Introducing cats to baby

[LozSimmo]

Hi I have two 6.5 year old stuck in their ways cats who have only ever known quiet and lots of fussing from me. I wondered if anyone had any tips on introducing them to baby (not due til new year) as I'm scared they will pack their bags and move out!

I plan on still fussing them but I can't really do anything about the noise I'm sure baby will bring!

When my friend brought her baby over once they were so freaked out!

Help ... thanks.

My two cats were completely disinterested in the two babies I've brought home (though they've loved sleeping in the various baby gear!) Newborns don't do much, and continue to not do much for many months, so I think aren't very threatening. Once DD was mobile (DS isn't yet), the cats soon learned that a quick jump onto a high surface meant they'd be left alone. The cats don't interact with my kids, but aren't afraid of them either, they just keep a distance.

If your cat is stressy, you could have absolutely everything set up weeks in advance so that there is very little change when the baby comes home. You could also try some feliway?

How old was your friend's baby that came over?

Ah thanks for the reply. That's a bit reassuring. My friends baby was prob about 1 so maybe more of a toddler. She was sat in the sofa and both my cats stretched their necks out so far to see what was making the noise they looked like ET! 😂

I've heard about playing crying baby noises to them before baby arrives to get them used to the sounds? I will definitely get some feliway.

They are currently allowed free access all over the house but I'll have to restrict the baby's room I guess.

My cat is hugely spoilt and is scared of everyone and everything! He'd met a few babies before and been utterly terrified!

I was genuinely worried that he'd move out when we brought the baby home. As it turned out he completely ignored the baby. He honestly didn't even seem to know she existed for ages and now she's a bit older (4 months), she's suddenly fascinated by him and he's totally fine with her. Even puts up with her crying!

Oh and as for restricting access, baby will be with you at all times at first. The only thing that we had to do was put a pillow in her next to me cot bed when she's not in it as the cat definitely thought it was his bed! He also tried out the car seat and the bouncer! I just made sure to keep him away from those so it didn't become a habit.

Ah thank you so much at least it's not just me who worries cats will move out. Fingers crossed they don't notice either lol!