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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat won't stay away from crib
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Question
Hello, I am a fellow behaviorism expert on here in the canine section but my question refers to my cat. My cat does not have any current issues but I am now 4 months pregnant and I see an issue developing before my eyes. I set up the crib for the new baby the other day and the cat seems to think it is his own little bed. How can I keep my cat away from the crib and away from the baby's new room?
Hello Kayla,
Close the door to the baby's room? (*smile*)
A rolled up newspaper cures a lot of behavior problems. When you see the cat in the crib whap him with the newspaper, saying loudly and firmly "No! Get out of the crib!". Cats go by association (both words and actions) and he should soon associate the newspaper with the crib. It won't hurt him, but the noise and your raised voice will scare him. Love on him in a few minutes though because you want him scared of the newspaper but NOT scared of you.
When the baby is actually in the crib, the cat will probably be scared of him/her anyway and avoid it. Now, it's something new that he probably thinks you put there for him! Cats do not have any reasoning ability so he won't understand that you didn't.
Actually, I let my the cat sleep in the crib with the baby and had NO problems. He was never scared or jealous of her as she got older, and she grew up (healthy!) to be a cat-lover. Of course, not everyone is open to that....and neither is every cat.
Here is a link to a good article about cats and babies that you may find informative:
http://www.petplace.com/cats/helping-your-cat-and-new-baby-get-along/page1.aspx
I hope this helps.....and congratulations!!
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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