Cats & Babies??

[Ishy]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone can let me know if there's any issues that i've forgotten with having a house cat and a newborn.

My wife is about to bring home our daughter in a few days, and we have a lovely cat.

Apart from the obvious, making sure she doesnt scratch her etc, are there any health issues that I should be aware of??

Thanks

[misskittyfantastico]

I know with our cat, she would jump into the bassinet at any opportunity! she became an outside cat!

[Rhys'Mum]

I've actually read that babies exposed to cats are actually less likely to suffer allergies or develop asthma (recent survey quoted in a parenting magazine last year). Not sure how, why or if its more than one study that indicates it but we got a lot of dire warnings about keeping our cat so it felt good to see it.

We also got a lot of warnings from people about cats liking to snuggle up to warm cosy little people (prehaps suffocating them) so we put a fly wire door on the little man's room. When I rang for quotes people seemed to think it was really strange but the guy from the custom door place who did it had put one on for his kids too.

Our cat used to sit on my knee sometimes while I fed the little man and she would sit outside his door if he cried, but once he started making too much noise and as soon as he was mobile she's more likely to run at the sight of him than hurt him. She wasn't overly interested while he ws in a boucer etc and I just kept an eye on her.

From what I've been told by the vet, and our own experience, the best thing you can do is make sure the cat gets some regular and individual attention from both of you, some space of its own, particularly as your bub gets mobile and include it in bub activities where you can. (We had a spare cat flap lying around so we've even gone so far as to put it in the laundry door where her food, tray and a scratching post now is and the little man can't get in). That way you are less likely to have jealousy issues that could lead to scratching etc

Have a great time with your new little person. All the best.

[Niki]

the best way ww found was to put up baby gates on bubs room and our room so the cat couldnt come in, my cat was so scared of ds it wasnt an issue

[jade21887]

My cats are both scared of Sophie. We've never had a problem with them jumping in bed with her from day 1. They would rather steer clear. Guess its understandable, cause shes noisy, and now she loves to chase them lol.

['Lil Mumma]

I have had no problem with our cat and the new baby,every now and thenshe comes up and has a sniff but thas it.

A piece of advice though, I would bring home something that smells like the baby before you brng the baby home so the cat is used to the smell. Thats what I did and had no problems :thumbsup:

[Tulp]

We have 2 lovely kitty cats and we've never had any problems with them when it comes to our little boy. Our Bengal just sit near him when he is in his rocker or comes to check when he screams. The Siamese X has yet to venture close to him when we are not with him. But all in all, no problems at all. Just don't forget to show your cat some attention.

Congratulations on the new arrival.

[reAllytee]

We didnt change a thing because i didnt want a jealousy issue happening.
Our cats were taught not to go into the cot but other than that they were allowed in Boof's room & slept in there every nite keeping watch over him. They would go crazy when he cried i mean as though i didnt hear him already lol was really funny !
Boof is now 19mths old & i only have the one female cat now due to the boy cat being stolen but they are the best of friends. Every now & then she swipes at him to let him know he is being too rough not that he cares lol & its hilarious because she still sits there & takes it all !!!!

I got a great tip off here in regards to making sure your cats dont get into cots or prams which was to fill them with balloons so that if you cat did jump into either it would cause at least one to pop or freak them out so they wouldnt bother going back !!

[Rhys'Mum]

I got a great tip off here in regards to making sure your cats dont get into cots or prams which was to fill them with balloons so that if you cat did jump into either it would cause at least one to pop or freak them out so they wouldnt bother going back !!

What a great idea.

[mumma-sarah]

We havent had a problem with our cats (we have 2). One is a male and likes to get into everything and we thought he would be a major issue but he doesnt worry bout her, he comes over to her for her to pat him, the other cat (a shy female) stays well away all the time. Depends on the nature of your cat really!