Cats and newborns - help!

[Jessiecat27]

Bit of backstory - got a cat when she was just under 1, she had previously been outside but as we were living in flats on a main road we decided to keep her as an indoor cat, she was pregnant when we got her and we kept on of the kittens. She's now about 3 and the other cat (her son) is 2. He has never been out. We moved a few months ago into a house in a quieter area and they have since been microchipped, we wanted them to get used to the new house before letting them out. Problem is our baby is due any day, we want to let them out because when we're bringing the pram in and out we don't want the to escape for the first time not being used to going outside, but also don't want to start letting them out and them think we don't want them anymore because of the new baby? Sorry for all of the rambling and I know it's a long shot but has anyone been in a similar situation? Our vet said either start letting them out now (I'm overdue so could go into labour at any time) or to wait until after Christmas

I don't think cats are going to be thinking that deeply about why you've let them out! Just let them out for short periods just before they are due their food to start with.

Your cats won't be thinking they've been pushed aside.

My biggest tip would be to get them in the habit of having an evening treat, whether this is a meat dinner, treats or licky-lix etc. Then they should come back at this kind of time each day and check in. One of my cats used to recognise the banging of his bowl and come home for his dinner but my other day comes in around 6pm every night for their treat and jist stays in overnight then.

Wait - you're not planning on shutting them out?

If you're just letting them out, then letting them back in again, it'll be fine, as PP have said. Def do it before food too.

My cats were house cats for a few years as we were in a flat near a main road. The furthest they go now is to wander round the perimeter of the new house, lie in the garden or sit in the dog kennel. I don’t turf them out regularly but if I’m going out to the bin and they go out they are usually scratching at the back door to get back in 20 minutes later. I don’t think they’ll equate the new baby with being thrown out the house.

Thank you everyone! I'd read mixed things online and my vet didn't have much advice, I worry about them like I would an actual baby 🙈 they've been allowed you smell all of the baby things and the female cat has strong maternal instincts so I know they will be fine!

Starve them a bit before you let them out (hold off giving them dinner) and then go outside with them initially, into the garden or whatever. Then lure them home with a treat and keep repeating this, Letting them out for longer! I know how you feel, my cats are my babies! We filled a tin with Dreamies and they've learnt to know the tin shake from anywhere they're hiding - they come running! Wet food treats or fresh meat works well too.

Maincat thankyou! Mine love dreamies too so I shall try that (: