How To Prepare Your Cats For Bringing Home A Newborn?

I'm not due until September, but my DH is wanting to start early preparing the cats for living with a baby.

I plan to put shelves up in the nursery, so the cats can get up on them and watch what's going on without being all up in the action. I also plan to occasionally play the sound of a baby crying so that they get used to the sound of it.

I have a friend with a two month old, so I might ask her to come for a visit. I expect them to be slightly curious or perhaps they'll avoid what's going on all together.

Am I missing anything that you would do?

By the way, I wasn't sure where to post this so if it's better suited elsewhere please feel free to move it.

Hi!
Congratulations! And I think that's one of the smartest things I've heard of, to play the sound of a baby's cry for your cats, as well as bringing a tiny visitor by

These may help;
Cats And Babies: All Your Questions Answered!

Do Cats Get Jealous? (and What To Do About It When They Do)

Furballsmom said:

Hi!
Congratulations! And I think that's one of the smartest things I've heard of, to play the sound of a baby's cry for your cats, as well as bringing a tiny visitor by

These may help;
Cats And Babies: All Your Questions Answered!

Do Cats Get Jealous? (and What To Do About It When They Do)

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Thank you! I appreciate the links you posted too. I'm about to give them a read as we speak.

Also while you are still in hospital have your husband bring home a blanket or item of baby clothes that has baby scent on it and let kitty smell it while getting praise and affection.

bbdoll22 said:

Also while you are still in hospital have your husband bring home a blanket or item of baby clothes that has baby scent on it and let kitty smell it while getting praise and affection.

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I'll be sure to have him do this. Thank you for the suggestion.

I would set up the crib, changing table etc. now. Let your cats get used to the smell of soap/lotion/powder/diapers you will use now. Plus you can get them used to not being in the crib. I think the baby visit and baby sounds is a good idea.

danteshuman said:

I would set up the crib, changing table etc. now. Let your cats get used to the smell of soap/lotion/powder/diapers you will use now. Plus you can get them used to not being in the crib. I think the baby visit and baby sounds is a good idea.

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Excellent suggestion, thank you. I talked to my husband and we're going to tackle that this weekend since we're both off from work.

Your welcome (thank a my cat from hell episode )

Congratulations on your baby!

I agree with danteshumans advice. We set everything up before hand also. We had a repeat kitty crib sleeper in the beginning but we were able to teach her that wasn’t her bed before our human baby came home.
Also when you come home from the hospital you come in first and have husband bring in baby while you give kitty some love.