It’s about time you decided to enrich your lives by adding a new feline member to your family. Consider the following steps to ensure that you, your children, and your cat have a healthy relationship:
Choose the right cat
Families should choose a cat that is at least 4 months old that is very sociable. Refrain from squeamish cats and those who do not like to be cared for. Also, stay away from cats that tend to be hostile to people.
Get a proper introduction
While it is natural for a cat to get stressed during the first few days in its new home, it can be too exciting for any child. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balance between your child’s excitement about being with the cat and the kitten’s need to adjust and spend time alone. Give your feline pet a calm and quiet place in your home. However, this should not be in the child’s room if your children are under 10 years old. Let the cat gradually adjust to the new environment.
Safe areas
Cats should be able to go wherever they want, whether it’s on top of a tree or over a small door. Therefore, children must learn to respect these places to assure a cat that it will not be dragged out. When you have a young child, make sure they don’t have access to these spaces. When your children are older, you can help them understand why they should follow these rules.
Educate your children
It is very advantageous to teach your children about the behavior of cats. Inform them of your usual body language to see if the cat is happy or needs alone time. There are a number of excellent books, brochures, and videos on these topics.
Have fun
Children of all ages can participate in caring for the cats, including feeding, grooming and cleaning
sandbox, play with interactive toys such as fishing, among others. Both the child and the cat will feel good about these kinds of positive interactions.
Watch safety
When a cat is chased or mishandled when trying to run away, it could accidentally or defensively scratch your child. Therefore, it is important to teach him proper handling and to trim the cat’s nails regularly.
Do not bother
Your children must learn to respect the cats’ territory where and when they eat, drink or sleep as well and to avoid disturbing a cat that approaches or uses the litter box.
Lead by example
Show your children how you handle the cat with respect and teach them why it is necessary to do so and do not involve the kitten in rough play.
