Cats and new baby’s

If you are expecting a new baby – congratulations! You may be wondering how your cat will cope with your new addition.. here are some considerations before your baby arrives.

Scent

Baby powder, baby lotion and other baby products can smell very intense to cats and may be overwhelming if everything occurs all at once. Placing the lotion on your arm so your cat has had a chance to smell it can help them as your likely to be using it a lot when your new arrival comes.

Again, having a blanket that the baby has slept on and leaving this around for your cat to smell can help them get used to the smell.

The nursery

New equipment such as beds, cots, toys, high chairs will be added. Adding these items before the baby arrives can be helpful so your cat has had time to sniff them and investigate them.

Sounds

Cats have incredible hearing and new babies mean new sounds such as gurgling and crying! The Dogs Trust have a sound re source that you can use to help your cats get habituated to these sounds. It is important that they are played at a level that your cat can cope with and then gradually increased.

Safety guidance

·      Never leave your cat and baby unattended.

·      Don’t allow a child to grab and pull a cat’s tail

·      Signs a cat feels uncomfortable includes flat ears or a bushy tail