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How to Get a Cat Used to a New Sleeping Area When the Baby Comes
by Em Connell McCarty
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Overview
Your cat, like most cats, knows what she likes and is probably resistant to change. Having a new baby is a huge change. Getting a new sleeping space is also a big change for your cat. If possible introduce her to her new sleeping space a few months before the baby arrives to prevent your cat from becoming too stressed by all the change. This will also prevent her from associating the change of locations with the new family member.
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Step 1
Choose a new location for your cat.
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Step 2
Create a comfortable, desirable bed for your cat.
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Step 3
Take your cat to this location for all cuddling, attention, play and treats.
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Step 4
Close the doors to rooms you no longer want your cat sleeping in and keep them closed.
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Step 5
Block off furniture you no longer want your cat sleeping on.
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Step 6
Remove your cat to his new bed--gently but consistently--whenever he gets into a room or onto a piece of furniture he is no longer allowed on.
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Step 7
Reward your cat whenever he chooses his new sleeping space.
- 3
- Bedding
Treats
Cardboard
Sticky tape
Vinyl carpet runners or floor mats
- Bedding
- Treats
- Cardboard
- Sticky tape
- Vinyl carpet runners or floor mats
- When choosing a new location, be aware that your cat will want a place which is out of the way and allows her to hide if she needs to. Note some of her favorite napping spots around the house when choosing the new location for her.
Put clothing, towels or bedding that your cat seems fond of laying on in the new space.
If your cat loves catnip, sprinkle the new sleeping area with catnip.
Make sure the new space has easy access to food, water and a litter box.
A place to perch (such as a cat tree) and a window (for sun and entertainment) are valuable commodities in the cat world.
Block off furniture by putting sticky tape on cardboard and laying this across the surface of the furniture. Another option is to place vinyl carpet runners or car floor mats upside down (pointy surface up) on all furniture surfaces you wish your cat to stay off of.
- When choosing a new location, be aware that your cat will want a place which is out of the way and allows her to hide if she needs to. Note some of her favorite napping spots around the house when choosing the new location for her.
- Put clothing, towels or bedding that your cat seems fond of laying on in the new space.
- If your cat loves catnip, sprinkle the new sleeping area with catnip.
- Make sure the new space has easy access to food, water and a litter box.
- A place to perch (such as a cat tree) and a window (for sun and entertainment) are valuable commodities in the cat world.
- Block off furniture by putting sticky tape on cardboard and laying this across the surface of the furniture. Another option is to place vinyl carpet runners or car floor mats upside down (pointy surface up) on all furniture surfaces you wish your cat to stay off of.
- Do not allow your cat to sleep near your new baby. Cats like to cuddle up to warm objects, and newborns are not able to move sufficiently to escape if your cat should block his air passages.
- Do not allow your cat to sleep near your new baby. Cats like to cuddle up to warm objects, and newborns are not able to move sufficiently to escape if your cat should block his air passages.
