Relationship with cats post-baby

Question
Hi. I'm pitching a feature story to a national parenting magazine
on the shift in one's relationship with their cat(s)- from center of
universe to mere pet- once the first baby is brought home. Do
you have any insights, or even data, regarding how vets might
see this- either through comments new parents/pet owners
make, how the frequency of cat well visits drops off, how
practical childrearing matters sort of take over or eclipse the
cat/owner relationship?  I'd love a quote from you (please give
me permission if I may use it, along with the town and state
where you practice...and if the piece is published, I'll
send you a copy. I'd also love to be pointed in any direction you
deem worthy of further investigation. Mostly, I'm interested in
anecdotes from you-- what do you notice
in your practice regarding this? Thank you SO MUCH! Karen

Answer
Hello Karen,

I currently practice in Pottstown, PA at Banfield, The Pet Hospital of Pottstown.  I just opened this hospital a month ago but before that I practiced in Reading, PA for 7 years.  I don't have any hard data or statistics to share with you.  However, many times pet care is neglected when families have babies because the center of the lives drastically changes.   On average, I would say many people tend to bring their dog to the vet much more than the cats.  Many people feel since the cat is 100% indoors s/he doesn't need to come to the vet.  This simply isn't true.  Cats age just as fast as dogs and have just as many potential health problems.  We recommend twice a year visits for both cats and dogs since 1 year of their lives is equivalent to 5-7 of ours.   And catching problems early leads to longer lives.  Preventative health care is key!

Some couples will ask me what to do with their pets to prevent behavior problems once the baby is born.  I always suggest keeping the pet's routine the same.  Set up the nursery in stages to show the pet that something new is happening.  Cats in particular do not always adjust to change that well, so slow is the key.  Feliway Diffusers are a great idea to add into the house to help the cat's with anxiety (this is a natural pheromone that has a calming effect on cats).  Holly, a Bach Flower Essence, is also a good choice to add to the cat's water dish to help them adjust to the new baby and couteract jealousy.  Rescue Remedy, another flower essence, can also have a calming effect on them.  

Bringing a blanket home that was wrapped around the baby for the pet to sniff before the baby comes home to let them know there is something different.  Dogs usually adjust much better as they see the new baby as another one in the pack.  Cats often see the baby as an invader and are prone to hiding and withdrawing, so really be careful and make sure your cat is eating and keep that litter box clean (and as a side note, rule of thumb is one more litter box than the number of cats in the house).  Many cats who have underlying anxiety and are stressed will stop using their litter box, and behavior problems are the #1 reason pets are relinquished to shelters!  I want to let readers know that if this happens, seek veterinary medical attention right away.  As a side bar... This is a very frustrating topic for me as I see clients all the time who will deal with the problem for MONTHS and MONTHS at home, buying this carpet cleaner and that cleaner or putting the cat in the basement or letting the cat outside, but refuse to ask the vet for advice.   Then by the time they come in to me, they are at their wits end and want the problem fixed immediately.   When a cat doesn't use the litter box, s/he is trying to tell you something.  LISTEN to your cat and bring your cat to the  vet!  

Alone time with your pet, play time (at least 15 minutes a day), brushing time, etc should be part of the daily routine so they don't feel neglected.   Also, many people are worried that the cat will suffocate the baby.  Cats do not steal the baby's breath and do not lick the baby's face because of the milk.  Cat's naturally seek the warmest place and on a human that is our head...so many times cats will lay at our heads.  As adults that is fine, but for babies that can cover their entire face.  So supervision is necessary but it is not necessary to get rid of the cat!   

I have also had some people insist on declawing the cat because of a baby coming.  There are alternatives.  You can train your cat to use a scratching post (you must provide several posts in locations that the cat spends time...sisal rope type are best, and praise and reward your cat for using them) or use Soft Paws nail caps to cover the nails.  Scratching is a natural cat behavior to shed the outer layer of their nails and mark their territory...they are not being evil--it's nature!  Also, using a water bottle to squirt the cat when undesireable behaviors occur (like jumping on the table or counters) works well.

If you have any specific questions you can e-mail me at dr_fry_the_vet@hotmail.com

Hope this gives you some insight, and yes you may quote me.

Dr. Jennifer L. Fry