Many of us can credit our companion animals with helping us get through tough times. They’re likely used to being doted on and can be quite surprised when all that changes with the addition of a child into the mix of your household. In cases of international adoption, children often come home mobile or very close to mobile, so your cats and dogs won't get much quiet, still time to get to know to them. If your family pre-child was made up of you and furry, spoiled children; this new creature tearing through the house can take some getting used to.

Here are some tips to help your companion animals cope with their new human sibling:

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  Have children come over before your child comes home. If you have a niece, nephew, neighbor or a friend with a child, invite them over regularly to help your animals get used to having a little person around.
  
  
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  Be sure to pay extra attention to the fur babies once you’re home. Extra walks, lap time and petting will help them relax and not feel slighted.
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  Give your animals their own space. Before Ella came home we got our basement cat-ready so they could have the run of it without her. Even now that they’ve gotten used to her, we still find them lounging down there.
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  Teach your child how to treat animals with kindness. Once your cat or dog realizes that you will protect them from ear and tail pulling, they should relax.
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  Be patient. You new child will be learning right along with Fido and Fluffy how to interact with each other. Try not to push their interaction and just let it happen at its’ own, natural pace.
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  If possible, put out some of the baby gear before you leave to get your child. This will allow for ample sniffing and checking out time so your animals won’t be extra freaked out with all the new furniture and toys in the house.

*This picture is of Ella and one of our cats, Stuart. Stuart is normally quite a scaredy cat but he absolutely adores Ella and she has taken to resting her head on his belly and 'loving' him. He tolerates her very well :)




Related Links:
Animals And Kids
Canine Central