Newborn with a cat

[Apple35]

Hi there

Got a cat and no plans to get rid of him but was wondering if you guys have tips on how to ensure baby safety and how to ensure my cat does not get stressed.
Also, has anyone used cat netting or similar items?
Any advice appreciated.

The following worked for us (2 very nervous rescues):
Playing a newborn crying to cat so they get used to the sound
Feliway plug ins before your due date and the first few weeks with the baby
If you stay in get your partner to take clothes that the baby has worn home for the cat to sniff
Netting worked to keep the cat out of the cot during the day but overnight I wouldn’t advise having the cat in the bedroom
If the cat currently sleeps with you get them used to being shut in the kitchen (or wherever) well in advance, obviously ensure access to food and litter or cat flap

@Expressedways the cat tends to sleep in the living room. Can you use the netting at night? Safe to do so? I would do that any ways!

I was very worried about moving house, moving my partner in and having a baby all within 2 weeks, and it was indeed chaos, but my 16 year old cat was unexpectedly absolutely fine with the whole thing.

She sat on the kitchen table and watched me give birth at home, and snuggled up with us while I breast fed. Sniffed the baby's head and was tolerant of his little flailing limbs. I'm sure she understood that he was my kitten.

I think continuing to give her loads of cuddles was key, but I didn't find that too difficult since she loved sitting on or next to me and I spent hours and hours day and night breastfeeding so she could easily find me and snuggle up.

Later on my DS learned to stroke her gently, under close supervision until I was sure he'd be careful - she told him off when he was too rough with her, but didn't hurt him. I made sure she always had means to escape where he couldn't follow her e.g. under the sofa.

She died at 19 years old and I still miss her

The netting is typically sold as a mosquito net so I’ll admit I’m no expert but I would have thought that providing it fits the crib properly, it’s perfectly safe to use overnight because that’s it’s exact purpose... We didn’t though as cats were downstairs and we kept the bedroom door shut so there was no need.

Following

We had to rehome our cat when our first was born. I’m sure lots ar fine but ours was definitely murderous towards the baby. Scratching, trying to sit on her, peeing on pram etc.He clearly wasn’t happy and was exhibiting too high risk behaviour. Very sad but necessary for us.

We’ve always kept our cat downstairs, he has the run of the conservatory and kitchen so no worry of him getting in the cot etc. When we were all downstairs he was never left alone with the baby as he would have climbed in the Moses basket without a doubt!

Our cats are not allowed upstairs but have the run of downstairs and straight outside.
I was very worried about one of my cats as she’s part feral and very unpredictable but she amazed me and DH as she has been as good as gold towards DS from the day we brought him home. If people visited she would sit right next to where he was as if protecting him. Still randomly goes for me or DH but never DS

I was sure at least one of our cats would be a pickle when ds came along (our girl is very cuddly with us but quite skittish with others). Theyve been absolutely fine. I didnt use a cat net or anything as i didnt see how it would stop cat jumping in because its soft. We just shut the bedroom door at night.

Cats (and dogs) are quite sensitive to the sound of a baby crying so i would advise they always have an escape route via open door or cat flap, and never leave them in the same room as a newborn unsupervised.

In my experience cats can't stand babies and will keep well away all by themselves!

Lots of useful stories On here
Our boy is very cheeky and does sometimes bite me but more so cos he's fed up of being stroked I should learn to stop!
He gets locked out at night (can go in utility room with bed and food and out into the garage then cat flap to outside but can't come in main house so don't worry about night times and in the day I guess I just wouldn't leave baby in room with him until I was sure he really wasn't bothered by baby he usually sleeps upstairs in spare bed through the day so hoping it will be ok as he is so precious to us hate the feeling of him being left out