Expanding your family is exciting, but cats can be territorial, and bringing home a baby is a confusing and disrupting change to their routine. Since you can’t predict how they’ll react, the animal care experts at O’Fallon Veterinary Medical Center in St. Charles County, MO, recommend getting the feline acclimated to the idea of a child long before and even after they arrive. Below they offer a guide to help with this transition.

How to Safely Acclimate Your Cat to the Baby

1. Get Them Used to Sensory Changes

When new smells and sounds come barging into their home, cats can get defensive. Luckily, there are simple ways to get your pet used to the idea of a child. Work on the nursery gradually, and start wearing baby lotion and powder a month or two before the little one is due. Play audio clips of related sounds, like cries and laughter, so they know what to expect.

2. Give Your Cat a Sneak Peek

Before you bring the baby home for the first time, have someone take back an item for the cat to investigate. Scents are an important means of communication for felines, so a blanket or article of clothing that smells like the baby will be a good tool for familiarization. This way, your baby won’t come across like a complete stranger.

3. Stay Positive & Bring Treats

While it may be a nerve-wracking first meeting, stay calm and project positivity. If you’re stressed, your cat will sense that and become tense. Greet kitty alone first, then bring them into the room with the baby. Praise the cat for being good and have treats on hand for gentle interactions. They will soon understand that kindness is rewarded.

4. Shift Routines Gradually

Remember that proper animal care is just as important now as it was before. The baby may be a priority, but you still need to give your cat plenty of love and affection. You don’t want your pet to associate the baby with stealing attention. Change your routine as slowly as possible to allow the cat time to adjust.

5. Always Supervise Interactions

Babies should never be left alone with cats. Your child won’t immediately understand boundaries, and one curious tail tug could end in disaster. Carefully watch over the two when they’re in the same room and continue rewarding the kitty for good behavior. As the child gets older, teach them the importance of respecting animals and personal space.

Make sure your cat is ready for a new friend with a visit to O’Fallon Veterinary Medical Center. The animal care facility will keep your cat up-to-date on all necessary pet vaccinations, parasite protection treatments, and other preventative measures. Their veterinarians will be happy to offer advice based on the cat’s particular disposition, so these new changes are as easy as possible for your feline friend. Schedule an appointment today with the animal care experts by visiting their website or calling (636) 272-3100.