Your cat may feel quite upset at the arrival of a new baby. It is important to follow certain steps to reduce this stress and, if you do, baby and kitty will be friends and companions for a long time.

Make sure your cat is healthy and has been de-wormed. Before bringing baby home, let your cat explore the room where the baby will sleep. Put out some diapers, baby blankets and powder for your cat to smell. Let your cat jump into and out of the crib. If there are rattles or mobiles for her to get used to, let her touch and hear the sounds these make. Record a baby crying and play it on low volume, gradually increasing the volume each day over a period of a few weeks, so your cat can get used to this "noise." Give your cat lots of love and treats during these sound conditioning sessions. If possible, bring a friend's baby into your house each day. This will give your cat a chance to smell and hear a real baby.

After bringing the baby home, try not to alter your cat's routine. Cats are creatures of comfort, security, and the status quo. If you change your cat's routine she may associate this with the arrival of the baby and you may have problems.

Talk to your cat while handling the baby. Give her lots of attention and even a nice food treat at the same time you are giving attention to the baby. Tell your cat that this is her new baby, too. Let your cat smell and touch the baby. There are fewer germs in a cat's mouth than in a human's! Let your cat kiss the baby if she wants. The story about a cat sucking the breath out of a baby while it is sleeping is a myth. It is okay for your cat to get into the crib with the baby, under your supervision, but not a good idea to let her sleep with the baby. Be sure you are relaxed and act happy when the kitty is near the baby. If you act anxious or fearful, your cat will assume the task of protecting you against this critter that is causing you this concern. It is extremely rare for a well-loved pet cat to suddenly strike out at a baby. She may stand and stare at the baby for a long time because she is curious and interested in this new creature, but most cats soon become bored and walk away.

If your cat is not too well adjusted in the first place, or under stress because of some medical problem, or is getting physically punished because of some behavior problem, and as a result, becoming slightly aggressive, then you may want to consult your veterinarian to consider the possibility of giving her a tranquilizer as a temporary solution for a short period of adjustment. If you are cool, calm, and collected about this new intruder breaking into your routine, your cat will be, too. Best wishes to the new family!