Introducing a Cat to Your Children

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 to 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.

About The Author

If you have a pet related web site and you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com/cat-breeds.html Information about your favorite cat breed.

---

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Mind-Set: The Second Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse

Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More

Our Pets Behavior

Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More

Aromatherapy for Pets

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More

The Sporting Westie Terrier

Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More

Dog Clothes make Great Gifts

When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More

The Top Five Reasons to Rescue a Boxer

What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More

Old Fashioned Flea Control

Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More

Do You Make These Mistakes Loading Your Horse Into A Trailer?

Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More

My Dog Died !

Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More

Westies Dogs ? Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog

Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More

Dog Supplies: Whats Needed Versus What Might Be Fun to Have

Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Pug Happy And Healthy

Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More

Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More

The Positve Benefits of Dog Day Care

Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More

Should You Buy Dog Health Insurance?

Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More

Barking Problems: Train Your Dog To Stop Barking!

All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More

Frustrated Over High Veterinarian Bills?

Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More

Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?

One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More

Weaning Puppies Is Only Natural

Weaning puppies is a perfectly natural process. Mamma dogs have... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services

For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More