Veterinary Tips for Preparing Cats for the Newborn

Veterinary Tips for Preparing Cats for the Newborn

Veterinary Tips for Preparing Cats for the Newborn

Since cats dislike change, it’s critical to help them get used to it. It’s exciting to bring home a new baby, but cats may find the abrupt changes upsetting. Your cat will have to become used to a variety of new sounds, smells, and habit adjustments. In order to prevent your cat from feeling overburdened when the baby arrives, prepare them for the impending changes in the home.

Some strategies to get your cat ready for a new baby will be discussed in this post.

The Tips to Prepare Your Cat for a New Baby

• Get Them Used to New Smells and Objects

Cats can experience a great deal of fear and anxiety when their surroundings change, including new furniture like cots and baby changing tables, as well as all the other baby-related items and odors. Before the baby is born, gradually introduce objects and scents, and then give your cat time to explore so they can get used to them.

They will probably begin rubbing their heads against objects and sniffing the various stuff. This is how your cat spreads their scent to unidentified objects in order to brand them and collect information. The objects that smell like them will be more recognizable after they’ve done it.

Once the nursery is set up, you might want to let your cat explore, but don’t be afraid to start setting limits. For instance, begin closing the door right now if it will be off-limits when the baby arrives.

When the baby comes, provide your cat with safe havens in the house that are out of reach so they can go there if they’re feeling overwhelmed. Cat trees and other high places can make them feel safer. Synthetic copies of feline face pheromones, such as Feliway, are used in calming cat pheromone diffusers to help cats feel more secure and cope with change.

• Try to Maintain Your Usual Routine

Cats prefer routine because it probably makes them feel secure and at ease. Changes are to be expected because cats and newborns do not follow the same habits. Maintaining your cat’s regular schedule is a good idea, but before the baby comes, give them time to get used to any little adjustments.

Continue feeding them at regular intervals and providing them with the customary level of playtime and affection.

• Pay Attention to Them

It makes sense that you might not be able to spend as much time with your cat as you used to because a new baby will undoubtedly keep you busy. To ensure they don’t feel excluded, you should still make an effort to pay attention to them. Whether it’s playing with toys or just snuggling on the couch, try to spend a few minutes each day socializing with your cat.

• Avoid Punishing Your Cat Unnecessarily Around the Baby

It will be more detrimental than beneficial to make your cat anxious and afraid of a new baby. Your cat shouldn’t perceive a new baby as a frightening or prohibited member of the family. Setting limits for the protection of the newborns is a fine idea, but it shouldn’t be done with needless sanctions. If your cat naturally wants to sniff the new baby and nursery, for instance, don’t scold them.

• Use Praises and Treats as Rewards

You can assist your cat in feeling less scared when the time comes by letting them associate the new baby with something nice. This is where giving your cat lots of praise and goodies can help. When your cat investigates new baby-related objects and obeys any rules you set, reward them with a treat and kind words of encouragement.

• Let Your Cat Meet the New Baby

You might let your cat see the new baby from a distance once they’ve settled in. Naturally, you should only do this while you are watching, and ideally when the infant is quiet or asleep. They will most likely begin to sniff the air to acquire a sense of the scents of the newborns and then attempt to approach to learn more. For hygienic and safety reasons, you should first keep your cat a few feet away from the infant.

Always take the appropriate measures when interacting with cats since even the most amiable feline may unintentionally bite or scratch a baby.

• Summary

While having a new baby in the house can be difficult for everyone, your cat may experience particularly high levels of stress and confusion during this time. It’s best to give your cat some time to get used to the changes that a new baby will bring.

Introducing your cat to the new sounds and scents of newborns and baby-related items in the house is one of the greatest methods to get them ready for a new baby. Remember to continue giving your cat attention every day and to stick to a routine that is similar to what they are accustomed to.

Read also: Why do cats stare at other animals?