Cats and babies – everything you need to know in preparation

Whether your cat has been in your life for several years, or you recently welcomed one into the home, it’s only fair they get treated as a member of the family. And out of respect, you should help them prepare for any changes in their life, especially if a human baby is about to be welcomed into the world. Here’s our advice on how to prepare, what to do when the baby is here and how to support your growing family.

Before the baby arrives

Before exposing your cat to change, preparation is key to help them adjust to new things. And we recommend starting as early as possible so it’s not as much of a shock when you bring home the baby.

• If your cat has access to the room that will soon belong to the baby, make sure you start shutting it off before bringing the baby home.
• Introduce your cat to any new baby items that you begin to collect in the home. Let them see and smell the items and rub against them to investigate. Allowing them to see the item first will reassure them there’s nothing to be worried about.
• Start using any products such as baby lotions and powders on yourself. This will help your cat become more familiar with new smells that will fill the home.
• Once your baby is born, bring a spare blanket home that smells of them, if possible. Place this somewhere your cat can go and investigate to get used to the baby’s scent.
• Make sure your cat has plenty of private areas they can retreat to if they feel they want to be away from everything. High up spaces and hiding areas will help your cat to feel safe and enable them to escape.
• Place the cat’s food, water, toys and litter trays in quiet areas away from where the baby is most likely to be.
• Litter trays and feeding areas should remain separate in areas where your cat can visit without having to pass the baby if they don’t wish too.

Bringing home baby

Make sure all introductions are natural and relaxed for your cat. Allow them to come into the room with baby at their own pace as and when they feel ready. Many cats will stay away to begin with until they feel confident enough to come and investigate a little. Ensure any interactions between your cat and baby are supervised.

Interacting with your cat in the same way they are used to will help ease anxieties from them.

Don’t forget, your cat won’t know how busy you are with a little one and will still expect your affection, so continue to make time for your cat. If they’re used to wanting lots of attention and fuss from you, make sure they are still getting this. Setting some time aside dedicated to your feline friend will prevent them feeling frustrated. You are a vital resource for them.

Top tips for the future

Whether you have a baby or a house full of children already, if you’re thinking about getting a new cat, here are some tips on keeping everyone safe and happy.

• Create a safe space for your furry new arrival. A dedicated room with all their belongings inside. It’s worth creating hiding places for your cat to retreat to where children aren’t allowed. For example, a cardboard box that they can hide in. If the cat is inside the box, then the children can’t touch.
• Provide high up spaces where you cat can observe their surroundings out of reach of children.
• Encourage positive interactions between your cat and the children. Allow the kids to sit down calmly and wait for the cat to come over for gentle fuss and attention. Get your children to hold a hand out for the cat to sniff but not touching them yet. It’s always best to allow the cat to instigate any attention rather than have children approaching them. This can cause your cat to feel worried and threatened, even if your child hasn’t meant to do this.
• Some cats may take a while to warm up before allowing you to approach them, but sitting in the room and talking to them from a distance can help to build their confidence.
• A great way for your children to safely interact with the cat from a distance is with toys. Feather wand toys create the perfect barrier for cats and children to interact. Many cats will love to chase the feathers and the rod will keep children at a safe distance to avoid accidental scratching.
• Get your child involved with your cat’s feeding routine. Allow them to place the food down for the cat and leave them to come and eat. This will help your new cat acknowledge your children are providing something positive and tasty! This will help to build a strong bond for a happy future.