​How to introduce your newborn to your cat: A guide for expecting parents

Nothing in this article is or should be construed as medical advice; for any medical questions, consult your healthcare professional. 

If you’re expecting a little one soon, you might wonder how your fur babies will adjust to the big change. We’ve gone over how to introduce dogs to your newborn, but what about cats? Cats are more independent creatures with their own personality quirks, so they require a different approach than dogs. Let’s go over some tips for​​ how to introduce your newborn to your cat.  

Preparation steps during pregnancy to introduce ​​cats and babies 

Cats can be particular about their environments, and if your cat is used to being the only baby in the house, they might be in for a rude awakening once a newborn shows up. Shifts in their routine or environment may cause cats stress or anxiety, which could result in behavioral shifts, appetite changes or urinating/defecating outside the litterbox.^​​1 The best thing you can do for your feline friend — and your larger household — is to take steps to prepare, some even months in advance. Here are some ideas to get started. 

Take nesting slowly 

You may be tempted to put the nursery together all in one weekend, but keep in mind that a slower transition will be easier on your feline friend. Give your cat several weeks to investigate new furniture, like a crib or changing table, before marking the area as off-limits to pets. If they’re used to having free reign of the house, practice shutting the nursery door so they can find new spots to sleep or hang out. And if your litter box is anywhere near the nursery, move it to a new spot very gradually — just a few inches a day.  

Get your cat prepared for new sounds

Cats can be sensitive to sounds, so try to introduce them to what a fussy or crying baby might sound like. You can look up clips or videos of baby cries and play them quietly at first, eventually getting louder. Again, the key here is getting your cat adjusted gradually. You can also offer them treats or affection during the recordings to help them feel more relaxed around a noise they will hear frequently soon enough! 

Be aware of toxoplasmosis while pregnant

If you've heard that pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter, there's an important health reason behind it. Cat litter boxes can carry risk of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, according to the CDC.​​²  

Cats can pick up this parasite when they hunt small animals like mice or birds, or when they come into contact with infected soil outdoors. They then shed the parasite's cysts in their litter box.^​​3 Pregnant women are especially at risk for the disease, since the parasite can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects.​​³ Whether your cat is indoor or outdoor, it’s best to follow safety protocols around the litter box. If possible, it’s best to have a partner handle the chore of scooping out the litter box until baby arrives. If you must handle it yourself, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water any time you touch something that may come into contact with cat feces. Your cat’s litter box should be scooped at least once a day.  

And it’s worth noting that cats aren’t the only sources of toxoplasmosis. You can come into contact through contaminated soil or food.​​² So wear gloves if you’re gardening and follow food safety protocols in the kitchen. 

Tips for your ​​newborn and cat’s first introduction

The big day is finally here! You’ve given birth and are making plans to come home. Even if you’ve laid the groundwork for introducing your baby to your cat, there are still a few strategies to make the moment go as smoothly as possible.  

Use smells to introduce ​​cats and babies first

When your baby is born, try to have a family member or loved one bring something with your baby’s scent on it to your house so your cat can inspect it ahead of time. A receiving blanket works great for this, but avoid any fabric used directly after birth. Blood or other organic matter can be overstimulating to pets.​​⁴ Your cat should be allowed to explore the smell — not forced into it — with lots of positive praise and treats.  

 Closely monitor their time together

All interactions between your cat and baby should be supervised, but especially the first time. This lets you catch any immediate negative reactions, like hissing, swatting or running away. Give them time to sniff and check out the baby at their own pace and reward each positive interaction with treats and praise. Never hold or restrain your cat in an attempt to force an interaction. Don’t be discouraged if your cat doesn’t warm up right away. If they have a negative reaction, quietly get up with your baby and try again another time.

Give your cat some one-on-one love

Your cat was your first baby, and they’ll still crave a few minutes to reconnect with you. When your baby is safely napping, give your cat plenty of affection and make sure they know they’re still loved. Trying to maintain a consistent schedule of feeding, playing and cuddling can help.  

Warning signs when introducing cats to babies 

If your cat is uncomfortable, they’ll often show it through body language. Here are some signs to look for as you’re introducing your cat to your newborn​​⁵:

• Tensing up, arching their back or flattening themself to the ground
• Tucking their tail close to their body, or twitching their tail rapidly
• Their pupils dilating or their ears going flat against their head
• Hissing, spitting or swatting

Don’t punish these warnings if they show up, otherwise your pet might skip straight into aggression next time. Warning signs give you a chance to adjust the situation. And don’t assume that the growing pains mean you have to rehome your pet. You can always consult with your vet or an animal behavior specialist before taking drastic measures.  

Ongoing strategies for harmony between ​​cats and babies

If you’ve found a good routine with your cat and newborn, keep in mind that things will change as fast as your baby grows and develops! Soon they’ll start crawling and trying to grab things, so be sure to work through those milestones with your furry friends in mind. Guide your baby on gentle touches and respecting your cat’s boundaries and make sure there’s a spot in the house your cat can retreat to if they need some alone time.  

Does introducing​​ cats and babies take some work? Yep, but it’s worth it to build the foundation for a loving, lasting bond between the smallest members of your family. 

FAQ

​​Is it safe to have cats around newborns? 

Yes, but be sure to supervise all interactions. This lets you watch for warning signs from your cat and any inappropriate play behavior from your baby.  

​Do cats get jealous of babies? 

Just like any pets, cats can become jealous of how the attention shifts in the home when a newborn arrives. Be sure to give your furry friends love when you can and be patient with your family’s growing pains.

Do cats suffocate babies?

As part of a safe sleep regiment, babies should sleep in a room that is off-limits to cats. There is a risk of accidental suffocation if the cat lies on the baby unsupervised — another reason to keep an eye on any interactions. But the old tale that cats "suck the breath" from babies is just an outdated myth.  

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• How to introduce dogs and babies 
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