Tips For Introducing Cats To Newborn Babies

January 29, 2016

by Natalie Secretan

Just because you’re expecting a baby doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your pets. Urban legend suggests that cats and babies don’t mix, that if you keep your cat, you’re risking the health of your baby. But it just isn’t so. With the proper preparation before baby arrives, you can guarantee that both family members can co-exist harmoniously. So before you rush poor old Felix off to the rescue shelter, check out the facts.

Toxoplasmosis

Probably one of the highest risk factors of being an expectant mother and cat caregiver is the possibility of your cat contracting toxoplasmosis and infecting your newborn. The solution – keep your cat indoors to prevent her from eating birds, mice and other small prey that carry this parasitic disease. It is also a good idea to delegate your partner to cleaning the kitty litter box to avoid risk of infection. It is recommended that this be done at least twice a day to be on the safe side.

Acclimatize Your Cat To Baby’s Arrival

It’s a fact that babies cry. This sound, together with other shrill baby noises, can be quite alarming to cats (and dogs). So try playing some recordings of baby noises to get your cat used to the new sounds that will soon become a normal part of their daily lives. YouTube is a great place to source out baby videos. Try playing them casually in the background with the volume set low, and gradually increase the volume over time as Felix gets more and more used to the new sounds.

Allow Your Cat To Explore The Nursery

Before baby arrives, you’ll be setting up the nursery, perhaps decorating and buying lots of new furniture. Your cat will naturally be curious of these changes and want to check them out. Once your cat has had a chance to explore and get used to the new set up, go to work and cat proof the room. For horizontal surfaces like the changing table, place some cardboard covered in double-sided sticky tape to deter your cat from jumping up or nestling on these surfaces. Cats are very finicky when it comes to getting anything sticky on their paws, so this is a simple and affordable solution.

To be extra safe, always keep the door of the nursery closed. If this is not possible, then invest in a crib tent to make sure Felix isn’t tempted to snuggle up to your baby when they’re sleeping.

Introduce New Baby Smells

Before baby arrives, it’s a good idea to get your cat used to baby’s new smell. You can apply baby lotion before playing with your cat so they develop a positive association with this new scent. When you bring baby home, place an article of their clothing where your cat can investigate and check it out before they get up close and personal. Introductions should be calm and relaxed, when the three of you can be alone to get to know one another. Cat and baby time should always be supervised.

Your cat will be used to a certain routine in your house. So if you are handing over some of your caregiving duties to your partner, make sure this new routine is established well before baby’s arrival. The transition should be a smooth one and not something that will stress out your cat.

Try not to neglect your cat after baby comes home. It’s inevitable that you’ll be busy and tired, but choose your moments carefully. When it’s time for baby’s nap, take the opportunity to play or snuggle with Felix so he feels just as loved as always. If all goes well, it won’t be long before your new baby and cat will be the best of pals, and you’ll wonder why you were so worried in the first place.

Source: http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/new-baby-cat-safety

Photo Credit: Quinn Dombrowski