How to introduce your cat to your baby

It's important to get your new baby and your cat off to the best start. We'll explain how to introduce them, how your cat may react, and safety and hygiene around your baby. We'll also help you understand if your cat is coping.

How to introduce your cat to your baby

If you've followed our advice on preparing your cat for the arrival of your baby, they are more likely to be used to your baby's scent when you start the introductions.

1. Introduce your baby in a quiet room where your cat does not usually hang out. This should not be a place where your cat usually sleeps or eats.
2. Sit somewhere comfortable where your cat can reach. Hold your baby in your arms and allow your cat to sniff them.
3. Your cat may appear interested for a few seconds. They will usually then lose interest.

What if your cat runs away?

If your cat prefers to run away from your baby, that’s fine. Allow your cat to leave and investigate in their own time. Carry on with your normal daily duties and routine, and your cat should begin to accept your new arrival.

How will your cat react to your baby?

If your cat has already experienced the arrival of a new baby, and has coped well, you shouldn't have too many problems. Most cats are extremely adaptable and will cope well with some planning. 

You'll know your cat has settled in well with your baby if they:

• act the same way they did before your baby arrived
• appear relaxed around your baby
• are able to sleep, eat, play and go about their daily business as usual

How can you help your cat adjust?

When your baby arrives, it's important to:

• keep your cat's mealtimes the same, even if your routine changes
• have areas where your cat can go that are still the same as before
• create hiding places and areas on high surfaces for your cat to observe from. Watching from a high point of safety can help cats to adjust more easily.

You'll likely be doing these things before your baby arrives. But after the birth, it's easy to forget while you adjust. 

How long will your cat take to get used to your baby?

All cats are individuals and the time it takes to adjust will vary. If your cat is a confident and social cat, they'll probably adapt very quickly to your new addition.

Shy and sensitive cats may take a bit longer, but most do get used to the changes after a few weeks.

What if your cat is not coping with your baby?

While it's rare, some cats struggle adapting to a new baby in the house. They may show signs they are finding it difficult to adjust.

If they are struggling, your cat may:

• become more avoidant of you or the new baby
• spend more time outside than usual
• hide away for long periods
• avoid eating or drinking
• become less tolerant of being handled
• groom themselves excessively
• toilet in areas they haven't previously
• start spraying

If your cat is struggling, it's best to speak with your vet and a cat behaviourist. Most cats will adjust over time. But, if needed, you can find a qualified, trusted behaviourist on the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) website. 

More on stress in cats

What else should you consider?

There are a few things that you will need to think about for your cat and children's wellbeing.

Safety for babies

Never set your baby down anywhere your cat can access (such as a table, or the floor). They need to be supervised at all times. This is the case for all cats, even those with a good temperament.

• While your baby is sleeping regularly in your bedroom (usually for the first 6 months), ensure your cat does not share their sleeping space - they should be shut out of the room. Instead, you can give your cat a comfy bed away from the baby in another room.
• If you are not holding your baby, you'll need to monitor them carefully and have them somewhere your cat cannot access
• When your baby is regularly sleeping in the nursery, shut the door when your baby is sleeping. You can use a baby monitor to check on them. If this isn't an option, you can use a screen door instead which allow you to still see and hear your baby but keep your cat safely outside the room.

Safety for toddlers

Once your baby starts crawling and toddling it’s important to remain alert.

• Be mindful of the areas your cat doesn't enjoy being stroked. It’s common for most cats to be sensitive around their stomach area and tail. Toddlers can grab in their enthusiasm to want to touch and stroke, which can easily upset your cat.
• Make sure that your cat has a safe place to rest and relax, which is not accessible to your toddler. When babies are on the move, it's natural for them to want to follow cats. But this can be very stressful for them.
• Remember to place your cat’s litter tray, food and water bowls in a quiet area away from anywhere that your child has access to

Hygiene

• Try not to leave dirty nappies on the floor. They can cause cats to wee or poo on that spot.
• Use antibacterial soap to clean your hands after feeding, grooming, playing with your cat or cleaning their litter tray
• Choose a litter tray that has a cat-safe lid on it, or a litter tray away from an area your child can access. This is so your cat can do their business but your baby can't get in.