Some parents mistakenly
believe they should give up their cat when expecting a baby. In a survey
carried out by Cats Protection in April 2018, 54% of expectant parents have
concerns about having a child when they owned a cat. But owning a cat when you are pregnant can have
a positive impact your mental health, your cat can be a calming companion
during your pregnancy but cats need help adjusting to the change of routine
when a baby arrives.
Please see some tips to help you through your pregnancy
and after your baby arrives. Anyone worried about owning a cat can call the
charity’s national helpline on; 0300 12 12 12 for advice.
From
three months pregnant:
·
Get someone else in the home to change the
litter tray, if this isn’t possible wear disposable gloves and apron when
changing the litter tray. Cat litter and cat poo can contain a parasite that
causes toxoplasmosis, studies have shown that cat owners are statistically no
more likely to get toxoplasmosis than non- cat owners. The chance of catching
the disease from your cat is very slim in fact you are more likely to get it
from handling raw meat and good hand washing should be practised for more
information please visit (www.cat.org.uk/toxo).
·
Start playing baby sounds.
·
The room that you will make the nursery keep
off limits to the cat, (if
you need to, move resources out of the room do this slowly not straight away).
·
Take your cat to the vets for an up to date vet
check to make sure your cat is healthy and there are no underlying health
problems that need treating, get flea
and worm treatments up to date and if needed get your cat neutered and
microchipped.
At
six months pregnant
·
Introduce your cat to the new baby equipment
(eg the pram and nursery furniture). Do not let your cat climb on it and keep
the equipment off limits.
·
Reduce the amount of lap time you have with
your cat by doing this your cat will start getting used to having less time
with you.
·
Encourage your cat to use interactive toys and
feeders so they can learn to entertain themselves.
Just
before baby arrives
·
Plug in a pheromone diffuser (eg Feliway www.feliway.com) this
will help to manage your cat’s stress levels and reduce the risk of unwanted
behaviours.
·
Brush up upon your knowledge of your cats body
language so you can recognise signs of stress when baby arrives. For more
information please visit www.cats.org.uk/behaviour.
After the baby arrives
·
Make sure the cat has lots of hiding places to
escape if they feel stressed.
·
Introduce your cat to your baby gradually.
Don’t force interaction or leave your baby and cat alone together.
·
Finally make time to give your cat daily
attention, this will help them relax and relax you.
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