CAT AND BABY: A MINI GUIDE FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEETING

Congratulations on your soon-to-arrive little human 😻! But before baby comes home, there’s one important detail not to forget: your cat is already here, and they’re the reigning monarch.

The arrival of a new two-legged roommate can quickly become a matter of state. To avoid a “Throne Wars” situation, Caats and Tajinebanane have joined forces to create this mini guide for harmonious cohabitation.

And most importantly, stay with us until the end… a stylish double surprise awaits, designed to delight parents, their little two-legged humans, and their four-legged mini-feline. 💛

Cats are territorial creatures: seeing their space rearranged can make them feel like their kingdom is being invaded. When preparing the nursery, there’s no need to stand guard at the door. The more you try to keep your cat out, the more curious they’ll become.

The solution: let them explore the room at their own pace and under supervision until their interest fades.

To prevent the crib from becoming their new throne for long naps, place a space blanket at the bottom — the metallic texture will usually send them running. And if the nursery is going to be a “no-go zone” once baby arrives, start getting them used to it now: a clear command (“wait”), a treat tossed in the opposite direction… and voilà, message received.

Pram, stroller, baby seat, toys… your cat will want to sniff everything, rub against it, and leave their scent. Let them do it now: they’re marking their territory, reassuring themselves, and on the big day, they’ll probably lose interest in all the chaos.

From your cat’s perspective, a new roommate who cries, babbles, or yells can be… suspicious.

To prevent these sounds from becoming a source of stress, gradually accustom your cat:

• Play recordings of crying or cooing at a moderate volume while giving treats or petting them.
• Slowly increase the volume over several days so they start associating these sounds with something positive.

If possible, bring home a small blanket or a piece of clothing that baby has worn before their arrival. Place it in an area your cat frequents so they can start associating the scent with their environment.

No worries if this isn’t possible: after a day at the hospital, your partner will already carry baby’s scent… and your kitty can enjoy it during a good cuddle session.

You might be tempted to “overcompensate” before baby arrives by giving extra cuddles and attention. Bad idea: this sudden change can make the inevitable reduction in attention after baby arrives even more frustrating.

It’s better to stick to the usual routines: meal times, play sessions, cuddle schedule, litter box cleaning… and avoid moving their belongings. If their eating, sleeping, and scratching spots remain unchanged, your cat will feel much more secure.

Before baby arrives, a vet check-up is recommended: parasite treatment, deworming… And as long as the mother isn’t immune to toxoplasmosis, litter box cleaning should be handled by the other parent.

No need to force the meeting. If your cat prefers to ignore baby, that’s perfectly fine. When they do approach, offer hands or feet rather than the face. And if they retreat to hide, let them take their time, they may come back on their own later.

Baby’s toys are colorful and noisy… basically irresistible to a cat. But to minimize the risk of germ transfer and avoid surprise jumps on your little human to “grab” a rattle, everyone should have their own toys.

Cats have been living with humans for millennia. Cohabitation can go very smoothly if the atmosphere stays relaxed. No yelling or sudden movements. Remember, a calm environment promotes harmony.

Also, make sure to keep special time for your cat: while one parent attends to the baby, the other can play with or cuddle the cat.

And most importantly, enjoy this duo that will grow up together.