Odd cat reaction to baby

MissMeegs · February 2014

Our pets have generally done well with the baby. I'm particularly impressed with the dog, who was/is a very spoiled puppy and our first "baby", and must not enjoy being second banana now. But he's coping really well. The cat also doesn't really seem to care much about baby, certainly isn't acting hostile towards him. BUT he is obviously affected because he has retreated to our bedroom and never comes out.

We know he must leave the room at night to use the cat box and eat/drink. We keep his food in the laundry room and it's always in need of refilling. But he no longer emerges from our room during the day to hang out in the rest of the house, and this is definitely not normal for him. It's been 4 weeks, I'm wondering how long this can last for? I feel really badly if kitty is upset, he's a very sweet and friendly cat. But I'm really not sure what I can do for him here, obviously the source of his new stress is here to stay!

MindyBadger1 · February 2014

Poor kitty. Have you tried catnip, treats, and going up there and making a point to pet/play with him a couple times a day? Sounds like stress.

This is a long shot, but my cat was acting very strange for like 5 days. Hiding under the bed, looking agitated. I was afraid she was getting sick or reacting poorly to the baby, then I saw her walk at night and saw static electricity literally sparking off of her body! I guess having the heat up so much higher/space heater going really charged up the place. I rub some aveeno baby lotion on her with damp hands twice a day and now she's back to her normal frisky/non-traumatized self.

MissMeegs · February 2014

I hadn't thought about trying to lure him out with catnip, not a bad idea...though unfortunately his sequestering himself has had a bad effect on the dog. The dog, being very young (just a year old) and playful was always very keen on the cat, loved chasing him around (cat never cared for this but always handled it well). Since the cat has been in hiding, any time he has ventured out (only a couple times in daylight that I can recall since bringing home baby) and the dog sees him, well it's a VERY big exciting moment for the dog. He goes nuts and runs after him and you can imagine how well that goes. Sigh!

May have to try some tricks the next time the dog is at daycare for the day or something. Poor kitty!

blondie10m · February 2014

Some cats may never get over it. We had to start giving one of our cats Prozac after ds1 started crawling because he started pulling out his fur. When we try to wean him off, it starts happening again still. Our other cat is completely unfazed by the babies.

katags · February 2014

My cat is actually very intrigued by the baby. Any time the baby starts screaming Gabby (cat) comes to try and help soothe her. She'll jump onto my lap and smash her body against the baby and just purr continuously until the crying subsides. And Gabby clearly misses our cuddle time because she'll randomly join us while nursing and try to fit herself onto the boppy also.

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