Are cats and children a good mix?
So, you had a cat in the family when you were a kid. And you
are thinking that the addition of a cat into your home would make a
terrific family pet, and would give your children the pleasure of
loving and caring for an animal.
Most likely you'd be right.
But, just because you have nothing but pleasant memories of
growing up with a much loved feline pet doesn't mean that things always
go faultlessly well.
There are things to remember and steps to take before
introducing a cat to your children.
First thing make sure that your children would want a cat as
a family pet. Most probably they will enthusiastically welcome the
idea, but make sure that they understand that caring for a living
breathing creature has responsibility attached to it as well as
pleasure.
Be prepared to assume all the responsibilities of taking care
of the family cat yourself. Children can, and should, be taught to take
care of some of the chores if they are old enough, but if they lose
interest it will be up to you.
No matter how laid back or tolerant your cat is you should
never leave a toddler unattended with a cat. Even older children should
be under your supervision until you are quite sure that the cat and
your kids respect each other.
Try to have a place that your cat can retreat to when he or
she does not want the attention of kids (or adults for that matter.)
Sometimes children do not understand when a cat does not want to play
or be petted and a room, or someplace that your cat can be alone when
it feels the need to can save disharmony.
Children need to be told just how sharp the claws and teeth of
a cat are, don't let them find out by painful experience! Explain that
cats can bite and scratch if teased, stressed or over excited. Show you
children how to play gently with their pet and preferably with the sort
of cat toy that keeps the cat at a little distance, such as a catnip
mouse on a string.
Kittens may not be the best choice for very young children. A
toddler may not be able to understand just how fragile a kitten is and
that an over enthusiastic hug could harm their pet. A kitten is also
less able to tolerate the rapid movement and gleeful shouting of a very
young child than is an adult cat. An older cat, two years and up, would
be more likely to be laid back about the attention of a toddler and
certainly more robust than a kitten.
Demonstrate to your children the proper way to hold a cat.
Show them how to gently pick kitty up with one hand supporting the
chest and the other the back legs. If your kids are too young to learn
how to do this they should be dissuaded from trying to pick up your
cat. Tell your children to beware of a cat's sensitive areas such as
stomach, tail, ear and paws.
A strong bond can develop between kids and cats and this can
teach them love and respect for animals that can last for the rest of
their lives. Teaching your children the basics of looking after their
pet will reward them for years to come.
