Gracey, meet the Bean.

From a guide that Marcey found:

"It's a good idea to start preparing your pet for your baby's arrival early in your pregnancy, or even when you're trying to conceive. But although starting as early as possible will yield better results, it's never too late to train your pet to get along with small children, even if you already have a baby or a toddler.

"Set up a special, private spot for your pet and let him get used to spending time there. Pick a place where he won't be disturbed, like a laundry room, a dog crate, or, for a cat, a high shelf. Stock it with his food bowl, water dish, blanket, and favorite toys. This will give your pet a safe, quiet space to retreat to when he's overstimulated [sic] by household commotion or your crying baby.

"One of the best things you can do is desensitize your pet to the rough handling young children can dole out. He'll need to get comfortable being touched in places where small hands can go, like between paw pads, on the face, tail, and underside of the body, and in the ears and mouth. Start by gently touching your dog or cat in these spots. Don't forget the insides of ears, inside the mouth (for dogs only), the top and underside of paws, and all sides of the tail. If your pet resists, have a helper feed him treats or a meal while you do this exercise. Try to do it at least five times a day for a two- to five-minute period. Work with your pet in conjunction with his favorite activities, like mealtimes or play, so he'll associate your sessions with pleasurable things."


Yes, Luna, just remember that having your tail pulled is fun! Pleasurable, even! Whoever wrote this didn't have a cat. Seriously, would you stick your fingers in this cat's ears?