By PIA SILVANI
One of the greatest concerns of couples starting a family is wondering how their dogs or
cats will react to the new babies. In many cases, a pet has been the spotlight of their
lives and the center of their attention. With a new baby entering the picture, the pet’s daily
routine and life will certainly change.
Babies, rarely, if ever, present a threat to pets, but will the pet be a threat to the child? The
following are some myths, facts and tips to help you help your pets to welcome the new
addition to the family:
Myth: The cat will smother and suffocate my new baby.
Fact: Even though the routine may change, this is not an innate instinct in felines. Cats,
like dogs, thrive on routine and when their daily activities are altered, they may exhibit
excessive curiosity or show avoidance, app-earing to hate the baby. This doesn’t mean
the cat is planning something evil.
Tip: The cat should be permitted to sniff the new baby, but there is no need for the cat to
sleep in or have access to the nursery. Close the nursery off before the baby arrives and
keep the door closed at all times when the baby is home. An alternative to a closed door
is to temporarily add a screen door to the nursery-enabling you to see and hear baby, but
denying pets access to the room. You might also want to hang netting around the crib or
bassinet as a precautionary measure.
Myth: The dog/cat is jealous of my new baby and being spiteful.
Fact: It’s difficult to know exactly how your pet will react but jealousy and spite are not
animal traits. These are human emotions. Even though it may appear that your pet is
misbehaving “out of spite,” the pet is probably looking for ways to get your attention.
Tip: Your pet might show avoidance to the baby, jump in the middle when you are holding
the baby wanting to be part of the action, or show moderate interest and acclimate well. It’
s common that the pet will have to take the back seat for a while since you may have less
time for play, walks or social interaction. If you won’t be able to stick with your old routine,
begin to develop a new one well before the baby is born. For example, if you take your
dog for morning walks and know you will not be able to continue once the baby is born,
consider hiring a walker for mornings or change your walking schedule a month before
the baby is born.
Your pet might be acting out to get your attention. Don’t get frustrated. Your pet will quickly
learn that certain behaviors get your attention (i.e. stealing food, jumping on to counters.)
Pay plenty of attention to your pet whenever the baby is awake, not when the baby is
sleeping. Your pet will begin to see the baby as an asset since attention is only given
when the baby is present.
Myth: My dog/cat will attack the baby when she is crying since the wailing of the baby
sounds like an injured animal.
Fact: In reality, your home was probably quiet and calm up until the baby arrived. Now,
whenever the baby is crying, everyone jumps and runs to the sound. This can stimulate
the pet to be inquisitive and run out of curiosity. Your dog should not be allowed to mow
you over whenever you head for any type of sound (i.e. doorbell). Teach your dog to lie
down and stay or walk nicely by your side.
Your cat can acclimate to the sound as well if you begin playing a tape of a crying baby
before the baby actually arrives. Begin at a low volume and pet and stroke your cat.
Gradually increase the volume until your cat is relaxed whenever the tape is being played.
Other tips:
1. If your pet is sleeping in your bed, don’t expect the pet to change his sleeping habits
when the baby arrives. Therefore, get your pet used to sleeping some place else before
the newborn arrives. Teach him to “go to bed” and give him lots of affection and attention
whenever he is on his bed.
2. Teach your pet to entertain himself so you are not needed for all of his mental
stimulation. There are plenty of toys available designed to keep your pet entertained
without interaction from you.
3. Well in advance of the baby’s arrival train your dog to sit for petting or lay down next to
you whenever you are sitting. Cats can also learn to lie next to you and not in your lap.
Avoid reprimanding the pet for showing natural curiosity so that she will never associate
your anger with her interaction with the baby.
4. Monitor all interactions. It is always best to err on the side of vigilance — pets, no
matter how much you love and trust them, should NEVER be left alone with babies.
The key is to be patient. Given time and guidance, your pet should adjust quite well to the
new addition and enjoy having another family member. Most pets do.
One of the greatest concerns of couples starting a family is wondering how their dogs or
cats will react to the new babies. In many cases, a pet has been the spotlight of their
lives and the center of their attention. With a new baby entering the picture, the pet’s daily
routine and life will certainly change.
Babies, rarely, if ever, present a threat to pets, but will the pet be a threat to the child? The
following are some myths, facts and tips to help you help your pets to welcome the new
addition to the family:
Myth: The cat will smother and suffocate my new baby.
Fact: Even though the routine may change, this is not an innate instinct in felines. Cats,
like dogs, thrive on routine and when their daily activities are altered, they may exhibit
excessive curiosity or show avoidance, app-earing to hate the baby. This doesn’t mean
the cat is planning something evil.
Tip: The cat should be permitted to sniff the new baby, but there is no need for the cat to
sleep in or have access to the nursery. Close the nursery off before the baby arrives and
keep the door closed at all times when the baby is home. An alternative to a closed door
is to temporarily add a screen door to the nursery-enabling you to see and hear baby, but
denying pets access to the room. You might also want to hang netting around the crib or
bassinet as a precautionary measure.
Myth: The dog/cat is jealous of my new baby and being spiteful.
Fact: It’s difficult to know exactly how your pet will react but jealousy and spite are not
animal traits. These are human emotions. Even though it may appear that your pet is
misbehaving “out of spite,” the pet is probably looking for ways to get your attention.
Tip: Your pet might show avoidance to the baby, jump in the middle when you are holding
the baby wanting to be part of the action, or show moderate interest and acclimate well. It’
s common that the pet will have to take the back seat for a while since you may have less
time for play, walks or social interaction. If you won’t be able to stick with your old routine,
begin to develop a new one well before the baby is born. For example, if you take your
dog for morning walks and know you will not be able to continue once the baby is born,
consider hiring a walker for mornings or change your walking schedule a month before
the baby is born.
Your pet might be acting out to get your attention. Don’t get frustrated. Your pet will quickly
learn that certain behaviors get your attention (i.e. stealing food, jumping on to counters.)
Pay plenty of attention to your pet whenever the baby is awake, not when the baby is
sleeping. Your pet will begin to see the baby as an asset since attention is only given
when the baby is present.
Myth: My dog/cat will attack the baby when she is crying since the wailing of the baby
sounds like an injured animal.
Fact: In reality, your home was probably quiet and calm up until the baby arrived. Now,
whenever the baby is crying, everyone jumps and runs to the sound. This can stimulate
the pet to be inquisitive and run out of curiosity. Your dog should not be allowed to mow
you over whenever you head for any type of sound (i.e. doorbell). Teach your dog to lie
down and stay or walk nicely by your side.
Your cat can acclimate to the sound as well if you begin playing a tape of a crying baby
before the baby actually arrives. Begin at a low volume and pet and stroke your cat.
Gradually increase the volume until your cat is relaxed whenever the tape is being played.
Other tips:
1. If your pet is sleeping in your bed, don’t expect the pet to change his sleeping habits
when the baby arrives. Therefore, get your pet used to sleeping some place else before
the newborn arrives. Teach him to “go to bed” and give him lots of affection and attention
whenever he is on his bed.
2. Teach your pet to entertain himself so you are not needed for all of his mental
stimulation. There are plenty of toys available designed to keep your pet entertained
without interaction from you.
3. Well in advance of the baby’s arrival train your dog to sit for petting or lay down next to
you whenever you are sitting. Cats can also learn to lie next to you and not in your lap.
Avoid reprimanding the pet for showing natural curiosity so that she will never associate
your anger with her interaction with the baby.
4. Monitor all interactions. It is always best to err on the side of vigilance — pets, no
matter how much you love and trust them, should NEVER be left alone with babies.
The key is to be patient. Given time and guidance, your pet should adjust quite well to the
new addition and enjoy having another family member. Most pets do.
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