Mischief Makers
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Introducing A Cat To Your Children
By: Larry Chamberlain
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, ears 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 art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles.
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