my cat was my baby.... until I had my baby. I used to give my cat so much attention. He really was spoiled. He napped with me, sat in my lap when I sat, greeted me when I came home. I hate going on vacation because I didn't want him to be lonely at home, plus I knew I'd miss him too much. I celebrated his birthdays every year and my family even started sending him birthday cards. He had presents under the tree at Christmas as well. He ate veternarian prescribed cat food. He even had his own myspace page. I spoiled him.
my daughter was born a couple of month ago. my cat hasn't gotten more than two consecutive minutes of my time since then. she needs all my time. if she is awake, she is with me. I want to hold her and bond with her. afterall, she will grow up so fast and i'll miss these moments so I am cherishing them now. If my cat wants to be held, he needs to share my lap with the baby. He isn't allowed to sleep in our bedroom anymore because he has taken to jumping in her bassinet. He gets yelled at when he mistakes her toys for his own catnip-filled ones. He had lost his spot on top of the pedestal.
the cat started pooping in our dining room recently. I know this is a behavioral issue and I also know it's my fault. He is used to my constant attention. He doesn't understand that the baby needs my husband and me for everything. His world (aka our home) has completely changed and even though my husband and I had nine months to prepare, he only knew of the change once we brought the baby home from the hospital. He gets along with baby and doesn't seem to mind sharing my lap with her. I'm trying to give him some affection, but it's hard to find the time.
my husband is talking about getting rid of the cat. he believes the cat would be happier somewhere else. is he right? once the baby gets a little older, I'll be able to give him more attention, but is it unfair to keep him until I have more time for him? i would miss him terribly if he'd go. am i being selfish? or is keeping him the right thing to do since I love him?
I really have to think this one through.
About Me
- Catnik the Catnapper
- the cat lady spends her days checking light switches and door knobs, washing herself repeatedly and counting numbers. when not safe-guarding her home, she spoils her cat with love and cat treats. her mission is to teach others that you can live life with ocd, but have a happier life when sharing it with a cat or two. the cat lady has a bachelor's degree in psychology and has lived with cats for over twenty years.
3 comments:
So you are thinking of getting rid of the second one too? Wow. While it would be sad, it might make life easier on you. Maybe after Ray Ray is all grows up, you could get another couple cats? On the other hand, do you think George can adapt? You could start your own psychological case study on the behavior of cats in a house with a newborn! Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one.
Think of it this way: if you had a cat, and you got a kitten, which would get more attention? Or if you had a child, and you gave birth to another -- who would receive the bulk of your attention? Obviously, your precious baby needs all of your attention right now. But eventually, you'll be able to distribute it somewhat more evenly.
The way I see it is, for all the people out there who don't consider their pets as their children... (myself not included) Well, you gotta figure those pets adapt and cope OK.
Oh, and also, if it makes you feel better: my sister is preggers, and she has three dogs. Crazy-ass, rowdy dogs. That's got to make you feel better. ;)
Love ya!
you have to keep your cat! once the baby is older you can give the cat more attention. Getting rid of him will be devastating for him and there are too many animals that need adopting as it is. Please keep him! I just stumbled onto your blog by a mistake and read your post and now I know why I was sent here! to let you know your cat loves you and does not want to be put out on the door step
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