Introducing cats to baby?

[Holly_09]

Hi all,
I'm 33 weeks pregnant so not long to go!
I have two rescue cats who have been with me for nearly two years. Both have very distinct personalities! Ginger Tom can be very 'sensitive' and is honestly more like a dog than a cat. Tabby girl was very nervous when we first got her, but is now becoming outgoing and demands attention!
I'm really worried about how to introduce baby to the cats with the least amount of distress and upset. It's more the ginger boy I'm worried about, he's a total 'mummy's boy' and it will be a big change for him.
Does anyone have any tips? The cats are a big part of our family and I can't stand the thought of them being so stressed we have to rehome. It's one of my worst nightmares!
Thanks

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I think the cats will be naturally wary of the new squeaky thing and keep their distance when the baby is awake.
However, cats do like comfortable warm places to sleep and babies are warm and their cots are perfect sleeping places for them. I used to deter the cats from going upstairs before the baby was born and definitely keep bedroom doors shut always.
Downstairs I used a cat net with the pram hood up, but these aren't cat proof completely as a cat will still lie on top. Just ensure when the baby is asleep that you know where the cats are, or that they don't have access.
Apart from that, your cats will be fine with the new family member and you'll still have time to fuss them when its quiet.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Sorry no tips

Your in a hard place, so many cats get jealous, get into cribs/children's beds.

I would keep them well separate. Too many cats are given up to cat rescue when baby comes along or pulls tail/ gets scratched etc.

Don't want to put a dampener on things but you have to have at the back of your mind you may have to give them up if things go wrong.

I am so glad I will never be in that situation.

 

[nemlin]

Congrats on the impending baby! Not sure I've got anything helpful to say, just thought I'd share my experience.

I have one very spoilt, temperamental rescue who was my baby. I had our baby at 30 weeks so slightly different scenario, we spent 7 long weeks in hospital before being allowed home. During that time, we left muslin cloths/clothes with our boy's smell on in random places at home - the cat was very very curious. We allowed him to investigate baby stuff and then started shutting him out of our room. When baby came home he was more terrified than curious, he once summoned the courage to sniff his Moses basket but never made any attempt to get near him. Good job really as my lad was only 5 lb 5 oz at the time, a hamster could have smothered him!

Good luck, I don't think there have been many official reports of cats smothering babies

 

[MerrySherryRider]

That's a little drastic. I've always had a couple of cats and at times, kittens too along with half a dozen human babies. (not all at once.)
Never had a problem with a cat being jealous or doing anything untoward. Bit of commonsense and you'll be fine.

Although, one slight exception- a queen did give birth in my pram when we were away for the weekend and my mum was house sitting. My mum thought it was really sweet, I wasn't impressed.
Baby was away with us fortunately and not left with my mother, the cat and her kittens.

 

[Holly_09]

Thanks all, it's good to hear people's experiences. I must add I would never leave baby alone with the cats! Generally they are well behaved e.g they have never tried to jump on kitchen worktops or the table where we eat. It's the adjustment to not being allowed to sleep with us that worries me a bit.
Leviathan- totally agree that too many are given up when the new parents fail to prepare properly. I will say though (and I prepare to be flamed!) that if my child got scratched from pulling my cats tail, I would say that was my fault for not being attentive as that's the cats defensive behaviour! It doesn't mean that they would ever be given up for that. Fortunately both cats have never showed any aggressive behaviour towards us, long may it continue!

 

[Dogrose]

When any of my animals scratched or bit one of my children the first thing I would do is ask 'what did you do to him/her?' Cue sheepish looks and mumbles
The first thing I did when I found out I was pregnant for the first time was get a kitten, I wanted my children to grow up with animals. I had no trouble with babies mixing with cats though I did get a cat net for the carry-cot.

 

[Springy]

I have 6 cats n 2 kids never any issues all this cats in moses baskets etc never happened they stayed well away from the small squeeky things lol
I never allowed them in the nursery
good luck