Moms Who Have Pets...

Can you share your experiences of how your pet reacted to your babies when you brought them home and how they have been with the baby since then?? I think my cat will be fine, but i was just wondering if anyone had any jealousy issues, etc.

Thanks,

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

I have 2 cats. They do have jealousy issues big time, but they do not take it out on the baby, they take it out on my furniture!

They are actually really good with her, they either don't bother with her or would approach her only when we are holding her at first.

Now they will go over and sniff her sometimes, that is really it.

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

My two cats are not interested in the least. They keep to themselves in the day and are very social with us at night.

Mind you, one of them is still angry because of this incident

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

We've had no problems at all which is surprising. My dog does not like kids really but she has been great with Miranda and I think its helping her be calmer around other babies. She still is not fond of the moving toddlers but hopefully when Miranda starts moving that will help as well.

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

I had 2 cats when my son was born and both were very attached to me but were fine with him. My one cat has since passed away and the one I still have is clingy as soon as the kids go to bed, I guess in her mind its "our time" together

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

I have two Bostons and a cat. The older Boston had some adjustment issues that we needed to address (not when she first came home but when she started becoming mobile). She basically stays away from the baby now because she is afraid she will get in trouble if she go nears her. The younger Boston thinks the baby is hers; she'll watch her sleep, she'll check on her in the crib, she'll play with her on the floor, will let the baby lay all over her, grab her, etc. The cat couldn't have cared less and is still not interested, unless of course the baby has some sort of food item he prefers. Both dogs take their positions under the high chair very seriously!

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

I don't have any pets...but my mother has to Pomerainins...sorry of spelling.
I knew that James would be spending alot of time at my mothers. So I took a blanket that James had slept with over to my mothers and gave it to the dogs to play with.
When the met James they recognized his scent right away. One of the dogs actually pulled the blanket out abd brought it over to James.
The both watch over him...and like Sharon said...they are always near by when James is in the High Chair...I think he purposly gives them food though.

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

We also do not have any pets but my mom has 3 medium size mutts. I forst brought Ryan over when he was about 1 week. First I let them sniff his blanket. Then eventually let them sniff him and get a look at him. They are absolutely intrigued by him! To this day (Ryan is a little over 2 months) they love to be around him, stare at him, sniff him.

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

I have a West Highland Terrier and she was my baby before Jacob came. She is really great with him. She kept jumping up to his bassinett when we brought him home from the hospital cause she wanted to know what that "crying thing" was. But I never let her sniff anything of his and she was fine. She still sniffs him to this day and a few times i caught her licking his legs or his ears. I think she thinks he's her baby, cause when he cries, she comes running. Even in the middle of the night. And i notice sometimes she sleeps in front of his crib at night. She is great though, no problems at all! Good luck!

Re: Moms Who Have Pets...

My cat Beemer was my baby for 2 years before I had Molly. She had a very hard time to the adjustment. Part of it started when I was in the hospital for 5 days and Scott was with me almost all the time. Beemer needs people home. She is not a cat that likes to be left for long periods of time. And then having Molly come home with me was also hard for her.
We put her on medication after a few months. She NEVER tried to hurt Molly or anything. She just couldn't function if I was not holding her or right in her sight. I think she was afraid we would send her back to the shelter I saw 2 Vets about her anxiety issues and they did nothing to help me. Finally I went to a cat specialist who solved the problems right away. Now things are great.
Beemer and Molly are becoming friends..it is very sweet.