Expecting a baby is a wonderful and exciting experience; however, your cat might think differently. Here are few things to consider to make the transition as seamless as possible for your cat.

Over the course of the pregnancy, it is a good idea to:

• Familiarize your pet to new baby furniture, blankets, toys and other baby related items.
• Start desensitizing your cat to a crying baby by playing recorded sounds over time. An infant’s crying can stress your cat. Gradually desensitizing him before the baby arrives is important.
• Avoid having the cat sleep in the future baby’s room so that he is not protective of the area.
• Start changing the location of food and water bowls and litter box(es) if needed. These areas should always be off limits to a child by using babygates or placing them out of their reach. However, they still have to be in an accessible area where they do not have to come in contact with the child. That way, it will help reduce the chances of inappropriate urination or defecation. 

Once the baby has arrived:

• It is crucial that your pet still receives one on one time with you for playing and grooming.
• The baby should never be left unattended around animals, regardless of their demeanor.  Children and pets are unable to communicate and can be unpredictable.  A child may unintentionally aggravate a pet, even simply by crying. As a last resort coping mechanism, a pet can lash out at the child as a way of telling him he’s had enough. Preventing cat scratches and bites is the goal and you can start teaching children how to properly handle and interact with a cat at a young age.
• Although pets sleeping alongside children can appear adorable, it should always be avoided.  Young infants are at a high risk of accidental smothering or suffocation by a pet sleeping with them. You should provide the cat with its own bed and keep the baby’s door closed to help reinforce this rule.
• Cats often run away from a baby when they have had enough. For this reason, it is important to provide your cat with a “safe zone” that is their own space away from the baby such as perches and hiding places. Baby gates and play pens can also be used.
• Ensure your pet is on an adequate deworming protocol to keep everyone in your family protected. Parasites such as roundworm, hookworm, ringworm, ticks and fleas, to name a few, can be passed on to people, children being most susceptible.
• The cat should be up to date on its vaccines as some of these viruses and diseases can be passed onto us and can even be fatal to young children.
• It is also recommended to keep the sandbox covered to prevent other cats from defecating in them, leaving behind potential parasitic eggs.
• If the cat has a hard time adjusting, it is important to be patient and continue to work with him.  There are veterinary exclusive aids available to help ease the stress.  In severe cases behavioral intervention may be required.  We encourage you to talk to the staff at Centrepointe Animal Hospital to ensure you and your cat is properly prepared for the arrival of your new bundle of joy.