December 22, 2005

Any conscientious pet owner and new parents understand the concern over how to have the two species co-exist.

There are a few options for you. First, be sure you begin to make changes while you’re pregnant instead of afterward. Don’t let the first time you shut the door to keep the kitty out of the nursery be when you bring baby home from the hospital. It will only breed resentment – and probably a lot of scratching at the door. If there will be changes to what is acceptable for the cats, make those adjustments now and make them slowly. That way, your cat doesn’t feel left out or pushed out of the way.

Definitely bring home something with the baby’s scent before you bring the baby home. Be aware, though, that cats, unlike dogs, may not care to sniff the baby’s blanket or hat. Never fear; your pet and baby will get enough of each other’s scent later. You shouldn’t expect too much of your cat, though. To think the cat will never crawl into that nice, comfy crib to sleep or try to curl up in the baby’s swing is expecting too much.

Cat lovers know all too well that one of the joys of owning a cat is that they are independent creatures. Unlike dogs, cats don’t heed people’s commands if they don’t want to; it isn’t in their nature. So just as you will remove breakables from a crawling baby’s reach, remove the temptations for the kitties, too. Invest in a crib net to keep cats out. Pay close attention to places where the cats sleep and be prepared to move them continually out of the baby’s playthings. Be sure to wash any of your baby’s items, especially clothing or other soft materials, that attract too much kitty fur.

You should expect to watch your cats and teach them how to behave with the baby – or to clean up behind them. Don’t overreact when the cats are on your baby’s things or circle the little one. Watch closely to make sure there’s no harm, and feel free to step in at the first sign that your cat may not like the baby. Just don’t panic. Both the newborn and the cat will sense your mood and act accordingly. Your cats may have different responses than you’d expected, so don’t leave the baby alone with the cat you thought would adore the new addition. They should be supervised closely, at least at first.

Finally, have an open policy between the cat and the baby. Since they will be playmates in the years to come, allow them time to get to know each other. Cats who hiss at babies do so out of fear. Think about it. Baby is about the same size as the cat but much more unpredictable. Their wailing cries and flailing limbs are terrifying from a cat’s dignified point of view. Hold the baby and let your cat get close. Don’t push the relationship but encourage it to grow. In a few weeks or months, your cats will adjust to the intruder, and you will all become one happy family.