You've heard the myths: Cats suffocate new babies. They get jealous of infants and attack or retaliate by not using their litter boxes. And, scariest of all, cats spread disease. In reality, cats can't transmit their illnesses to humans, even infants. And a study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" in 2003 found that exposure to dogs or cats in the first year of life may reduce the risk of allergies during childhood. With some planning and preparation, you can prevent behavior problems, making it possible for your cats and new baby to live in "purrfect" harmony.
Before the Baby Arrives
Step 1
Arrange for your partner or someone else to scoop the litter boxes while you are pregnant so there's no risk you'll be exposed to toxoplasmosis, an infection that can be caused by parasites in cat litter.
Step 2
Know your cat. A timid cat might be frightened by all the changes that come with the arrival of a new baby. A cat that's devoted to its humans may want to "help" care for the baby. An independent cat, meanwhile, will probably ignore the newcomer, as long as its life goes on undisturbed, the Messy Beast website reports.
Step 3
Accustom your cat to having its nails trimmed. Your baby will be less likely to get scratched if the cat's nails are short. If you're still concerned about scratches, get the cat used to wearing plastic nail caps, available from pet supply stores.
Step 4
Make an appointment with your veterinarian. You want to be sure your cat is free of parasites and is in good health. The cat will need to be in good shape to be able to handle the stress of a new baby.
Step 5
Talk to your cat about the baby. While the cat might not understand every word you say, it will pick up on your thoughts. The Humane Society of the United States suggests using the baby's name, if you know it.
Step 6
Set up the nursery gradually, giving the cat time to get used to each new scent and piece of furniture.
Step 7
Rub the powder, lotion and soap you'll be using for the baby on your hands and arms so the cat can get used to the scents.
Step 8
Invite friends with babies to visit or play a recording of a baby crying to help the cat become accustomed to the sounds infants make.
Step 9
Make any anticipated changes in the cat's routine, including spending less time with you, early in your pregnancy. If your cat is used to its new routine, it will be less stressed and less likely to have behavior issues when the baby arrives.
When the Baby Comes Home
Step 1
Have someone else hold the baby while you greet the cat and lavish it with love and attention.
Step 2
Put a used receiving blanket in a quiet place where the cat can sniff it and mingle its scent with the baby's.
Step 3
Invite the cat to sit on the floor near you when you're nursing or holding the baby. Give the cat some treats so it will associate the baby with a pleasant experience.
Step 4
Love your cat. Remember, the cat was your "first born."
Tips and Warnings
- Cover the baby's crib with a mesh tent to keep the cat out. Instead of closing the door to the nursery, put up a screen door so the cat can see what's going on and won't feel left out.
- Never punish your cat by spraying it with water, yelling at it or hitting it. That just increases the cat's stress and perpetuates the behavior you want to change.
Things You'll Need
- Veterinary appointment
- Nail clippers
- Plastic nail caps
- Baby powder, lotion and soap
- Recording of a baby crying
- Receiving blanket used by the baby
- Cat treats
