Like most expectant moms I heard the warnings of having a cat during pregnancy and even the dangers after the baby was born (my mom shared a story of a cat who smothered a sleeping infant because of the milk on the mouth). But Jason took over litter patrol during pregnancy (& thankfully kept it on his to do list) and I wasn’t too concerned about Scout or Max. When we brought Gage home Max steered clear and really wanted nothing to do with him. He couldn’t understand how that scrawny, needy thing could be more interesting than him. Scout steered clear too, but mostly because that’s just her way.
When Gage started walking Max did not take kindly to the lurching, unpredictable baby. Twice he bared his teeth and growled when Gage woke him by touching him near his face. The first time it happened I cried for a while thinking we would have to find Max a new place to live. Max is 8 and I was so sad that he couldn’t adjust to Gage.
We’ve been on hyper alert since and the two are never alone together. I think Max is adjusting, it’s been months since those growls. He does come up to Gage and gives him ear and head kisses (always properly washed off) and Gage sometimes feeds Max treats when he comes in from outside. The jury is still out, but things have gotten better and Max has even started sleeping with us (the parents, not Gage) again, for a good while he shunned us.
Scout, who is now 13 1/2, lets Gage catch her occasionally and he loves her for it.
Here are a few pics of what Max has to deal with…
Lots of chasing,
And sharing of toys.
And when he can’t be nice anymore,
he escapes.
Scout’s approach is much calmer. So, things are going better with the 4 legged kids and the newbie. I am hoping someday Max and Gage will be buddies.
Oh, in answer to last week’s question, Gage’s next and only new word this week was Bowl. Now that I’m looking at these photos maybe next week I should post Hair? with Gage.
Stacy's Books 
I bet Max and Gage will become buddies, as Gage becomes steadier on his feet. Our Milou has always liked little ones, but she never had one living with her. When Milou had enough of the little ones, she would go hide under the bed – I always told them that they had to leave her alone when she did that.
I hope they adjust!
My niece tormented their cat terribly for a while, and I think in part it was because it got her so much attention! Fortunately though she grew out of it!
I hope poor Max can take it that long!
It is a big adjustment for pets to have a baby around. Sounds like they are all adjusting fairly well!! And look at all that hair!!!
That’s so nice, Jenners, but really he doesn’t have very much hair. Lots of kids his age have already had MORE THAN 1 haircut.
Gage really does keep Max moving! I think they will become buddies when Gage no longer has so much fun chasing Max. I also think Gage is winning points with Max by dropping food on the floor. Let’s face it, they are both adorable!
I think so 🙂
How old is Gage now? He is getting so big! Love your kitty’s cute face.
The boy is 16 months now. Almost a man 😉
That must have been dreadful, thinking that you would have to send Max away! Thank goodness things have gotten better and I’m sure they will continue to improve.
Fingers crossed!
One of my cats was pretty grumpy when Gabe came was born, the other one was neutral until he started crawling! There are still hisses and growls when he gets too close or starts throwing things at them, and Gabe has gotten a few scratches, but we’ve all made it work and Gabe is learning how to be nice to the cats and helps with feeding and the kitty litter. THe transition is tough. So glad all the pets are coming around and dealing. Woot! I love the pics. You can tell Gage just loves them so much!
The cat ahs been great, but she usually makes herself scarce so that’s no surprise! Glad to know that you are making it through the transition too!
My son and his wife’s two cats had similar adjustment issues when Gracie arrived eight months ago. It just takes a while.
I imagine Max and Gage will become friends. It’s definitely a big change for Max though. We didn’t get our dog until our daughter was seven or so, so we didn’t have to deal with it.
That’s probably the ideal age. My cousin just got her 9 year old a puppy.
Your little baby is growing up – he’s so tall – and now he’s chasing Max? So sweet, both of them.
Can’t get him to stop running!
My vet told me that if you don’t want your dog to bite your kid, don’t let your kid sit on your dog. Haha :0) Obviously there is more to it than that. But her point was that most kids and pets can get along just fine if parents put boundaries in place for them. Seems like you guys are doing a great job with that. I love how Max escapes – is he part cat? And how nice that Scout is a tolerant kitty. Tedy is generally a fan of Sam. Especially when he’s in his high chair. That cat knows the furless creature up there has all kinds of yummy food on his fingers, clothes and face and tries really hard to get a few licks in if the grown-ups turn their head for a second.
Max does reap the rewards of the high chair! Max loves the top of the couch but I’m not sure how much longer it will be before Gage is climbing up there too.
I loved the pics! Gage is growing fast!
We should talk more often, Stacy! Haha. Mouse loves our cats and dog. She always has. The cats were always curious but cautious around her before she began walking. All bets are off now that she’s walking. My older cat often will let her pet him but I have to be right there supervising or else tails and ears get pulled. Mouse has laid on top of both the cats, much to their chagrin. My younger cat tends to run when Mouse is coming, which makes Mouse chase her all the more. Mouse does respond to “nice touch” and will stroke the cats when I remind her to be gentle with them. I’m hoping it will pay off down the road. At least no one runs and hides when Mouse is around–I am grateful she hasn’t scared them completely away!
The dog is a different matter. He was my baby for over a decade before Mouse came along and suddenly he no longer has my undivided attention. I tried early on to let him know he wasn’t forgotten–but, you know how it goes with a baby in the house. I’ve shed many tears over that dog and baby, wondering if they’d ever get along. And like you, I considered re-homing him–my mom has volunteered to take him if I need her too–and I’ve come so close to taking her up on the offer, let me tell you! Mouse adores my dog and wants so much to play with him. He has gotten a bit better. He’s not snapping (doesn’t that just stop your heart?) at her or growling at her the way he once did–although we still have a long way to go. He still growls at her occasionally. It’s helped that Mouse tries to throw the dog his bone and she’s constantly feeding him. Even now though it seems like for every one step forward we make, we then take two steps back. I don’t know. It isn’t easy, is it?
No, it’s not easy! I’m glad I’m not the only one dealing with a sometimes cantankerous dog. I feel better about it than I did a few months ago but still not sure Max will completely come around. My parents will take Max too, if need be and that is a huge relief.
That is certainly a very unnerving thing to deal with. I understand your concern and you’re wise to have them. Many people think that they’re dogs couldn’t hurt anyone and for the most part they wouldn’t. It’s smart to keep your eye on Max. He’s probably got a big case of jealousy! Gage is going through such a huge growth spurt and changing quicker than the dog can get used to….keep doing what you’re doing….hopefully all will work out!
I try to curb the jealousy, but don’t have time for everything. Maybe it’s more like sibling rivalry? 🙂
Gage and his “siblings” will be vying for attention until the end of time. However, definitely keep your eye on Max. Hopefully he will adjust over time and there won’t be any issues. You’re right to be concerned though.
Cute pics as always 🙂
I’m glad that Gage and the kitty have become friends. I have a feeling they will be okay together!
As you know, I’m in a similar situation! Interesting that Max shunned you guys for a while. My dog Samson hasn’t shunned us, but he definitely has his issues. I’d rather those issues resolved on their own the way that they seem to be with Max!