Ozzi Cat. Australian National Cat Magazine & Cat Behaviour Consulting. Solutions for Cat Problems. How to Keep Cats Happy.
OZZI CATTM · WHERE CATS ARE FAMILY · Helping Cats Live a Happy Life!

OZZI CAT MAGAZINE

#1 BELOVED INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CAT MAGAZINE

Cat Care & Stories · Products & DIY · Cat Behaviour, Cat Training, Cat Enrichment
Helping and Donating to Rescue Cats in Need.
THE CAT HELPERTM: Cat Behaviour Consulting. Cat Behaviour Problems Solved. Cat Clicker Training.
Helping People Understand Cats.

Cat Info

What To Understand Cat Behaviour? Read Ozzi Cat Magazine! Click to Get Your Copy >

If products are mentioned in the page below,
we might get a small commission if you choose to order through the links provided

Helping Your Pets Get Along With A New Baby In The Family

Baby and Cat Sleeping Together

Baby Finny and cat Zippy who are the best buds. “The cat has been fascinated with Finny forever, and loves laying next to him as often as possible.”

Oftentimes couples will adopt pets long before they have their own children, and pets are a great place to start your family. After years of your pets being your only “kids”, however, it can make it much more of a challenge to actually integrate a new baby into the family when you do decide to have a child. You want to make sure that your pets get along with your new baby in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Here are some tips.

Bring Home the Baby’s Blanket First

Pets, especially dogs, have a strong sense of smell. After your baby is home, you can “introduce” you pet to her by letting your pet smell a blanket that she’s been wrapped in from the hospital. This will introduce your pet to your baby’s scent before the baby actually comes home, which will hopefully make your pet feel more familiar with her. Her presence will be less of a shock because your pet has smelled her scent before.

Give Your Pet a Personal, Safe Haven

When a new baby comes home, your pet may feel very overwhelmed with the presence of the new baby and the changes in activity and routine. There may be a lot of commotion going on, with the baby crying and lots of people visiting to meet her. Help your pet by giving them their own personal, safe haven. Before the baby comes home, introduce your pet to an area that can be all theirs that is away from the center of the home. For example, place a comfy pet bed with their favorite toys and a water bowl in a back room. Don’t force them to go there, but just let them know that it’s available as a place to rest when they need it.

Gradually Decrease Attention, but Don’t Stop It

If your pet is used to always being the center of attention, you’ll have to get them used to having less of your attention well before the baby arrives. Do not neglect your pet or stop giving them attention, but don’t give them excessive attention, and perhaps let other family members do the things only you do, like taking the pet for a walk. When the new baby comes, they’ll feel less rejected. At the same time, do not forget to give your pet that one on one time they deserve.

Consult an Obedience Trainer for Your Pet

If you’re really concerned about behavioral issues that could come between a baby and you pet, you should consult or hire an obedience trainer. A trainer can help your pet learn to follow simple commands and behave differently, and a trainer can identify ways to help your pet get along better with their new human sibling. However, don’t wait until an incident happens to get your pet trained if they need it; the sooner, the better for you and your entire family.

About the Author and Contributor to the Ozzi Cat Magazine:

Travis Lee is a veterinary student and avid writer who loves to write about happy homes when it comes to pets and babies.

Photo by: Scott Granneman

Share With Cat Parents and Cat Lovers!
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Tagged , , , , ,

Related Posts

Sign Up For FREE Cat Newsletter!

Join hundreds of Aussie cat lovers and be the first to read amazing cat stories and news, learn practical health, care, and cat behaviour tips. DIY, cat product reviews, giveaways, + more!
Sign Up for a free Ozzi Cat Newsletter here now:

or Jump Straight to Full Sign Up

JOIN CAT LOVERS!
Sign Up For Ozzi Cat Newsletter: It's FREE!

Get our cat blog updates by e-mail: cat stories, news, DIY, cat care tips, giveaways, and more! Sign up now:

or Jump Straight to Full Sign Up
SHOP: CUTE CAT NOTEPADS
SPONSORED
Cat Colouring Therapy, Cat Calendar & Cat Planner Inserts

ColourMeow: Anti-Stress Cat Colouring Therapy & Cute Cat-Themed Planners Stationery

Cat Colouring Pages and Cat Drawings for Adults and Kids. Colouring Anti-Stress Therapy & Cute Cat-Themed Planners Stationery

Join Cat Colouring Club to Get Free Printables

Adopt A Rescue Cat
Looking for a cat? Choose a cat or a kitten from a cat rescue or a shelter. Rescue cats are adorable - open your heart and give a loving home for them! Adopted a cat? Share a cat photo and the story with us!
Be An Angel For Cats!

Be an Angel For Cats - Donate $5+, so it will be added to the donation that Ozzi Cat regularly sends to cat rescues and cats in need! Your money will be donated for cats in need IN FULL (we don't use them for anything else). Your $5+ helps with cat emergencies, vet bills, food, litter, and bedding.

Donate $5+ for Cats In Need

Learn more

Help Us Help Cats
Let's make more cats live a happy life, so none would end up in a street or shelter! (Ozzi Cat mission). Help cat parents learn and understand cats better!

Tell cat owners and cat lovers about Ozzi Cat Magazine, spread the word! (We donate money from Ozzi Cat Magazine to help rescue cats in need.)
Ozzi Cat Magazine Sponsorship
Would you like to get Ozzi Cat Magazine copies for your special fundraising, cause, or event? Contact us with details. Please allow time for responding and shipment.
Search for Cat Article or Topic
Advertise With Us
Want to promote a cat product or service? Contact us with details.

(To be notified on potential partnership opportunities, join our Business Partner Circle.)