Q for those of you who have furbabies

pb_bride

How do you keep your cats and dogs from chewing on your babies' toys?  Or rubbing all over their blankets/play mats on the floor?

We have no pets, but sis-in-law is asking us if we can take in her cat for a week while she goes on a trip.  We've taken her cat before BUT that was at our old condo before M was born.  Her cat has not been to our new place. He also vomits every once in a while (not sure how frequent now, but he vomited at least once every time he stayed with us). 

Both DH & I are reluctant to say yes, for different reasons.  DH doesn't want to deal with the litter box or clean up vomit.  I don't want the cat to be chewing on M's toys, eg, the activity gym we set up in our living room floor. Nor do I want the cat to be rolling all over M's blankets on the floor (where M and I play).  Nor do I want the cat to be jumping onto/into M's jumperoo.  I guess I just don't want M to be eating the cat's hair since M puts everything in his mouth.

I feel like if we take in the cat, I'll have to lock M and myself up in his nursery all day long to keep the cat away from M's stuff.  Finally, I just can't be 100% sure that the cat won't hurt M... the cat likes to bite (gently) when he plays.  So if we have the cat here, I will have to be holding and watching M every single second of the day.

OTOH, I feel bad saying no to SIL, and DH thinks that our reasons for saying NO may sound ridiculous to someone who owns a cat.   SIL always says that her cat is scared of infants and won't go near one, but she doesn't have children her own.

Am I being unreasonable for saying no? 

cbubbles2

I don't have a cat but I have a small dog so I'm not sure how similar it is. My dog never rolled around on G's play mat or blankets. She would rather not be bothered with him to tell the truth. Is there a way you can gate or block off the cat from the bab

RoseHQ12

I would not ask someone, who didn't already have a fur baby, to take care of mine, for the very reasons that concern you.  Could you ask your SIL if she has anyone else that could take care of the cat & voice some of your concerns to her?  I

keg

We had three cats when DDs were babies (one has died since then).  Honestly, only one was remotely interested in the baby gear, and even then, she stayed away when the kids were there.  Neither current cat has done anything with the baby stuf

jesselayne8

Our Boston terrier doesn't bother the baby's toys. I wish I could say the same for the baby. DD is always handling the slobbery dog toys. Yuck.

Are you their only option for pet sitting?? Cats are probably harder than dogs to keep out of th

Saraevh

pb_bride:

How do you keep your cats and dogs from chewing on your babies' toys?  Or rubbing all over their blankets/play

Mrs.AmyDylan

Could the cat stay at SILs house and you/DH go check on it?

Ive watched my BFFs cat, but I'm allergic and couldn't have a cat in the house. The cat stayed at her house and I went over and fed and played with her. Cats are generally more independe

mdiblasi10

We have two cats (and a ginormous dog) and they don't really get into or mess with G's stuff, but I keep his bedroom door shut and I put away his blankets & toys every night so they don't sleep on them or play with his toys. They are never aggressi

Mr. & Mrs. Woodtick

cbubbles2:

I don't have a cat but I have a small dog so I'm not sure how similar it is. My dog never rolled around on

TJ1979

My cats are very uninterested in E. they stay away from her and her things. Especially things that move like a jumper. However blankets they will lay on, so I'd put them away if you aren't watching. I think Amy's idea of going to check on kitty at SIL's h

mystic_J

I would say no. In addition, I don't understand why a cat has to be removed from the home it resides in for a trip. Cats are easy give them food and water and check on them in their home daily and you're golden. I would be extremely put upon if someone as

Pnut30

Well I will tell you what it is like over here but every kitty is different.  We have 3 kitties and for the most part they are scared of DS.  To my amazement they have never once tried to jump in to or sleep in the RNP, bouncer, or swing.&nbs

Pnut30

Oh and I totally agree that if they live close enough I would see if one of you guys could stop over there instead.  I would actually prefer that someone do that with my kitties instead of taking them somewhere else since they are comfortable at our

imoverit

I would tell her no. It sounds like you have a lot of reasons not to. Plus if the cat is scared of infants why would she ask you to watch? Anyway dont feel pressured you need to do what is best for you guys. A week is a long time to take on the responsib

pb_bride

Hi ladies, thank you for all your input.

SIL usually asks her next door neighbor (who has a cat herself) to go check in & feed her cat when she's away for a short trip (say, <4days).  SIL just feels bad leaving her cat alone for an en

kgs0505

The cat will be fine on its own for a week with someone looking in on it. It's really not a big deal.

TJ1979

kgs0505:

The cat will be fine on its own for a week with someone looking in on it. It's really not a big deal.