The Marin Humane Society often gets questions about how to manage an
existing cat and new baby together. First, it's important to lay the
groundwork carefully.
The body language of "Boots," your cat, will tell you how involved
he wants to be with the new baby. Like dogs and people, cats need
time to adjust to change. Too much change too fast can have some
cats reacting by not using their litter box properly. But here are
some steps to help you and your cat through this period of
adjustment.
Before the baby arrives, let Boots explore the baby's room and all
the new items that are coming into the house. Being there while he
explores will help ease the transition. Give your cat reassuring
strokes and talk in a calm voice. Add treats into the mix and your
cat might even find it fun!
After the baby arrives, everyone's schedule will be in flux. Your
cat relies on you to create a loving and predictable home, and
predictability to a cat means safety. Often, a family can feel
stretched or overwhelmed with a new baby in the home and the pets
fall by the wayside.
Keeping your cat's feeding schedule the same and having regular play
times will ensure that your cat feels loved and a member of the
family. Let Boots sniff around andplay with you during TV time,
reassuring him of your relationship with him.
There is an old superstition about cats sucking the breath out of
the baby. Don't worry ... it's not true! However, what is true is
that your cat probably has a talent for finding the softest, warmest
spot in your house. And you have worked hard to make the baby's crib
soft and warm. You should prevent cats from snuggling with babies
and sleeping in the crib.
Manage your cat's curiosity by keeping the door to the baby's room
closed and only letting the cat explore the room while you are in
it. Entice your cat to find warmth and comfort elsewhere by setting
up comfortable cat beds in the house.
Take slow steps when introducing a baby or child to a cat. Give your
cat time to process all that is going on. When the baby begins to
explore his or her surroundings by crawling around, start by letting
the cat watch from afar.
Animals consider being stared at a threat, so it's not a good idea
to let the cat come directly face to face with your child. Offer
your cat the baby's blanket to smell, then the baby's foot - never
the face. Go slowly.
When it comes time to allow your child to interact directly with
your cat or kitten, again, adult supervision is necessary. A child's
quick movements can trigger a cat to strike out in defense.
The adult should set an example by speaking softly to the cat and
slowly and briefly stroking the cat near the shoulders. Then, give
the child and cat time to process this new experience and let Boots
run away if he wants to. He will come back for another visit when
he's ready. Often, adult cats will sit back and watch a child until
they feel comfortable.
Remember, keeping your cat a part of the family will help him adjust
to change and keep him from marking or not using the litter box
properly.
Original article:
www.marinij.com
