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# How to curb your pet’s jealousy after the new arrival comes home
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/how-to-curb-your-pets-jealousy-after-the-new-arrival-comes-home/
- Published: 2004-12-28T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:54:27.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: local, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

You know that having a baby is going to change your life, but have you thought about how it will change life for the kitty-cat or beloved doggy you used to call you baby?

Bringing a new baby into the house is going to cause significant changes for any pet you may already have. Safety for your infant is the No. 1 concern, but there also are some steps you can follow to make sure your new addition isn’t too traumatic for your beloved pets.

Prepare your pet before you bring the baby home. If you have a rambunctious dog or a cat that likes to jump and pounce, you may feel differently about them when you bring your newborn home. Behavior that seemed friendly and affectionate before may seem aggressive and territorial to you now that you have a baby.

If you think you will want to block off certain areas of the house to keep your pets and baby separated, do it before you bring your baby home. Your pet is less likely to associate restrictions with the baby if they are already in place.

If you have a cat that likes to jump, area specific barriers such as gates may not be effective. Instead, consider protective netting and screens over areas you want your kitty to avoid — like the baby’s crib, stroller or bouncy seat.

Even if your dog is well behaved, you may want to consider a refresher obedience course. You’ll feel better bringing your baby home if you know your dog obeys basic commands. Again, take your dog to school before you bring your baby home.

The first few days (or weeks or months) after you bring your baby home may be hectic. As much as possible, try to keep your animals’ routines in place. Take your dog for walks at the regular times. This is a great time to take the baby out in the stroller and get a little outdoor time for you.

Most importantly, accept that your feelings towards your pet may change now that you have a baby. Your dog’s friendly bark when you enter the room may seem like one more deterrent to getting the baby to sleep. Your kitty’s friendly habit of walking on your face in the morning may seem threatening if you have the baby in your arms. Your defensive reactions are normal, but don’t let them get out of hand. If your pets are well trained, they should adjust to the baby without too much trouble, especially if you continue to spend some quality time with them each day. If your pets are not trained, consider obedience school before the baby arrives.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 28, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/122804.pdf?ref=smdp.com)