The arrival of a baby in the house brings joy to the whole family. But what if your furry pet does not share the general delight?
Jealousy, fear, or even aggression from a cat towards a child is not uncommon.
How can you make sure that the introduction goes smoothly and the friendship between your child and your cat grows stronger day by day?
Preparing for the meeting: getting to know each other from the cradle
Even before the baby arrives in the house, start preparing your cat for changes. Gradually change her daily routine, simulating the future noise and bustle: turn on a recording of a baby crying, put baby things around the house, try pushing a stroller around the apartment.
Give your cat the opportunity to sniff new objects and become saturated with unfamiliar but inevitable smells.
Remember to give your cat enough attention and affection so that she doesn't feel deprived and doesn't start associating changes with your love fading.
First acquaintance: calm and no rush
The first meeting between a child and a cat is an important stage that can become the foundation of a future friendship.
Don't force animals to communicate. When you bring the baby home, give the cat the opportunity to sniff his things, get used to the new smell. Don't rush things!
Allow her to approach the baby on her own when she is ready. Remember: to a cat, a baby is a small stranger whose smells, sounds, and behavior cause anxiety.
Respecting boundaries is the key to friendship
It is important to establish clear boundaries from the first days.
The cat should have its own personal space where it can rest and feel safe, hidden from curious children's eyes and hands: a bed, a house, a shelf, a special play complex.
Explain to your child that you can't pull the cat's tail, drag it, squeeze it, or disturb it while it's sleeping. Teach your child to respect the pet's personal space and not to perceive it as a living toy.
Play as a way to get closer
Play is a great way to establish contact between a cat and a child, because it is during play that animals learn to interact with each other.
Choose toys that allow them to interact at a distance: fishing rods, laser pointers, balls. This way, the animals will get used to each other and associate communication with something pleasant, not stressful.
Encouragement is the key to success
Encourage any display of friendliness on the part of the cat: purring, rubbing against the child, the desire to play together.
Offer treats for calm behavior around the baby. This will reinforce positive associations and speed up the bonding process, making it a pleasant experience for both the cat and the baby.
Safety first
Despite all your efforts, remember that a cat is an animal with instincts.
Never leave your baby and cat unattended, especially during the first months of their acquaintance.
It is important to teach your child how to handle animals and ensure the safety of both so that their friendship develops in an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding.
Previously, we talked about what an owner should do if his cat does not sleep at night .
