I'm five months pregnant with my first child and I live in a very small house. I have a pug, my BF has a Yorkie and I also have a cat. My cat likes to crawl in every space possible and sleep, I have been considering giving him to my sister to care for with the baby coming. I'm very afraid he will crawl into the crib with the baby and smother him trying to find a good place to sleep. Plus, my BF's Yorkie is a stubborn, mean, spoiled dog that constantly tries to kill my cat. They have gotten into some scraps in the past and my cat can hold his own but I'm wondering if it would be best to let him stay with my sister. I have had my cat Tigger for over ten years. I got him about a year before I got my Doberman and I just lost my Doberman in Sept. He died in his sleep. I don't know how this will affect my cat. Does he have the ability to feel abandoned? Will he miss me? I can't stand the thought of him feeling lost but I think he would be happy and my baby safer.
2007-01-12 00:43:00 · 15 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
My cat is very independent and during the warm months spends most of his time running around outside. Ten years and he always comes home. I'm afraid this running around will bring diseases into the house as well. Am I crazy? I just lost my Doberman and it breaks my heart to do this to my cat but I couldn't ever forgive myself if something happened to my child because I was worried about my cat's feelings. His litter box is outside, my BF changes it since I am pregnant.
2007-01-12 00:59:42 · update #1
Really!
I think you are asking the wrong question!
It should have been, 'how do I convince my BF to get rid of his dog?' !!
The Dog tried to kill your Cat, so how can you feel safe with your baby when the dog is around ?!
Please consider getting rid of it!
2007-01-12 06:36:51 · answer #1 · answered by lukietare 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, your cat will miss you! but even if you dont send him to your sister's to stay he will probably feel abandoned anyway. Once your baby comes you won't have much (if any) time to give your cat. After I had a baby, my cat ran away! He never tried to get in his crib, or hurt the baby in any way. He was jealous I'm sure but I didn't realize it at the time. My husband had a puppy at the same time. I made a big mistake one day by leaving the baby in a car bed on the couch. I was only out of the room for 2mins. at most. When I came back into the room the puppy was all over him like the baby were a toy. My baby suffered several scratches to his face and head. I was very upset to say the least. I got rid of that puppy real fast! I don't know your cat, so I can't say for sure he won't get in the crib, but I do know someone who's cat did get in their baby crib. The cat just snuggled up next to him and hissed at anyone he didn't know, as though he were protecting the baby.
Maybe you should get rid of your BF's Yorkie, or at least keep a close watch on the baby when ever it is around.
I think you should let your sister keep the cat for the first couple days after you first bring your baby home, then bring the cat back and see how he reacts, just keep a close watch, especially on that dog! That's what I would do.
But please never leave your baby where the dog can get to it, dogs are much more likely to harm a baby than a cat, especially a mean stubborn spoiled dog that has already tried to kill your cat!
Get rid of the dog if you can!
Whatever you decide, I hope it works out for you.
Good Luck
2007-01-12 01:40:44 · answer #2 · answered by CAT LADY LOO 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I grew up always having a cat in my life and now have what I view the best cat ever. I would like to believe that my cat would miss me if I gave him up and I am convinced he does when I go away but he his happy so long as he is fed and given plenty of cuddles whoever he is with. If you gave your cat to your sister, yes he will miss you and at the start he would find it confusing but I think for your situation it would be the right thing to do for a number of reasons. Looking after a baby is going to be difficult enough without you having to worry about whether your cat has crawled into the cot. Also have you thought about the fact that Tigger might not be entirely happy at the moment, it must be stressful having to watch his back with BF after him all the time. Tigger might just enjoy the more peaceful surroundings at your sister's house and enjoy the extra attention he'll receive there without a spoiled dog and newborn fighting for it. You need to stop worrying and try not to feel guilty about making this decision as you and the baby is what’s important. On the plus side he will be at your sisters so you will still be able to enjoy his company at times and know that he is doing well. If it doesn't then he can always come home when the baby is a little bigger.
2007-01-12 01:05:30 · answer #3 · answered by Shelley B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats do miss their owners. I went away for camp and whenever I came home throughout the summer my cat would sleep on my bed with me (something that doesn't usually happen). You know your situation best, and your baby should come first now. If you decide to send your cat to your sisters I don't think he will feel abandoned, especially if you can visit for a while.
What I would maybe suggest is right after you have given birth, get your sister to take the cat for a while (like a couple of weeks). This will allow you to settle in with the baby. ANd then what you can do is bring the baby over to your sisters so your cat becomes acustomed to the fact that there is a baby around. And then after a couple of weeks to a month bring Tigger home and see how it goes.
Whatever makes you feel most comfortable as a parent is probably what you should do though.
Good luck and congratulations!
2007-01-12 01:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by Erin R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say you've had your cat for over ten years, he will miss you very much. I can understand your concern because of baby coming, & rightfully you should be. Depends how attached you y are to him, you'll misshim too, but for your peace of mind it's best he goes to your sister, do visit him often maybe as your child gets older you can bring back home. I have a cat fot 9 years & can't imagine being seperatred from her for any length of time.gosh I haven't gone on vacation lately, I just can't leave her,but you must consider your child first, he'll be fine with your sister, hope I was able to help you some to decide what to do , personally I think a dog might be a greater threat then a cat, but you know your pets best. think of baby first
2007-01-12 01:08:54 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he would miss you very much. As independent as cats are they usually become pretty attached to their owners (all of mine have anyway). I had to leave my 9 year old cat with my mom for a month or so and when I took her back the cat wouldn't come near me for a couple of weeks. I would call her, and she would turn her back to, sit down and turn her ears towards me to almost show me that she's listening but is upset that I haven't been around. I know it sounds silly, but I know how attached to me my cat is.
As for the baby on the way (congrats!), I have many friends that have babies and cats. You can always get a monitor for the babies room, and close the babies door when you put him/her down so that the cat can't go in there. However, if you feel as though your cat would be happier at your sisters house, then you should take him over there. He may miss you, but he will get over it if your sister provides a loving home. And at least you'll be able to see him when you want.
2007-01-12 00:52:34 · answer #6 · answered by TmB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had my bf's cat for 6 mnths while he's in rehab..he was an only cat with his dad had never met another cat dog or human besides myself..when I brought him home he was very uneasy as I have a dog and 3 other cats not to mention 2 kids..I gave him his own space in my room food, water, catbox and all..so he could adjust to the noises and the scents..it took him 3 mnths before he would finally come out of there..he still wont come dwn stairs because of the dog but generally he is used to things and happy.he roams the upstairs now and his catbox and food are in the upper bath. He also lets everyone pet him and plays with the other cats.
2007-01-12 00:55:34 · answer #7 · answered by kim 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes your cat will miss you. Unlike dogs who have a master, cats choose theirs. You could try putting the crib up, and everytime the cat gets into the crib spray him with a water bottle by the time the baby comes he'll know what happens when he gets into the crib. Cats don't like water. Someone has told you that you should not be changing the litter box while being pregnant I hope.
2007-01-12 00:53:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I dont think u should get rif of your cat. it is a bit of a myth about cats suffocating babies, but u need to be extra vigilant anyway. I am 21 weeks pregnant and wouldn't dream of getting rid of my furry baby. U can all live together happily with a little thought and care
2007-01-12 01:02:34 · answer #9 · answered by Serry's mum 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I adopted my cat Fudge from another family that couldn't take care of him anymore and he never seemed to miss his old family at all. He fit right in with my older kitty Gizmo. I would do what is best for your kitty and your baby. If your dog is beating up your cat it would be for the best to give him to your sister. And you can always go visit him.
2007-01-12 00:57:35 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ purrlvr ♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋