Are you expecting a baby and worried about how your pet will behave when you bring your new baby home? Cats, as a species, are territorial. They’re not comfortable with the sudden changes that occur and a new addition can trigger unpleasant behaviors. However, the good news is that if you plan your cat in advance it will lessen the stress on your cat and help make the transition go more smoothly.
How to Prepare Your Cat Before the Baby’s Born
Cats and babies can live in peace, particularly in the event that you perform a bit of pre-planning prior to the arrival of your child. Cats tend to be creatures of routine. They prefer consistency and any shift in routines will cause them to be upset initially. When your kitten arrives make sure you take some actions to assist your pet to manage the transition. 1
1. Put Things at Your Cat’s Eye Level
Set some of the baby’s toys and toys (diaper bottles, wipes, diapers, and so on.) on the floor next to your cat’s bowl of food. This way, she’ll be able to observe these things at her own level.
2. Introduce new scents and sounds in the Home early
Apply baby lotions or lotions for your hands to ensure that your cat will be accustomed to the scent. If you have blankets from the place where your baby is born, take them back to your home as soon as possible so that your cat is comfortable with its scent.
It is also possible to play with baby sounds and other noises at different times during each day in order to assist your dog to become used to the sudden shift, too.
3. Change the Routine Early
Choose before your baby’s arrival the extent to which you’ll allow your cat in the baby’s bedroom or what types of surfaces (changing tables, crib mattresses, rocking chairs, etc.) are off-limits. The enforcement process should begin weeks before the time.
If you’re the cat’s primary caretaker and you’re aware that you won’t be able to be as attentive to her after the baby’s arrival begin to shift certain aspects of the care to someone else in the family a few months prior to the birth of the baby. In this way, your cat will be accustomed to having an individual in the household and won’t be frightened by the demands of the infant.
4. Use a Calming Diffuser
About a week prior to when the child is due to arrive, install a Comfort Zone Diffuser that is calm within your home’s principal living area. The diffuser is used for up to four weeks and can help your cat adapt to a change in surroundings. The diffusers simulate a feline’s natural scents that let her know it’s all fine.
Instead of a diffuser for calming you could consider the Comfort Zone Calming Collar. This provides the same soothing effect as the diffuser but the collar can help keep your cat at ease wherever you go.
What to Do When the Baby Comes Home
After the baby’s birth take home a blanket or onesie that bears your daughter or son’s scent of the birth so that your cat can become accustomed to the baby’s scent in case you weren’t capable of doing that before. Although a new addition is likely to alter your schedule at home, you should try to maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and cleaning the litter box times. It isn’t a good idea to leave your cat feeling lonely or isolated. A consistent schedule will help him feel more comfortable and secure, which means less stress with the new addition to your family.
Also, you must ensure that you keep your kitten out of the baby’s space and allow your cat and baby only when you are able to supervise. Inexperienced time with your pet can pose certain risks you’d like to stay clear of. Cats are affixed to each other to warm themselves You do not want your cat to be with your sleepy baby and it disrupts babies breathing. 2You also do not want your child to become exuberant and push your cat or scare him or provoking your cat to scratch your child.
Be sure that your cat has its own particular space in your home, whether it’s where the food and water bowls are, his litter box, or a cozy and soft place to sleep like the mattress. You can take him there in times of stress from the constant changes happening in the house. You must ensure that he can get that space for him.
Adopting a cat as an infant requires a lot of planning and patience. If you are able to prepare your pet for new scents and sounds prior to the time the cat will be able to adjust quickly. As your child develops throughout the years, both your cat and child may become close friends.
