[SBs_tahira]

I cant believe it... i let my cats out cause they were acting out since baby was born and i really wanted to keep them but cant have cats that pee on things arround the baby so it was a last ditch attempt. Now i have cats who hunt dragon flys (gross but can deal with that) its the thing they started to hunt or at least catch that is so ick... i just about stepped on a dead mouse this am!!! Ick.. any bits of advice? they were harnesses with two tags and a bell, so how in the world they managed this i have no clue, but it needs to stop... what if the baby had found it! the baby btw is seven and a half months old.

[too SHy]

You'r cats are behaving like cats. They will grow to love baby, even when they run away when she comes near. Sounds like you are on the right track just keep vigilant. Are you sure they are actually spraying urine?

They are trying to define their territory. Lots of patience!

[SBs_tahira]

Yes they were spraying urine, caught them a few times and they are fixed. Had a few people confirm it who have cats as well as my husband who grew up with the fur balls. My main issue is them bringing mice in and dropping them were ever, they dont eat them just torture the creatures and i am hoping for some suggestions on how to prevent them from catching them...

Right now they are just antisocial to the baby, she isnt very nice to them. When she first came home and would cry they would come up and meow and then lead us to some of their hidding spots as if saying... here is safe you can use it... or if baby was crying and i was in the bathroom they would batt at a toy above her head to get her attention. they like her but avoid her now lol

[Citrine]

Can I suggest you dont let your cats roam around outside in harnesses on their own. If you think about the importance of those collars that have elastic patch or a click fitting so they can release themselves in trouble...a harness could cause death. Simple. Utterly lethal. In fact Ive read recently they shouldnt be used on cats at all even with owner and lead. My own cat `crocodiled'..he rolled round and round on the ground flipping and fitting to get it off..I had to let go of the lead and he smashed his head...the thing was cut up and thrown in the bin.

Your cats are being cats, they will catch anything that moves, that how their vision and instinct works. Im no trained expert nor a vet but I have had cats all my life and I seem to understand them, I adore cats they are amazing. Your cats are 1. jealous but not dangerous to baby 2.worried and trying to keep you loving/interested in them.

I understand baby is now the most important thing to you..and so do your cats. You need to make a special place for them and only them so they can feel safe and considered in the family. You need to put some time away each day to visit this place and be with them..you alone, no baby (how hard is it to get a drink and go sit chill with them for 20) when they are with you and baby remember to talk to them too and include them so when you feed baby, tell the cats its their food time too. Cats can genuinely like babies and watch over them and play with them knowing to be gentler and more patient..they are intelligent souls and they still part of the family.

[SBs_tahira]

the harnesses have the click release on them. Bought an extrea to test it to see how much it would take to cause it to release.

Thanks for the advice i will try some of the things i didnt think about. ty again

[DogTrainingLove]

Have you ever watched "My Cat From Hell"? Not only is it a great show but it helps a lot with understanding cat behaviour and how issues like the one you are talking about can be solved.

[SBs_tahira]

DogTrainingLove.... thanks, i will check it out

[transientsoul]

Cats hunt mice. Reference Tom & Jerry eh? It's normal. If they bring the mice -to- you, they're saying "Look what a great cat I am! I brought this for you because I love you and I know you'll be proud of me because you love me too."

As much as you might not like it, you should praise them. It's bad enough you already put them outside because they were doing something you didn't like. You made the choice to have a baby, your cats didn't. I'm not trying to be harsh but I just can't understand how people don't think of these kind of things before a baby comes along and then all of a sudden, it's the cat's fault.

[SBs_tahira]

one, my child is a miracle child
two mice are dangerous to humans especially if i dont find their remains right away because they carry diseases
three city mice are very harmful to cats as well because people use poisons and leave it out for the mice
four i put them outside because cats unlike humans cant communicate their needs... they have been happier, stopped peeing on things and have actually become more social since i let them have some freedom and not kept them cooped up in my home which would be like a cage to me if i wasnt able to get out from time to time.
five i wont praise my daughter for bitting me because its part of her learning her world, nor would i praise a dog for bitting me because he is just trying to exert his dominace and its normal for them to do that, so why would i praise a cat for an unwanted behavioir?

[too SHy]

don't worry so much! cat was terrified of baby, annoyed, hid from the crying,etc. cat adores baby, but wary; cat sleeps with baby in babys bed. She is 3 yrs old now.