How do you deal with cats poor behavior when introduced to a newborn baby?

Question

My daughter just had a new baby and is having difficulties with her 5 year old cat urinating on the floor and on the baby's belongings right in front of her. He seems depressed as well.

Answer 1

This probably won't be a welcome response but I would get rid of the cat before something bad happens. The cat is either accepting of the new addition or is not. How much time and or adjustment time are you willing to give the cat when your baby might be harmed the first time you are out of sight. I use to work in hospitals and I have seen babies come in that have been malled intentionally or accidentally by cats. Your baby is your responsibility.

Answer 2

she should give the cat some attention too...he's jealous.. he wants some lovin' too..

Answer 3

it gonna past a little time for the cat to get used to a new born for now u can only teach him...

Answer 4

You have to be VERY careful when introducing cats to newborns/infants. Also be careful when the baby is napping because there have been times when cats were known for smelling milk on the babies breath and suffocating the baby accidentally!

Answer 5

Oh please; that comment about a cat suffocating a baby is complete bull&$#@!  I thought ignorance went out with the middle ages.  I wish people would not post if they were not sure about what they were talking about.  What a creep.

It sounds as if all the time was spent on the baby and your first baby was ignored.  I would spend quality time with it, and have the baby and the cat together with you at the same time.  A cat who has been there with you before and use to all the attention and then it's taken away, is a recipe for disaster.  I would introduce the cat to the baby, let him smell the baby, get comfortable with it, and all the time give complete support to the cat.

Also, don't let them in the babies room for the time being until it is comfortable in knowing that it is not being replaced, but only being added to.

It's unfortunate that people have animals, but don't read up on the issues that can affect it's actions.  Cats are very predatory, so when it's area has been compromised, the first thing it will do is "mark" it's territory, by (you guessed it), urinating or spraying.

I would do this and do not give up the cat.  Pets are lifelong responsibilities.  I would also educate yourself on this precious gift you have (the cat I mean).  Not knowing about animals before getting them is just purely irresponsible.

If I change anything or bring anything into the house that might upset the cats, I invite them to investigate and get comfortable with it.  They are family and this is their home too.  Plus less passive\aggressive issues in the long run.

Answer 6

Pay attention to the cat; give him more attention, like when the baby's down for a nap.

More importantly, do not fear the spray bottle. It's how I trained my cats.

Answer 7

Most people considering adding a child to the home become stressed and overly attentive to all the excitement, purchases, decorations, etc...  Kitty becomes ignored.  The excitement is normal, but if a family wants their pets to be happy, they need to not just make time for them (as any other "child"), but to introduce them to all the new things (cribs, toys, etc...).

Cats stress and their immunity decreases, they develop urinary tract infections.  The cat needs to see a vet for a urinalysis to determine what is going on, perhaps even a bloodwork up.  It is not jealousy or anger or any other emotion, it is likely stress and illness.