Bonding With Your Newborn And Cat Peaceful Introductions

Many cats adapt well to babies and form a special bond, but the relationship requires careful preparation and ongoing supervision. With some advance preparation and knowledge, cat and baby can coexist peacefully in a happy and healthy household.

Taking a thoughtful approach to the transition will reduce stress for everyone involved. Follow these tips to prepare your cat and baby for a successful introduction:

Start Early

The bond between a child and pet can be special and last for a lifetime. It can also be problematic if the introduction is not handled properly. It is vital to guide your children and cats through a proper introduction so that they can develop a loving relationship without causing distress to either.

Ideally, you should start the process of gently introducing your newborn children to your resident house cat well before the baby arrives. This way, the cat has time to acclimate to the new smells and sounds of the infant. You can start by bringing home baby clothes and toys for the cat to smell, playing baby sounds, and allowing the cat to explore the nursery.

You should also teach your children how to handle the cat, demonstrating respect for her boundaries and not pestering her. Every cat has her own personality, and she may not want to be cuddled or played with. Teach your children to recognize her body language and if she shows signs of stress, like a tail flick or a retreat into her cat condo or tree, to let her know that she needs space.

During supervised interactions, give your child age-appropriate tasks to complete, such as filling the cat’s water dish or brushing her fur. This helps them to feel personally vested in the cat’s care, fosters a sense of responsibility, and encourages bonding. If your children begin to play rough with the cat, such as pulling her ears or whiskers, firmly instruct them to stop and redirect them on how to pet her gently. You can also help to strengthen their bond by doling out treats during these sessions, something that nearly all cats love.

Keep Cats Separate

If you have more than one cat, it is important to help them live peacefully together. It is not simply a matter of “letting them work it out.” Rather, they need to be properly introduced and slowly integrated into the family home with separate resources so there is not competition over food, water, litter boxes, perches, beds and scratching posts. It also is important to provide outlets for their energy, such as interactive toys (including puzzle feeders).

Often it can take weeks before there is any sign of conflict. During this time, feed the cats on opposite sides of a closed door. If either cat shows any signs of tension such as hissing, a low posture or staring, distract with a toy and then return to feeding them separately. Once they seem comfortable with this routine, try short supervised visits. If the new cat seems a little nervous, offer play and then reward with treats to create positive associations.

This process can take a while, but it is better to take your time than to risk a serious fight that could result in injuries to both the child and the feline. Also, it is important to remember that your pet may have a health condition that is exacerbated by stressors such as changes in routine or the arrival of a baby.

If your cat is a bonded pair, it can be even more challenging to separate them as they are used to each other. Many shelters that receive bonded pairs work very hard to place them together as they can suffer depression or other behavior problems when separated. In this case, you may need to spend even more time de-stressing your cat before the arrival of your new baby. This can include introducing him to different noises and smells ahead of time, putting up baby toys in the nursery to get him familiar with them and playing with him using different solo ways of engaging his energy (such as tunnels, boxes and crinkly bags).

Build Lasting Bonds

A bond with a pet can be lifelong, and it’s important for children to learn how to interact with them safely. Children raised with pets have been shown to be more sociable and have better communication skills. By taking a few simple steps, parents can help their children and cats get along well together for years to come.

One common blunder people make is not understanding cat body language and cues. According to Atlanta Humane Society, jumping straight to cuddles or overwhelming a cat with attention may scare them off. Instead, a cat owner should take their time and allow the process to happen naturally. Slow, quiet introductions and rewarding positive behaviour will build trust over time.

In addition, it is helpful to keep a routine with your cat before the arrival of your child. This can be done by feeding your cat at the same time each day and following the same rituals and procedures every time you feed them. This will ensure your cat isn’t exposed to new noise and movements that can be stressful for them. Pheromone preparations can also be purchased from your vet to help calm your cat. These can be sprayed on furniture or bedding and given to your cat ahead of the baby’s arrival.

Reduce Feline Anxiety

Despite their reputation as independent, aloof creatures, cats are highly sensitive. Many pet owners are unaware of how even small changes can cause stress and anxiety in their cat. And a fearful, stressed-out cat can have a profound impact on their health and quality of life.

All cats experience some level of stress and anxiety in their lives. These stresses might include a trip to the vet, the arrival of a new baby or a family member, or changes to their environment like moving homes, remodeling, or even simply changing the brand of their food or litter. Some cats respond to these changes by hiding or avoiding interactions with their humans, while others show more aggressive behavior like hissing and biting. Whether your cat is a nervous introvert or an outgoing extrovert, there are ways you can help them feel more comfortable and confident.

Some of these strategies might require a little experimentation, but you can make a big difference in your feline friend’s well-being with some simple steps. First, make sure they always have a safe space to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed. A quiet spot in a high-up place, like a sturdy shelf or our Hide & Sleep cat hide, is ideal. Establishing predictable routines for feeding, playing, and other interactions can also help. And using pheromone sprays or diffusers to help your cat relax can be effective for many pets.

Some cats are naturally anxious, but it’s important to understand that chronic anxiety is not a normal part of life for most cats. It can affect their health and overall quality of life, and it can erode the bond you share with them. If your cat’s anxiety seems out of control, talk to your AAHA-accredited veterinarian for further guidance. They can offer specific recommendations tailored to your cat’s unique needs and recommend medications, if needed.

Set Boundaries

While it is natural for your cat to feel somewhat displaced once the new baby comes into the picture, you can help minimize her feelings by working with her before the newborn arrives. This may include holding a doll that resembles your infant (remember to get her used to the scent beforehand) or simply by exposing her to real babies, preferably in a safe and controlled setting. This could include visiting friends with babies and encouraging them to visit – with the parent between the baby and the cat – so your kitty can become familiar with infant smells, sounds and actions.

You should also talk to your immediate family about how you would like to limit visitors at this time. Babies are very susceptible to illness, and you may want to create a “newborn bubble” for your little one by limiting visitors until your baby’s immune system is stronger.

During the baby’s first months at home, you should encourage your older children to be gentle with your kitty. This could involve teaching them not to chase or pull on the cat’s ears, tail or fur, as this is extremely frightening to cats. It is also important to teach them not to throw toys near the kitty, as this can be perceived as a threat. This will help ensure that your child and kitty have safe positive interactions throughout their lives. This will allow them to develop a loving relationship over time. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your veterinarian and/or pediatrician.