Being pregnant and having cats

I'm currently 23 weeks pregnant with what I just found out from the ultrasound today, is a little baby boy!!

I have my two cats- Steve and Paul, and I had a question. They are completely spoiled rotten right now, I devote A LOT of attention to them and they know it. They are my kids right now, anyway. When I have my baby, things may change up a little bit as far a who gets the most attention. (duh) Never will I give my cats away, they're with me until the end, so thats not even a factor. 

Is there any way I can prepare them for a baby? Cats have feelings too, and I don't want to shun them but naturally, my little baby boy is going to be top priority. Babies and cats- a way to blend harmoniously together?

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Have a happy, healthy boy! As long as you can give them a minute or two of stroking, playing etc, your cats will  learn to adjust. They will be EXTREMELY curious about the noisy newcomer though, so be prepared.I would let them sniff with supervision and as long as you don't forbid them to come near (which will make them do the opposite) I think they will pretty much ignore the baby. Make sure they get used to any new furniture, bedding, etc. also so they will be used to all that before the baby comes home. Newborns will always have to be supervised around cats, cats have a terrible habit of wanting to cuddle close and newborns can't move away to breathe. I will bet that a lot of people have more to offer, good luck and God Bless!

Since babies crying sometimes sound like cats getting ready to fight, it can upset cats, so it's actually advisable to get them used to the sound by getting a tape of normal babies crying and playing it from time to time.  Or maybe you can find a baby channel on the tv and leave it playing a lot.  My daughter grew up sleeping with cats in her crib as soon as she got out of the bassinette stage, and became a cat lover for life, and raised two kids who are also cat lovers.  My granddaughter grew up with cats in her crib too. Both my daughter and I were careful to keep their claws slipped short so they wouldn't accidentally scratch the baby, and they were all very gentle and respectful.  Nobody forced the cats to go in her crib but they actually liked sleeping with her.  The baby and cats would also snuggle in bed with me and my husband.  The cats were not jealous because they were not left out.  They were indoor only cats so they did not bring in any dirt or fleas.  We kept their litter immaculate also, so there was no tracking of bad things around the house.  You obviously love your cats very much and adding a baby will just give you more to love, it won't take away from your love for your cats.  Just beware of fear-mongers who feel the cat shouldn't be around the baby because unless your baby is allergic, which is unlikely if you and your husband are not allergic, there is no reason not to continue to give your cats about as much attention as they are used to.  Newborns sleep about as much as cats do anyhow, so once you all get on a schedule, it should be just fine.  Those first couple of weeks are killer, though, as new moms often don't get enough sleep, so just remember, this too shall pass.  And if you aren't an alcoholic, the occasional glass of wine is a real blessing right before nursing. 

Welcome to TCS and congratulations!  I don't have any advice to add, but I am happy for you.  Blessings for your sweet baby boy.  

Thank you all! Very helpful information. That sounds adorable, having a cuddleathon with baby & cat. I keep their nails trimmed well and also keep the litter box cleeeean too. I sometimes wipe off their paws after they get done in the litter box too, lol. You know how litter can catch in between paw-toes. 

My cat Steve loves his paws to be rubbed- it's so cute, he'll spread his "fingertoes" open and I can touch in between. He likes the pads touched too