Okay----- pets (cats)and babies. Ideas? Knowledge? Opinions?

[underpants]

If you haven't been in cave for the last 16 months ( ;-) ) you know that my wife and I are expecting a child. So I was wondering if their was any conventional and, of course, unconventional wisdom on introducing a baby into a house with two cats.

These are good cats-very loving and involved, no aloofness at all.

I have read about bringing a receiving blanket home from the hospital and letting them get used to the scent. I am also checking on recordings of a baby crying to get them used to that too.

At first the baby is going to be kept in as sanitary and controlled environment as possible ( first few weeks) but eventually we all have to live in the same house.

Advise? Experience? Anything?

[Richardo]

1. Put the litter box *right in* the crib.

You said unconventional.

[underpants]

2. Hmmm could save a lot on diapers

:think:

that reminds me I need to start a thread asking about a good "pack of wolves" reference.

[jmm]

7. Elimination communication for the lazy?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3577720

[quisp]

3. We had an older cat when my first daughter was born..

and kind of neglected him somewhat. He became resentful and crapped right in the doorway to the nursery. After that we paid more attention to him. He was with us through the birth of my next two daughters. He died last year.

I guess I'm saying just make sure you pay attention to the cats because a baby can be a lot of work.





ps - I miss Sable.

[intheflow]

4. This site seems to have some sound suggestions.

http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/Care/Cats/004/05.htm

I really like the advice to let the cat sniff around the nursery to make the room less tantalizing. Especially since you expect to keep the baby kind of cloistered at first.

The most important thing is to remember that your cat considers itself your first baby. Rule #1 of good parenting is to keep gving love to the older siblings when a new baby comes. This will work with a cat, too!

Congratulations on your impending birth!

[underpants]

9. Excellent thanks for the link

:hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. Our cat loved to sleep in the crib...no joke.

For the first 6 months we kept the door to the nursery closed at all times to keep cat hair out of the crib. Otherwise our old kitty was interested in the baby at first, but quickly got over it...except for the love of the crib...Here's some inspiration for you, my brother's new baby boy, born 7/10:





You're going to be a great daddy!!!

[kick-ass-bob]

6. I was going to say

just keep the door closed when she is sleeping.

And don't forget to keep paying attention to the cats - otherwise, they will get jealous and eat your baby.

[underpants]

8. Awwwww

full head of hair on that little one.

The ultrasounds show lots of hair on ours too.