Transition period is suggested for familiarizing cats to babies

Some people still believe the myth that a cat will suck the breath from a sleeping infant.

But if cats could pass on their own myths about babies, they’d probably be just as scary: weird noises, new smells, such unpredictable behavior.

"To some cats, babies are like aliens from outer space,” says Dr. Kat Miller, behaviorist with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As if that’s not enough, there’s also the disruption to the household routine, she says.

"Cats are creatures of habit; they prefer consistency,” Miller says. "Any abrupt change in their life can cause anxiety and fear.”

Setting up the new furniture well ahead of time will help ease the transition when a baby’s on the way. If this results in a new spot for the litter box, be sure to place it where the cat won’t be disturbed when using it. Otherwise, it may decide to do its business elsewhere.

You can try to accustom your cat to baby sounds by playing a recording regularly, and to smells by using baby lotions on yourself and letting the cat sniff them.

Think about changes in routine that the baby will bring and try to gradually transition to that schedule for the cat’s feeding, play and cuddling time, Miller says.

Once the baby comes home, contact with any animal should be supervised. The simplest way to keep a cat away from a sleeping baby is to keep the door closed, and there are devices called crib tents and scat mats that discourage cats from climbing into cribs.

If the cat is attracted to the crib — a common worry that often amounts to nothing — chances are it’s because it’s the highest spot in the room. Consider adding perches like high cat trees to various parts of the house.

It also helps to make sure the cat knows what’s allowed, not just what is forbidden.

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