If you are expecting a new baby in the family and you are unsure of how your cat will react to the new member, here are a few tips for that purr-fect bond. Try and see the impending arrival of your baby from your cat’s point of view. This will help minimise the cat’s insecurity or jealousy. Continue to make time for her, introduce her to other babies, and make any changes in her sleep or other habits well before the arrival of the baby.

When you return from the hospital, spend a few minutes alone with your cat. Depending on your level of comfort, do allow her to examine your baby, although it’s not a good idea to leave your cat alone with the baby. Allow your cat to be a part of baby activities as much as possible. It’s stimulating for both and helps create a special relationship between them.

Contrary to popular belief, there is mounting evidence to prove that children exposed to cats in the first year of their lives are less likely than others to develop animal allergies, and additionally, have reduced chances of developing other forms of allergies and asthma later in life.

Keep the baby away from the litter box and always make sure cat play is supervised. Give your cat a place to retreat when she’s had enough stimulation, to help maintain her sense of well-being.

The writer is a contributing writer at Dogs and Pups Magazine