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Original poster

Feeling towards pets when have baby

106 replies

anotheronettc · 24/10/2022 10:12

I feel slightly horrible writing this post and want to stress first, I love animals and would never do anything to hurt one. I wanted to know if anybody has been feeling the same though .
Before I had my son my cats were literally my babies and I adored them. Now, it's a completely different story, they wake me up in the night meowing and they wake my son up just when I've settled him. Whenever I lay anything out for my son to play with or any kind of activity mat the cats always get on it and sharpen their claws on things. I just feel so frustrated at them that sometimes I wish I could give them away but I know I love them too much to do that. Has anyone else found their relationship with their pets has changed since having a baby / children. X

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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Mylittlesandwich · 24/10/2022 20:02

My 2 cats did my head in when I brought DS home. I still cared for them and showed them affection but they really annoyed me. It passed quickly though. DS is almost 3 and I wouldn't be without our furry critters. I think in my case it was because looking after them was another thing on my very long list, I was shattered and just generally grumpy. I also had PND which probably played a part.

FrozenGhost · 24/10/2022 21:16

Thing is, you can still treat your cats very well without loving them as such. They aren't humans and they relate in their own way. People stop fawning over them and babying them, but a cat really doesn't need its own instagram, new stuff bought all the time, or to be talked about all the time. In fact it's probably happier without those things.

Emmamoo89 · 25/10/2022 09:25

FrozenGhost · 24/10/2022 21:16

Thing is, you can still treat your cats very well without loving them as such. They aren't humans and they relate in their own way. People stop fawning over them and babying them, but a cat really doesn't need its own instagram, new stuff bought all the time, or to be talked about all the time. In fact it's probably happier without those things.

I still baby them and love them more as they are so loving towards my son

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LookAtThatCritter · 25/10/2022 09:50

My baby is 6 weeks and we have 2 dogs - one is a puppy & v energetic breed. She loves to protect the baby, lies her head on his lap during feeds etc. I feel guilty that I can't give them as much attention right now, but I definitely don't love them any less. That being said, I've heard it's normal at the beginning for feelings to change, and it usually gets better with time. Sadly some people rehome their pets without giving it enough of a chance.

ChinChilly · 25/10/2022 10:26

FrozenGhost · 24/10/2022 21:16

Thing is, you can still treat your cats very well without loving them as such. They aren't humans and they relate in their own way. People stop fawning over them and babying them, but a cat really doesn't need its own instagram, new stuff bought all the time, or to be talked about all the time. In fact it's probably happier without those things.

I think there is a good point here..we baby them (I’m guilty of babying my dog) then expect them to magically adjust when an actual baby comes along and we’re shocked when it doesn’t happen 🤷🏼‍♀️

Amiagrinchh · 28/10/2022 15:52

anotheronettc · 24/10/2022 17:54

@Amiagrinchh will they not just jump over? X

Sorry for late reply. If you get a pet gate they are quite high. Argos have them.

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