from akc
Dear Lola,
I have two 4 year old cats that I have had since they were just weeks old, i have had cats all my life and never thought that I would ever have to get them de-clawed. I am expecting our first baby, and this is the second set of new furniture. They have been spoiled, they sleep with us and rule the house although they do not jump up on tables or counters. I am afraid that they might scratch the baby or even get into the bassinet because they are used to sleeping on the bed. My husband is furious about our furniture being shredded. I have tried scratching posts and even the spray for the couch, they still love to scratch. They are indoor cats and have never been outside. I know that de-clawing isn’t good but if it means that you may have to give them to a shelter what do you do? Also do you have any information on cats and bringing home a new baby? I would appreciate it. Claw Confused
Dear Claw Confused,
Congratulations on the baby! When dealing with babies and cats, prudence and common sense always win. I have put together some tips that might be useful to you.
Pre-Arrival...
Take your kitties to the vet for a pre-baby check up. Be sure they have all their shots and are de-wormed.
Let your cats inspect the new baby furniture (sniff the crib, etc). Their knowing what is inside will keep the mystery out of it, and as we all know, cats love a good mystery.
Teach them not to get inside the furniture.
Get crib and pram nets so that the cats cannot sleep with the baby. They must be taut when fitted or the cat may use them as a hammock.
Begin to reduce the amount of time spent petting your kitties since once the baby arrives you will have less time for the cats.
After Arrival...
Introduce your cats to the baby in a carefully monitored setting. While you hold your baby, let your partner care for and attend to the cats (makes for positive associations):
Establish special 'cat-time' in the evening after the baby's bed-time.
Keep your cats' feeding area and litter tray away from areas needed for preparing baby's meals.
If you use litter trays have your cats use a covered litter-tray with a cat-flap entrance.
Keep the baby's utensils out of your cats' reach
Wipe up any spills before your cats get into the habit of doing it for you.
Wash your hands after petting the cat, cleaning litter tray, bedding or food bowls.
Encourage your family and friends to pay attention to the cats when they visit. Don't make the guys feel rejected.
Remember that cats view owners as parents and can experience sibling jealousy, so don’t forget about them for their emotional sake.
As for their lively claws, check out Claws. There you will find information on ways to keep your furniture safe and your kitties home and whole. Keep me posted. Simba
I have two 4 year old cats that I have had since they were just weeks old, i have had cats all my life and never thought that I would ever have to get them de-clawed. I am expecting our first baby, and this is the second set of new furniture. They have been spoiled, they sleep with us and rule the house although they do not jump up on tables or counters. I am afraid that they might scratch the baby or even get into the bassinet because they are used to sleeping on the bed. My husband is furious about our furniture being shredded. I have tried scratching posts and even the spray for the couch, they still love to scratch. They are indoor cats and have never been outside. I know that de-clawing isn’t good but if it means that you may have to give them to a shelter what do you do? Also do you have any information on cats and bringing home a new baby? I would appreciate it. Claw Confused
Dear Claw Confused,
Congratulations on the baby! When dealing with babies and cats, prudence and common sense always win. I have put together some tips that might be useful to you.
Pre-Arrival...
Take your kitties to the vet for a pre-baby check up. Be sure they have all their shots and are de-wormed.
Let your cats inspect the new baby furniture (sniff the crib, etc). Their knowing what is inside will keep the mystery out of it, and as we all know, cats love a good mystery.
Teach them not to get inside the furniture.
Get crib and pram nets so that the cats cannot sleep with the baby. They must be taut when fitted or the cat may use them as a hammock.
Begin to reduce the amount of time spent petting your kitties since once the baby arrives you will have less time for the cats.
After Arrival...
Introduce your cats to the baby in a carefully monitored setting. While you hold your baby, let your partner care for and attend to the cats (makes for positive associations):
Establish special 'cat-time' in the evening after the baby's bed-time.
Keep your cats' feeding area and litter tray away from areas needed for preparing baby's meals.
If you use litter trays have your cats use a covered litter-tray with a cat-flap entrance.
Keep the baby's utensils out of your cats' reach
Wipe up any spills before your cats get into the habit of doing it for you.
Wash your hands after petting the cat, cleaning litter tray, bedding or food bowls.
Encourage your family and friends to pay attention to the cats when they visit. Don't make the guys feel rejected.
Remember that cats view owners as parents and can experience sibling jealousy, so don’t forget about them for their emotional sake.
As for their lively claws, check out Claws. There you will find information on ways to keep your furniture safe and your kitties home and whole. Keep me posted. Simba