I am a self-professed “cat person”. Both of my parents have always had cats. Once hubby and I moved in together, we got Goomba and then added Toad to the mix when we realized Goomba was lonely. Say what you like about us cat folk but 37% of Canadians own one or more cats whereas only 32% have dogs!
Then we had a baby. It’s not just you as parents who have to adjust to a new life, it’s also your pets.
I was a little bit worried when we brought Miss O home. I didn’t know how they would react. It turns out I worried for nothing as the cats stayed far, far away from the baby.
This concerned me. I was concerned the cats would never like the baby. Toad was my baby before. He spent most nights laying in my lap on the couch. He wasn’t bothered with anyone else – he only had love for me. With a baby now often in my lap, Toad wasn’t receiving the love he so craved. It took over a year for him to adjust and finally start hanging out with Miss O.
Goomba now tolerates Miss O dressing him up in some lovely outfits.
Cats are independent creatures by nature and you can’t force them to do anything. I let the cats do their thing while keeping an eye on them. That’s about the best you can do. Goomba used to sniff her but generally stayed away. Now they are best buddies. Toad has also gradually come to adore the kids, always rubbing up on them.
Toad loves to rub up against Little J and roll around, begging for belly rubs.
Once Miss O started crawling, we were concerned with things like tail-pulling and location of the cat food and litter box. We taught her early on that cat tails are not for pulling. Thankfully, she listened. I can’t really say the same for Little J… I’m just glad they got used to kids before he came around so they tolerate him very well. And when they’ve had enough of either kid, they simply leave the room.
The cat food had to find a new home once I caught Miss O with her hand in the water dish, splashing all over my kitchen. Thankfully it wasn’t the food she was after!
Cat litter can stink, especially when you have two cats and an active baby who monopolizes your time. Sometimes you go a few of days without cleaning it. This is where Arm & Hammer™ Clump & Seal™ Complete Odour Sealing Cat Litter comes in. It goes a long way to help reduce the stink-factor. It’s also a lot less dusty than some other brands which is important to me with litter.
Overall, I think cats make fantastic pets. If you’re worried about bringing home your new baby, I wouldn’t fret in the slightest. Your cats will grow to love the new baby just as they grew to love you. Teach your child to respect your pets and they will form a wonderful bond.
Andrea can always be found with a new craft in front of her, a form of technology on her right and a coffee on her left. This is how she survives suburbia with her two crazy toddlers in tow.
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