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new baby and cat
Can you guys recommend some websites, blogs, or books on the topic of preparing a cat for a new baby in the house? It looks like your FAQ page is mostly for dogs.
If you want more info, here it is: I don't have a cat, so am hoping you guys can point me to some helpful resources. I have a friend who has a 4 year old, friendly, playful cat. She is expecting a baby this fall and worried about how the cat will react to the baby. Currently the cat sleeps with them in their bed (and apparently will swat or nip them if it wants to play). They are moving to a bigger house and she was talking about not letting the cat into their bedroom in the new house.
This sounds on the mean side to me, and I'd think moving plus having to learn to sleep alone would be pretty stressful for a cat. But like I said, I don't have cats, so don't really know that much about them... What do you guys think?
TIA
Re: new baby and cat
I don't have a cat either, but from what I hear from other cat owners, once the baby comes home, the cat wants nothing to do with the baby.
And if all she's saying is that she won't let the cat sleep in the bedroom, well, I can't flame that. At least she's keeping the cat.
But, there is some helpful info in this e-booklet (it's free to view, print, etc.)
American Humane's Pet Meets Baby
We have cats but no baby. We frequently have babies over and they mostly avoid them...they're too loud, mobile, their movements are jerky. Our one likes them but the other two stay away.
For the infant stage, I would still play the sounds of babies crying for them, get the baby gear in the house and let the cat get used to it. I don't think keeping him out of the bedroom in a new environment is horrible as long as they give him activities and a comfy place to sleep.
For once the baby is there, I would probably keep a feliway diffuser in mind and make sure the cat has a safe spot, like a spare bedroom with a cat tree, cat bed, etc. that is his where he can go when he wants to relax and feel safe.
For toddlers, I would keep an area babygated or make sure there is a cat tree where the cat can always get away from grabby toddler hands.