How to Safely Introduce Cats and Newborn Babies

When you welcome a new baby into your home, pay attention to how your cat will handle the changes. Excluding your pet during this happy time might confuse your cat and lead to stress or unwanted behavior, such as missing the litter box. Maintain harmony by properly introducing your child and your cat to ensure a joyful future.

Why Cat Introductions Matter

Keep in mind that your cat was there first. If your cat is unfamiliar with infants and has only been around adults, it might see a baby as a strange new creature. Babies smell different, make high-pitched sounds, and move unpredictably, which can cause anxiety in cats. As a result, your cat might switch to stranger-danger mode, hide, or become defensive. To prevent these reactions, you'll need a plan before bringing your baby home.

Let Your Cat Tour the Nursery

Prepare your cat months before your baby arrives. Start when you're decorating the nursery. Cats love routine, so they may react sensitively to changes. Make gradual adjustments to your home. Let your cat explore new items to help it feel included. Your cat might investigate new furniture, sleep in the bassinet, or play with the baby mobile. When you can't supervise, use a gate or close the door to keep your cat out.

Get Your Cat Used to a Baby's Cry

Record the sound of a baby crying so your cat knows what to expect. Cats use sounds to communicate, and infant cries resemble kitten distress cries, which can be unsettling for cats. Be matter-of-fact, and if your cat calmly explores the sound, reward it with soothing praise. If your cat gets upset, start over by playing a favorite game before turning on the recording. This way, your cat will associate the cries with pleasant experiences.

Prepare Your Cat for New Smells

Cats communicate with scent and identify familiar smells as friendly. Here are a few stress-free ways to introduce new scents to your cat.

• Wear baby powder or lotion on your hands weeks in advance so your cat associates these smells with a familiar person.
• Bring home an item with your baby's scent, like a receiving blanket, and let your cat sniff it for an early introduction.
• Before the baby is born, pet your cat with a pair of infant socks. Have your baby wear these socks home from the hospital. This way, your baby will carry your cat's scent, helping your pet recognize the infant as part of the family.

Shower Your Cat With Praise

When you bring your baby home, you may be tired, but there's still some work to do with your infant and cat. Gently introduce them by letting your cat sniff your baby's foot while wearing the feline-scented sock. Continuously praise your cat when it behaves calmly and confidently. Once your cat understands that gentle behavior with the baby is rewarded, interactions should improve. Include your cat during baby feedings by offering treats in the same room. This helps your cat associate positive experiences with the baby's presence. Many of these tips are also effective when introducing a new cat to a home with an existing cat.

Respect Your Cat's Space

As your baby grows, teach your child to respect the cat. From the start, create a private retreat for the cat to escape from a crawling baby or a toddler's grabbing hands. Mutual respect and careful introductions foster a loving bond as your child grows up with a happy cat. This nurturing environment creates a lasting and harmonious relationship.