Preparing the cat for a human sibling
Last night our friends came to visit. The last time they were here, their young son was able to pull himself up and walk with support. Phoebe, though clearly curious, kept her distance from this small human. While the baby was down for a nap, she crept up to him for a slightly closer look, but remained vigilant. The next day, though, she sniffed every spot where he had been. Always the curious kitty.
Now, though, the little guy is able to scurry about with the best of them! Phoebe stayed upstairs most of the evening, but did occasionally creep downstairs for a look from the relative safety of the landing. Like anyone who has just mastered walking, the little boy has now found great interest in stairs, and was escorted up by one of his parents. I gather that Phoebe was spotted in her hiding spot. Even as an adult, I find it very difficult to refrain from grabbing her gorgeous, fluffy tail, and I can only imagine the temptation of a toddler. I'm not sure exactly what happened, except that baby tried to make friends with cat and she wasn't in the mood. All of a sudden the cat came tearing downstairs, desperately seeking a hiding spot. She tucked herself in a corner behind one of the couches (a favourite play spot, as it happens), and I tried to reassure her. Then she saw the little human again, and bolted for the basement while the path was still clear. There she stayed for the rest of the evening, wedged in behind a laundry basket. Once our guests had headed home, Werner and I coaxed her up with treats. I held her and calmed her and told her, "It's ok, the baby has gone."
Of course, for the sake of honesty and full disclosure, I had to add, "But there will be another baby here in about 3 months, and it will be here to stay."
Phoebe definitely enjoys only child status. Almost 11 months old, she's still very much a kitten. We both worry about how she'll handle us bringing a baby home, and are seriously considering getting another Coonlet to keep her company. Even as I type this, she's curled up nearby. She is showered with attention, and I'm sad she won't get as much attention as that to which she has become accustomed. There is lots of love to go around, but will there be enough time or energy for everyone?
Can we be good cat parents and human parents at the same time?
Now, though, the little guy is able to scurry about with the best of them! Phoebe stayed upstairs most of the evening, but did occasionally creep downstairs for a look from the relative safety of the landing. Like anyone who has just mastered walking, the little boy has now found great interest in stairs, and was escorted up by one of his parents. I gather that Phoebe was spotted in her hiding spot. Even as an adult, I find it very difficult to refrain from grabbing her gorgeous, fluffy tail, and I can only imagine the temptation of a toddler. I'm not sure exactly what happened, except that baby tried to make friends with cat and she wasn't in the mood. All of a sudden the cat came tearing downstairs, desperately seeking a hiding spot. She tucked herself in a corner behind one of the couches (a favourite play spot, as it happens), and I tried to reassure her. Then she saw the little human again, and bolted for the basement while the path was still clear. There she stayed for the rest of the evening, wedged in behind a laundry basket. Once our guests had headed home, Werner and I coaxed her up with treats. I held her and calmed her and told her, "It's ok, the baby has gone."
Of course, for the sake of honesty and full disclosure, I had to add, "But there will be another baby here in about 3 months, and it will be here to stay."
Phoebe definitely enjoys only child status. Almost 11 months old, she's still very much a kitten. We both worry about how she'll handle us bringing a baby home, and are seriously considering getting another Coonlet to keep her company. Even as I type this, she's curled up nearby. She is showered with attention, and I'm sad she won't get as much attention as that to which she has become accustomed. There is lots of love to go around, but will there be enough time or energy for everyone?
Can we be good cat parents and human parents at the same time?
posted by Melanie A at 3:32 p.m.
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