Dr Adriana Mendoza welcomed her baby girl in November 2020. She acclimated her cat before and after the birth so the two could become friends.
Bringing a new baby into the house can be exciting but could also mean extra stress on your pets. Cats, fairly or unfairly, can be a little less flexible when it comes to change.
Dr Adriana Mendoza at Firehouse Leander welcomed her baby girl in November 2020. She acclimated her cat named Tate before and after the birth so the two could become friends.
Before your baby arrives
Make sure the baby isn’t “a forbidden thing” for cats. Allow them to explore the baby’s room and items. This does not mean you have to let them take over those items, but let them be a part of the preparation for the baby.
Believe it or not, cats understand a change is coming and pick up on your excitement and/or nervousness! So cats should be part of the process. They can watch you unpack new clothes, build the crib, etc.
After the baby’s birth
Familiarize your cat with the baby’s scent by bringing home a hat or blanket the baby wore in the hospital. Do this a day or so before baby comes home.
If your cat is generally nervous and you are concerned about their reaction, try:
-calming cat supplements
-calming cat collars
-pheromone diffusers, like Feliway, before the baby arrives
-Also, play sounds like a baby crying and cooing so the cat is familiar with newborn sounds once your new addition comes home
If you want advice for dogs, check out this article for Austin Fit Magazine that Dr Mendoza wrote when her son was born.
Please call us if your cat is having trouble adjusting to your new family dynamics. We’re here for you 24/7.
“Cats take in SO much information through their keen sense of smell. Once baby arrives, help them adjust. Let the cat smell a blanket or hat used in the hospital before you bring the baby home,” suggests Dr Adriana Mendoza, Firehouse Leander.