One of the major reasons for people giving up their cats is pregnancy. There are concerns about either mum-to-be or baby when it arrives catching nasties from the once loved puss.

There is a very small risk and this is easily eliminated by wearing gloves while changing litter trays, getting hubby to change it instead or washing your hands after carrying out the chore. There is probably a higher chance of you becoming infected in public places, especially playgrounds, where dogs frequent or digging in your garden.

Cats are sensitive to their environment and changes affect them drastically. A new arrival, together with all its accessories, is a freak out for puss. A little forethought can save most problems later. When major new pieces, such as cots, playpens etc, arrive keep them in the nursery and keep puss out. By the time the new arrival takes up residence puss will be in a new routine whereby he knows the room is a no-go area. Always keep the door closed.

Likewise puss will probably have been used to being the baby of the family, sharing laps and strokes with no-one else. In the months leading up to the delivery gradually spend a little less time with puss and by the time the stork drops off his bundle puss will be acclimatised to you not having so much time to spend with him. Try though to make some time for puss, he's still a family member. After all when you have your next baby, if you're not deterred by the whole event, that's hopefully what you'll do with the already established one.

Cats are curious and love to cuddle somewhere warm and snuggly. If you put a net on the cot keep it tight otherwise puss will take it as a nice new hammock you've set up for him to rest while guarding baby.

Remember puss is a major part of your family so treat them with consideration and the respect that they deserves and make some concessions to his new role as part of the enlarged family unit.