Cats and newborns!!

[Filbert]

My sister-in-law has just given birth to a baby girl.
At the weekend she came out of hospital and at first everything was going fine between the baby and her 2 cats (both about a year old). She was making a big fuss of them both at the same time as holding the baby.
Now the more dominant one of the 2 mogs is becoming very jealous and has taken to lying in the baby's cot among other things.
What advice can I give to her so that everyone gets along?
Thanks in advance.

[iheartruby]

hi filbert,
what other things has the cat been doing that you see as jealous behaviour?
cats do tend to like box/crib/bed shaped things anyway and this may be just normal cat getting cosy behaviour - that's why i'm interested to know what else he'she's been doing.
x

[lizzydrippin]

Found this for a friend who's also expecting and has 2 cats..... hope it might help.....
If you've currently got a cat and are soon to have a new baby in the family, or if you're thinking of getting a pet, it's important to consider how babies and cats will interact. Many families with cats have no problems at all, but from a safety point of view, do babies and young children get on with cats?

When you've had a cat for a while, suddenly introducing a new member of the family, in the form of a tiny baby, can be unsettling to their normal routine. After all, they're a part of the family too. Unlike dogs, cats are unlikely to be aggressive unless their tail is pulled, but there have been a small number of incidences where cats have accidentally smothered a baby by sleeping in the pram. Instead, it's their behaviour in the early days that might change.

Cats are very sensitive animals and they're territorial, so a new baby in their space upsets what they're used to and their routine. There are new smells and sounds, people will be spending more time in the house and the cat may not be allowed in certain rooms anymore.

Some cats react by retreating off on their own, disappearing outside, into a quiet room or a quiet space they can find. Other cats act a bit stroppy, insisting on trying to get into the rooms they've always used! Some cats may start excessively grooming themselves and may also reassert their rights by changing from facial gland marking to urine spraying - not pleasant with a baby around.

To minimise disruption for your cat, it's helpful to prepare for the new arrival in advance. For example:

Get the cat used to not going in certain rooms, for example where the nursery will be.
Set aside one room where you can play with the cat and have quality time with it, away from the baby. Start doing this before the baby arrives, to get your cat used to it.
Children

[lizzydrippin]

Don't constantly remove the cat from the room, but be happy for him to watch and observe the new situation. Include your cat in what's going on by talking to him or giving him a treat.

Treats for cats work well when you're feeding your baby, as it keeps the cat happy and lets him know you're thinking of him too. If the cat tries to crawl on your lap when you're feeding, firmly remove him and encourage him to sit next to you instead. Pram safety and cot safety is important and you may find a cat net beneficial. Cats love warm areas and prams and cots can seem appealing! But on rare occasions cats have been known to suffocate babies if they get in on top of them, so discourage your cat from climbing into the pram or cot.

Health-wise, cats are generally safe to have around.

[Filbert]

Ruby - not sure as I haven't spoke to her in the last couple of days, so I will see how things have progressed and let you know.
Thanks Lizzy for the advice I will definitely pass it on.