This was a wonderful post, I wonder if it works the same way with dogs. I don't want my two "grandpuppies" to be upset when my real grandbaby gets here.Originally Posted by Yosemite
I've always believed that people over-react to cats and new babies. With baby monitors so available these days, there is no reason the baby's door cannot be closed.
When we brought our daughter home, I had a 10 yr. old Siamese that was MY cat and only MY cat. All the good-intentioned folks told me I would have to "get rid" of my little Siamese girl. That was not an option for me since she was very, very special to me then and still is today even though she is over the rainbow bridge waiting for me. When I breast-fed Jennifer, I allowed my cat to be on my lap at the same time since she always sat on my lap when I sat down. I always made sure she got attention and didn't feel like I was pushing her aside for the baby. As Jennifer grew and started crawling, that cat was absolutely wonderful with her. She never once bit or scratched the baby. In fact she would take a swipe at my mom if she sat down too close to her, but she allowed Jennifer to pull on her tail and her ears and never once hurt her. Naturally I kept an eye on them so that if Jen did get near the cat, I didn't let her hurt the cat either - Jen needed to be taught how to treat the kitty as well.
Jennifer's first word was not daddy or momma - it was "seesuz" - the cat's name was Susie.
IMO, not being stressed around either the cat or the baby is better for everyone involved - babies and cats will pick up on the mom's stress.
I'm glad you refused to give up your kitty and it worked out so well! WHAT a sweet story!Originally Posted by Yosemite
I've always believed that people over-react to cats and new babies. With baby monitors so available these days, there is no reason the baby's door cannot be closed.
When we brought our daughter home, I had a 10 yr. old Siamese that was MY cat and only MY cat. All the good-intentioned folks told me I would have to "get rid" of my little Siamese girl. That was not an option for me since she was very, very special to me then and still is today even though she is over the rainbow bridge waiting for me. When I breast-fed Jennifer, I allowed my cat to be on my lap at the same time since she always sat on my lap when I sat down. I always made sure she got attention and didn't feel like I was pushing her aside for the baby. As Jennifer grew and started crawling, that cat was absolutely wonderful with her. She never once bit or scratched the baby. In fact she would take a swipe at my mom if she sat down too close to her, but she allowed Jennifer to pull on her tail and her ears and never once hurt her. Naturally I kept an eye on them so that if Jen did get near the cat, I didn't let her hurt the cat either - Jen needed to be taught how to treat the kitty as well.
Jennifer's first word was not daddy or momma - it was "seesuz" - the cat's name was Susie.
IMO, not being stressed around either the cat or the baby is better for everyone involved - babies and cats will pick up on the mom's stress.
Why? or do you just mean in your case?Originally Posted by JulieKit
Closing the door wont help because when the baby is born the door will need to be left open.