Seven animals and a baby on the way..

[Kelcat9494]

Hello,

Does anyone have any experience with a large amount of animals and a baby?

I didn't think I could have children due to health issues so I think I sort of filled the void with my animals, I have five cats and two dogs which are all my babies and I'm not even considering rehoming them.

My dogs are a pug and a spaniel, they both have really good temperaments, are toilet trained and great dogs. I think the baby and the dogs will be like the three musketeers, the only thing I need to do is train them not to jump up and to get used to a baby.

The cats have their own room (literally my babies) they have their food, litter, beds and toys in there currently they are allowed to roam the house but when baby's here whatever room the baby is asleep in I'm going to restrict access until the baby is a toddler plus all the cats do is sleep all the time haha

I can afford all my animals plus a child.

Does this all sound okay? I'm panicking and I'm a bit worried over people's judgement but I just think people have 4+ kids which must be harder.

One thing I would watch out for with the cats is to not let them have access to any room where the baby’s cot/crib is even when baby isn’t sleeping in it because they might sleep in it themselves or pee in it.

I would be careful with access even when baby is a toddler, as they can be grabby which pets don't like and may react to.

Congrats on new baby!

I had 4 cats and 2 dogs when I finally managed to get pregnant - it'll be fine, at one point, when youngest dd was about 5, we had 4 dogs and 6 cats, she's now an adult and said recently it was her happiest time, pet wise.

Just use common sense, i.e.don't leave any animal alone with the baby, it will be fine. Enjoy them all!

I have 4 dogs and 5 cats. Just make sure your pets are upto date with worm , flea and tick treatments.

I recently had my first (human) baby, my MIL and FIL looked after our 2 terrier dogs while I was in hospital, I wrapped baby in a blanket while in hospital and gave it to them when we came home to give to the dogs, they picked up babies scent and were rewarded with treats when they sniffed the blanket so they began to associate the smell with positive things. They've been absolutely amazing since the came home and barely bother baby. Definitely something we'd do again next time. Don't have cats so can't suggest anything other than to never leave baby unattended with them as cats have a tendency to sit on baby (they like the warmth) and can unfortunately suffocate baby. 😢

Op, you can get a cot tent to keep the cats out of the cot. I had one and it worked brilliantly. I never had to worry about the cats getting in and laying down with my babies.

www.amazon.co.uk/Mosquito-Protects-Protection-Toddlers-120%C3%9765cm/dp/B087B88BK2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&crid=3161Q4VNT6T84&keywords=crib+tent+for+cot&sprefix=Crib+tent%2Caps%2C461&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1596142956&sr=8-3

Sorry about the long link!

@Kelcat9494
I bought an inovi cocoon for my baby (due in 2 weeks) as i have 4 cats. Lots of people have already told me 'omg get rid of the cats' 'the cats will kill the baby' etc but as pp's have said as long as you are sensible and supervise your baby in the same room as animals at all times i think we'll be ok!
I have put the bedside cot up in our room already and my cats have had a little sniff around it but have not been the slightest bit interested about jumping into it or sleeping on/in it so i think we're good to go! The baby room has been completely shut off so they can only go in there when we're in there 😸

Hope this helps a tad!