It’s not all about luck. A little planning can help your fur babies bond well with your new baby.

When my daughter was born in the summer of 2013, I thought everything was clear. I mean, I didn’t know how to change a diaper, warm a bottle, pump, or breastfeed, but my house was ready.

Our nursery was stocked with lotions, potions, creams, balms and wipes, and we had attended several childbirth and parenting classes. I knew all about The Wonder Weeks and deaf confusion. But during our 8+ months of preparation, we never thought about what we would do with our cats.

We never thought about how we should (and more importantly) introduce our new baby to our fur babies until the morning of discharge. Until we were going home.

The good news is that we’re in luck. Both the “mama cats” and our young, lively kitten adjusted surprisingly quickly and well, but the Animal Humane Society (AHS) suggests preparing your four-legged friends long before the baby is born; the arrival of the baby and introducing them properly after your baby is born will help make this transition a peaceful one for everyone involved.”

Fortunately, there are several ways to do this, and there is no absolute right or wrong approach. The process depends on the type of pet you have, their personality, breed, and your pre-existing family dynamics. However, there are some general tips and tricks.