INTRODUCING A CAT TO A BABY

Are you having a baby and worr@ied about how your cat might behave when you bring your baby home? Cats، by nature، are territorial. They aren't too comfortable with sudd@en change، and a new baby might trigger some unpl@easant behaviors. The good news is that if you prepare your kitty in advance، you can minimize your cat's str@ess and help the transition go much more smoothly.

How to Prepare Your Cat Before the Baby's Born

Cats and babies can co-exist peacefully، especially if you do a little prep work before your baby's arrival. Cats are creatures of habit. They like consistency، and any change in routine will upset them at first. Before your baby arrives، take a few steps to help your cat better handle the transition.1

1. Put Things at Your Cat's Eye Level

Place some of the baby's toys and supplies (diapers، wipes، bottles، etc.) on the floor near your cat's food bowl. That way، she'll get to see these new things on her level.

2. Bring New Scents and Sounds into the Home Early

Use baby lotion or creams on your hands so your cat can become used to the smell. If you can get a blanket from the hospital where your baby will be born، bring that home early so your cat can become familiar with its smell as well.

You might even try playing baby sounds and noises during different times of the day to help your cat get used to that significant change، too.

3. Change the Routine Early

Decide before your baby is born whether or not you'll allow your cat into the baby's room or what surfaces (changing table، crib mattress، rocking chair، etc.) will be off-limits. Begin en.forcing those changes weeks ahead of time.