upon arriving home, let someone else hold the newborn so you can greet your cat and give him some affection.

Bringing the New Born Home
Before the baby arrives, it's recommended that you take your cat to the veterinarian. You should make sure that he is up-to-date on his vaccinations and has a routine examination. It's also recommended that you have your cat fixed if he hasn't already been. Fixed pets have fewer health problems and are less likely to bite. Behavioral problems such as anxiety should also be addressed before the baby is born.

Though much depends on the personality of the particular cat, your cat may feel left out and a bit displaced once your bring the baby home. You will no doubt have less time to play with the cat and meet his needs. Try to set aside an hour or so each day to spend with your cat. While you play with the cat introduce him to items of clothes and diapers that have the baby's scent on them. The cat will be very curious at first at these new odors. Once you have set up the nursery allow the cat to sniff out all the new furniture and supplies. If you can, invite some other small children in to play in the room while the cat is present. If you have purchased battery operated toys play them for the cat. As you do all this, give the cat food treats in the nursery. Remember not to change the cat's litter box while you are pregnant.

Cats and Cribs
Start teaching your cat not to get inside the crib. You may let him sniff the crib. It is a good idea to let him investigate the nursery before making it out-of-bounds. The command “Leave it!” means “Stop whatever you are doing and look at me!” This command is to be used when the cat gets too excited with the baby. If command is ignored, the cat should be removed from the situation. Keep in mind, too, to give a lot of praise and attention for good or calm behavior.

You can also purchase a net to put over the crib so the cat can't sleep with the baby. This enables the cat to see and smell the baby and not feel entirely left out, but he can't get into the crib.

There is an urban legend that cats suck the breath out of baby's. This is obviously untrue. If your cat is found close to the baby's head it's more likely because your cat is seeking some warmth.

Try to arrange as much supervised time as possible with yourselves, the new baby and your pet. Your cat should get a lot of positive attention during these periods but should be required to obey the new rules.

If you have a nursery with a solid door that can be closed, it is advised that you have a baby monitor installed so you can keep the cat out of the room when necessary while still keeping tabs on your infant. For people without a separate room for a nursery or who don't have a door to close, tight fitting mosquito netting can be used over the bassinet or crib.

Keep the baby's food and medicines in separate places from the cat's. Bottles and packaging can look remarkably similar.

Be vigilant about keeping the litterbox clean and accessible to the cat. Install a cat door or baby gate in the room where the litterbox is kept. This allows easy access for the cat while assuring that baby's first sand castle will be at the beach and not in the cat box. Make sure there are various places in each room that the cat is allowed to jump up on or crawl under. To you, it may be a window sill, the top of the refrigerator, the back of a closet, or a carpet covered shelf to your cat, it's a sanctuary. Your cat will need places and time away from all the excitement just like you will.

If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, create an outdoor enclosure for him rather than letting him run free. Since most cats become carriers of toxoplasmosis by killing and eating live prey (mice, etc.) their risk of exposure will be greatly reduced. In addition, your cat will have a longer, healthier life.

The most common disease that cats can transmit to humans is not really a disease at all but a fungus commonly called ringworm. It is most frequently seen in stray, feral and outdoor cats and appears to be more common in tropical and temperate climates. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities in skin or coat, whether you are expecting a child or not.

When your infant becomes mobile in a wheeled toddler's chair your cat will have to learn the art of self-defense. Usually they find an inaccessible place to relax – on the dryer or bookcase or under the bed. This is fine. It also helps to place an infant gate across one quiet room. Also use that room for the cat's litter box. The cat will quickly learn to jump over it. If your cat has no sanctuaries from the child, it will have to learn to be poked and pulled and carried around.

Finally, please note that not all cats love babies. Do not be surprised if your cat goes into hiding after the baby arrives. Some cats simply ignore the baby. In both cases, allow the cat time to realize that everything's all right. Do not try to pull your cat out of hiding or force a relationship that the cat or the baby isn't ready for. No matter what your cat's reaction is, however, find time every day to spend with the cat alone. It may be as little as five minutes of quiet talk or a grooming session. There are always adjustments to be made when a family grows. Just don't forget that your pet is part of that family too.

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