XP:NBR: CAT & BABY

mrse1107

I just need some advice on how to further acclimate my cat to our newborn. The baby is 1 week old - we've had our cat for a year. He's the most cuddly, loving, gentle cat and only wants to snuggle "mommy" and "daddy".

Now that the baby is here, he's VERY curious.Which is making me nervous because he's getting TOO curious. He's already hopped into the cradle a few times when the baby was in there, while I was in the same room - and once when I was putting the baby into the crib. I worry that the hopping in and out could accidentally injure the baby if he lands on him, or scratches him accidentally. (a few weeks ago DH had gotten scratched when the cat got startled and his face was cut a bit - no big deal for an adult, big deal for baby)

Also, just a little while ago the cat had the zoomies and was running and using the couch as a spring board - problem was he landed right on the boppy where the baby's head was (missing baby, thankfully)...

I know he's not malicious in anyway - but what measures can I be taking to ensure the safety of the baby in the small apartment w/out shunning the cat?

Bhobbsdz

Sounds like your cat might have a case of jealousy.  I don't have a cat and personally I am not a fan of cats, but I do love dogs so I know how important a family pet is, so if I were you, I would get a spray bottle and spray the cat whenever he was somewhere he should not be.  As for him jumping into the bassinet with the baby, I am not sure, because you do not want to spray the baby with water.  I would be very watchful over the cat and hopefully he will get use to the new additon to the family.  Best Wishes

MeantToBeWed

We have 2 kitties that are just 2 months older than DD. They are in the teenage phase already and very naughty. They haven't really done much to her except smell her feet & kiss her head. When we're in bed, Rollie will sometimes paw at her feet (he does this to us, too) and we have to get after him because he has claws. They do sometimes jump in the crib when she's in there (I'm always in the room because it's usually when I'm putting her clothes away)...it's their "highway" to the window ledge they like to sit at. I don't mind so much now, but I do get after them. For the most part, we keep her door shut at all times (wether or not she's in there) because Rollie has been known to jump on the highest shelf (top of the window level) and sit up there. (scared the crap out of me one day!!!)

 ok...that was long & not sure if it really contained any advice for you... but just make sure the kitty is gentle with the baby (not walking on it, clawing, biting, etc).

proudarmywife08

I have one cat like that! He is so jealous of DD that he won't go anywhere near her anymore. I think he was hoping we'd get rid of her after a while. I would try the squirt bottle anytime he is anywhere he shouldn't be. Also, just keep taking him out of the bassinet and off baby's things with a firm "no" and he'll get the hint after a while. Good luck.

proudarmywife08

Oh and I LOL'ed at the NBR: Cat and Baby title...Not baby related, but "baby" in the title.

crackerjackprinter

I don't know how much help I'll be, but here goes.

We have 3 cats, all very rambunctious.  I love them but they have definitely complicated things.  They jumped into the cradle the first night so we cosleep now (I'm a very light sleeper so it is easier for me to guard her when she is on the bed).  We tried shutting the door but the scratching is way worse than just dealing with it.  For a while the cats were trying to cuddle next to DD but they have stopped that recently.

As for the "zoomies" (great word btw), they usually jump on the back of the couch, so I don't worry too much.  Honestly I don't think that there is too much you can do to avoid it.

Water has never worked for preventing our cats from getting onto furniture.  As such, we don't use the PnP b/c they always want to get in it w/ her.  I've been holding her for naps but am now trying to transition to the crib.  The door to her room is always closed - I got sick of the cats scratching her crib when they jumped in.  The cat hair was annoying too.

I guess my advice after all this rambling is to work around your cat.  Make adjustments so that things can be more safe.  In my experience it is a lot easier to do this than to try to force them to adjust to you.  They're kind of like babies in that respect, LOL!