How We Prepped Our Cat for the New Baby

Bringing a baby home is a whirlwind of change for any family, and that includes our furry companions. To make sure the transition went smoothly for both our cat and the new arrival, we knew we had to prepare him for the big day.

Before the Baby Came

The first step was anticipating the changes my cat would face. A new piece of furniture (the crib!), strange noises (cries!), and less playtime with us were all on the horizon. We established some ground rules, like keeping the cat out of the nursery and off the crib. But we also let him sniff and get familiar with the new baby gear, like the stroller and clothes. It was important to keep his routine as consistent as possible, including mealtimes and playtime.

After the Baby Arrived

When we brought the baby home, we let the cat approach him in his own time. No forced introductions! They never interacted unsupervised, not even for a minute. Positive interactions with the baby got rewarded with treats and pets. To avoid jealousy, we made sure our cat still got plenty of attention, even when we were busy with the baby.

The Takeaway

Taking the time to prepare our cat made a huge difference in how he adjusted to the new addition. Patience and attention are key to creating a harmonious home for both your feline friend and your little one.

Bonus Tips!

Diffusing calming pheromones can help ease your cat's stress.

If you hit any snags, your vet can offer expert advice.

Punishment never works! It will only make things worse for your cat.

I hope our experience helps you prepare your own furry friend for the arrival of a new family member!