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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.
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