2. Remind Gatito each time he interacts with the cat that cats will scratch if you don’t listen when they tell you they are done playing. When the cat makes it clear he has had enough, say “Crazy is telling you he is done playing. Leave him alone now.” If Gatito doesn’t yet have the inner discipline to do this, remove him from the cat’s vicinity for awhile. Gatito first has to learn cat language, so he will need you to interpret what the cat is saying. Then he has to get to a point where he can make himself do something he doesn’t want to do – most kids don’t get to this point until around 3-4 years. That’s why you so often see them saying “Don’t touch the glass” while they are reaching out their hand for it. It’s not disobedience at this age, but rather lack of ability to make themselves obey.

3. Eventually Gatito will get scratched. Handle it matter-of-factly, remind him about cats scratching when you don’t listen, and give him absolutely no sympathy. If you are present when this happens, remind Crazy that scratching people is not allowed (although from the way you describe his trip to the vet, I have little confidence this will make any change in his behavior).

I know, I know, I sound horrible. Trust me, if you establish mutual respect between the child and the cat, they will both be happier because they will know what to expect from one another. I raised my daughter with 4-6 cats, and she did get scratched a couple times, but she also learned which of the cats would let her dress it up and play baby with it and which would NOT.

My boys have had a hard enough time adjusting to the puppies (though they’re doing pretty well with things now.) Being pregnant, they currently love my belly and are super-attached to me. It’ll be interesting to see how they actually feel about the baby when she’s on the outside!

I don’t know about food either, but I’d be shocked if Hippo complied quietly with a quantity change, so I’m guessing changing food altogether is probably your best bet.