Preparing Fur Babies For The New Baby

Preparing Fur Babies for the New Baby

When I was pregnant with my son I was so concerned about how our dog and cat would react to our new addition. Our kitty Veera knew that I was pregnant before I even knew. She is a total sweetie but all of a sudden she became totally obsessed with me and started sleeping next to me every night. Clearly she knew something was up.

We didn’t really do anything to prepare Veera other than let her check out all the baby gear. She did like his nursery a ton and spent a lot of time in there. She also thought the Dock-a-Tot was a nice bed. After we brought Bennan home from the hospital, Veera loved snuggling us. I would nurse B propped on the Boppy Pillow and she would come lay on us and knead and puuurrrrrrrr. It was so sweet. Those days are long gone. Once Bennan was mobile Veera has been freaked out by him. They make eye contact and she RUNS!! It also doesn’t help that he is not quiet and calm towards her. Hopefully our little girl will grow up to be soft and gentle with the animals.

My biggest concern was Oliver, our Yorkie. Oliver is my world and has been my everything since we got him in 2008. He has always had a grumpy old man personality and has never wanted to share his mama. I was legit concerned that we would have some major issues.

Obviously he could tell something was up. I wanted to make sure that he felt just as loved as always. We let him get used to all the baby gear as well and once again the Dock-a-Tot was the coolest bed ever. Most expensive animal bed there ever was.

I think my husband was a little concerned about how Oliver would do as well because he went along with whatever I suggested to help break Oliver in. Once Bennan was born I had Parker take the baby blanket home for Oliver to smell and snuggle. Oliver could care less about the blanket and was just so happy to see his daddy. He sniffed it and walked away. So there went that brilliant idea. I wanted to make sure that we got Oliver’s reaction to bringing Bennan home on camera. We walked in the door and obviously all he cared about was Mommy being home at first. Then we set the carseat down with Bennan in it. Oliver put his front paws up and smelled his new baby brother. He wagged his little tail and that was that.

Bennan and Oliver now have a very special brother relationship. One minute they are cuddling and best buds and the next B is antagonizing Oliver and getting nipped at. I swear it is like having two kids the same age that argue throughout the day but love each other so much they want to “play” together.

Veera and Oliver know that there is another baby coming but I just don’t know how they will act this time around. I hope Veera is super interested in our baby girl and will cuddle us while I nurse. I really hope Oliver is welcoming to the idea of once again having to share his mommy. I just wanted them to feel as loved and cared for as always.

I just have to make sure to take the time to give them each love and pay attention to them as well as Bennan and our daughter.

I have made special goodie bags for each of my fur babies while I am in the hospital and recovering. Oliver’s bag has his favorite chicken jerky treats from Trader Joe’s, a new dino toy and some wet food. Veera has her favorite Meow Mix treats and some wet food (she is the pickiest eater ever!!). Hopefully that will make them happy and feel good. I just love them so much and wanted them to feel it.

Let me know if you have any suggestions or what you did to prep your animals for new human babies! I’d love to hear!!

XOXO,

Analisa