Cats and Babies - Tips for Getting Along

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 8 August 2021
Update Date: 1 November 2024
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Can Cats and Kids Get Along?
Video: Can Cats and Kids Get Along?

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This article on the coexistence between the cat and the baby may not interest you right now, however, we guarantee that if you have cats at home during pregnancy, you may start to consult about the relationship that may exist between babies and cats.

It is logical to have doubts about the eventual behavior that felines will have when they are introduced to "another" baby, and we use the word "other" because many people treat their animals like their own children. It would not be a mistake, however, we should simply know that each pet is very different and, before the baby arrives, maybe its attitude will change.

However, you must have no fear. Although cats are animals resistant to changes in their environment, with some tips and recommendations that we propose in Animal Expert you will see how the transition becomes easier for everyone and with the fewest possible number of victims. Keep reading and learn more about cats and babies together with tips to get along.


Considerations before the baby arrives at home

For what the coexistence between cats and the baby be as friendly as possible, you should consider that, before the newborn comes home, the cats see them almost as if they were aliens. Basically, because they emit strange and loud noises (such as crying), give off different smells, consider the furry friend as a toy, after all, they have a completely unpredictable behavior even for their own parents, imagine what is supposed for the poor cat.

When the baby comes home, virtually any routine that the cat had assimilated will immediately become obsolete. Adaptation will be easier for the baby when it comes to a rational animal that will learn the basics of the "trial and error" method, however, for the cat it will be more difficult, because it is not a being given to change.


So the first moments of interaction will be very important and, of course, don't take your eye off them when they're together. Normally, if the feline doesn't like being around the baby, it will try to avoid it, however, the newcomer will be curious (more so than the cat itself).

How to prevent the cat from being jealous of the baby?

Continued attention will be essential for our feline, investing in improving its environmental enrichment, spending time with it and encouraging it physically and mentally. We won't be able to avoid the changes that are so undesirable for cats, but we can make him associate the baby's arrival with positive experiences.

How to make a correct presentation between the baby and the cat

The first approaches are fundamental, in fact, the first moments after the baby is born, it would be good to go home with a blanket or little clothes that you used and offer them to the cat so that he can smell and start to get acquainted with the odor.


It is highly recommended that while we are doing this, we offer the cat all our love, praise and even treats so that he can associate this scent with good things from the start. In this way, the interaction between the cat and the baby will start on the right foot.

The baby's arrival at home:

  • The first moments are important, like any curious animal worth its salt, the cat will approach the newborn between doubt and fear, at this point we have to be very cautious and act carefully, petting the cat and speaking very softly. If the feline tries to touch the baby, there are two choices, if you trust your cat, let it be noted that there is no risk, if you don't have complete trust, gently push it away without scaring or punishing it at any time. .
  • In case the cat is frightened by the little one, you should not force his behavior. Let him get over the fear little by little, and sooner or later he will come closer to the baby again.
  • If everything goes as it should, you shouldn't allow the first contact to linger too long, divert the cat's attention to other things.

Tips for coexistence between children and cats

If you follow these tips, you will make the relationship between baby and cat completely safe and your friendship will grow as your child grows. You must be patient and take appropriate steps between cats and babies to avoid the risks that can lead to a bad relationship:

  1. Do not take your eyes off the baby when the cat is around. When the baby is sleeping, it is convenient that, if access to the crib is simple for the cat, the door remains closed.
  2. Check from the first moment whether the baby has an allergic skin reaction. If so, go to the doctor to determine if it could result from the animal's fur.
  3. Before the baby arrives, try to readjust the cat's schedule or the places where it eats and needs in areas where the newborn does not circulate. For the cat, the longer the forecast, the better the changes will be received.
  4. The animal must gradually get used to its smell and sound. No area of ​​the house should be vetoed for the child.
  5. Trim your cat's nails regularly to minimize the risk of scratches. If you don't know how to go about it, see your veterinarian.
  6. The cat must understand the prohibitions when the baby is in her arms or being fed, such as climbing, approaching or entering the crib.
  7. You know your own pet well, attend to its body expression as much as possible. When he needs attention, he should be given attention as often as possible, and if he is agitated, it is best to keep him quiet and keep the baby away from the environment.
  8. To a large extent, the cat's behavior will be a reflection of that shown by its guardians in the moments that approach the baby. Try not to show fear of what might happen, the cat will feel calmer and will be able to approach the baby at your own pace. Educating correctly also requires a vote of confidence.
  9. Each cat is a different world, considering the character and personality you already know, you can predict certain behaviors in relation to the baby.
  10. Always, I repeat, always, you must take care of the hygiene of the house or apartment.Make sure the cat doesn't go places where the baby spends more time and try to keep it as clean as possible at all times.

You will see how the coexistence between the cat and the baby will turn into joy and will provide you with very pleasant and emotional moments. Also keep in mind that recent studies reveal that children who grow up with a pet are at less risk of developing illnesses over the years.

Problems between cats and children

Although, in most cases, the coexistence between cats and babies is positive, when performed regularly and with the indicated guidelines, it will be essential take certain precautions in relation to health and the appearance of behavioral problems.

Communicable Diseases Between Babies and Cats

Cats can suffer from some zoonotic pathologies, that is, diseases that are transmitted to humans. For this reason, we recommend a visit to your veterinarian every 6 or 12 months at the most, in addition to properly following the cat's vaccination schedule and routine, internal and external deworming, to minimize the risks, even if your cats don't leave the house.

Behavioral Problems: My Cat Snorts at My Baby

In some cases, we may notice that the cat snorts, bristles or hides when watching the baby. It is a frequent behavior and is often related to fear, because the cat cannot interpret what kind of creature it is. It's important to be patient and ignore this behavior, because we can produce a negative association by reprimanding the cat, that is, it associate the baby with a bad experience.

In these cases, it is best to seek out a specialist in feline behavior or a veterinary ethologist.