Dog & cat peeing on baby's things

[Annie Mac]

I have a dog and a cat, both of whom pre-date the baby considerably. Since she's come home, they've received a lot less attention. During a period of stress (I wasn't home and the apartment upstairs was being noisily renovated, and she's always scared of loud noises), the dog peed on the carpet, and also on an extra car seat and stroller we had in the room. I put it down to the stress of the noise and my absence during that time. But then this morning, I found that one of them peed on a pile of the baby's clothes. I think it was the cat.

I know they're affirming their territories. Should I be concerned about them around the baby? The dog is almost always a very mellow dog, but she's big and if she wanted to, could inflict serious -- really serious -- harm. Any other signs I should be looking for that could indicate an increase in aggression towards the baby? I'm not going to leave them alone, but I'd like for everyone to be safe.

[mattemma04]

I would restrict the dog and cat away from the baby. Ofcourse this might lead to more resentment,but baby first imo.

Scratches and bites(even a nip) could lead to serious infection.I remember ds being nipped on the cheek from a *very nice* dog.

I am still cautious to this day as one dog and one cat we own can be nippy with my ds.

If the pee issue does not resolve then consider rehoming with a relative or friend.Give them lots of love and play time and hopefully they will readjust to the new pack. Lots of enzyme cleaner too!

I read a lot of articles online about introducing pets to a new baby.You will get some good ideas from those.

Hope everyone settles down!

[Annie Mac]

Thanks Mattema, I am definitely watching them closely. The other day (actually before I found the pee on the clothes), the cat, the baby and I all sat together very nicely. But because I don't know if she peed before or after our group cuddle, I don't know if she's adapting or expressing displeasure. It would have to be a pretty extreme situation for me to rehome them. I've had them both a long time. The dog has just a couple of years left in her, I would imagine. She's pretty old. Healthy, but not immortal. Maybe if I just make more of an effort to pay attention to the furry creatures they'll adapt better. The cat's on my lap right now

[Annie Mac]

This is getting worse. I'm hoping someone has some good cat psychology advice for me. It's not the dog. It's the cat. I caught her in the act. I've had to move all the baby's clothes and diapers to a less accessible (for her and for me) area, and mop up several days of cat urine that pooled on the shelf. She's taken a couple swats at the baby as well. I can't just give her away. I need something that will help her adapt. I don't think it's jealousy, per se, but more like the baby is just another small animal in the house who she needs to put in her place. She's been queen of the roost since my other, older cat died a few years ago, and I'm sure does not want to lose her spot on the top of the heap. Anyone any sage words of wisdom? I hope?

[Annie Mac]

Sort of like being raised by wolves

[LionessMom]

im not really sure what to tell you. my really old cat did that too. she peed in the car seat (our only). i am sure she peed other places but i never found any. she did stop. i used a water bottle when i saw her doing it. gave her extra cuddles when baby was sleeping and i changed her litter every other day. but that is what worked for me. she hasnt peed on anything special since. she is old though and somtimes pees next to the litter box instead of in it.

so no real advice, just sympathy.

[azdesertrn]

Where is the litter box located? My cats have in the past rebelled if their litter box was not in a private location away from babies and dogs. I briefly had a roommate who brought her dog upstairs at night and the cats peed in my room a few times- it resolved immediately when we started having the dog sleep in the kitchen/family room so the cats felt safe to use the litterbox in the upstairs hallway. I now have litterboxes in 2 locations and they are gated off with baby gates so the cats have plenty of privacy.

Also, have you had a vet check just to make sure there isn't a medical problem? Its most likely just stress, but it should be checked out just in case. Several medical conditions present with that as a first symptom.

[Annie Mac]

Thanks guys! She does seem to be getting a bit better. Or else she can't get to the clothes and diapers because I put them away. She seems a lot more cuddly in the last few days, more like she was before. When I'm napping on the couch with the LO, she lies in the crook of my knees or on my legs. She's now curious of the baby, but hasn't taken any more swipes at her.

The litter box definitely has privacy and I do change it (mostly) every day. If she keeps up with this, I will take her to the vet, because you're right azdesert, some problems do start presenting that way.

And so sorry the poster who said he got his puppy to watch his baby deleted his post.