Children And Cats - A Good Combination
I often come across people who think that children and
cats do not get along and that it is better not to own a cat especially
if there are young children in the home, mainly because they fear for
the safety of the children.
On the other hand people have said to me that they fear
for the cats safety too, being pulled around by young children etc.
However whenever I ask them what their specific worries are most of
there reasons are based on myth and hearsay.
Luckily for me my family never had such worries and I was brought up
in a family environment that always contained at least one cat and that
has continued to day with my sister's family.
 Why
children and cats is such a good mix
From my point of view one reason I think owning a cat rather than a
dog when there are small children around, simply stems from the fact
that due to their size, cats are far less likely to get too boisterous
and start knocking children over.
My own sister has come to realise that herself after getting a puppy
Labrador at the same time as having a two year old running around the
house.
I can't tell you how many times my niece has been knocked to the floor
or jumped on, often resulting in some injury. However their cat has
never caused any harm, well apart from the occasional hiss and warning
swipe, neither or which did any harm.
Owning a cat is also good for the development of a childs understanding
of empathy and care. It gives children the ability to learn that they
have to be gentle with other living things and what care is required
to look after them. It also helps children to build relationships with
other living things, which will help them when they go out into the
wider world.
Babies and cats
There are many old wives tales about cats and babies, such as cats
smothering newborn babies due to jealousy. This is of course completely
untrue and probably stems from the fact that a cat will be curious about
the new arrival themselves and will want to go and investigate by getting
into the crib for a good smell.
Although there is no danger from the cat doing this is it still advisable
with a newly born not to allow the cat into the crib, simply because
of basic hygiene.
A new baby arriving in the home will be a stressful time for your cat.
After all they suddenly won't be the main focus of attention any more
and it is all too easy to neglect your cat, especially during the early
days.
The best way to avoid this is to start to introduce your cat to new
baby things before the arrival of the baby to the home. This way the
cat is more prepared for all these new smells and sights and will reduce
the amount of stress when the baby does arrive.
It is also important to try and continue your usual routine with your
cat, allowing for play times etc. This will help to reduce any likelihood
of behavioural issues such as inappropriate urination and clawing
of furniture.
 Toddlers
and cats
Although children and cats is a good combination, the toddler is more
of a challenge. Toddlers are prone to be quite boisterous in their play
and have yet to understand how their actions can hurt or frighten the
cat.
All they see is a furry plaything, which they want to squeeze tight
and pull about. Luckily most cats will sense this danger and will make
it their business to try and stay out of harms way.
Teaching young children how to stroke and play with cats from an early
age will make the whole children and cats relationship a far smoother
one with less upsets on both sides.
A few things to teach are:
- No chasing after the cat
- No loud noises near the cat
- No pulling of tails, fur or ears.
- How to gently stroke the cat.
- Not to touch them when they are eating or sleeping
- Not to touch the litter tray
- How to play with the cat using the cat's toys
Once the child gets a little older:
- Show them how to pick up the cat and to hold them securely. See
my instructions for this on the bonding
with your cat page.
- How to
groom their fur with brushes. This is best done by using the
brushes on the childs hair or arm and then get them to copy this on
the cat.
Health concerns of children and cats being together
Many parents or pregnant women are concerned that they or their children
will catch certain illnesses from their pet cats and it is often the
main reason why many cats are rehomed once the children come along.
However these worries are completely unfounded as long as normal every
day hygiene and regular cat care is carried out. Children are just as
likely to be exposed to certain illness in the wider environment as
with living with a cat.
Some of the main worries are :
Toxoplasmas - bacteria that can be found in cat faeces.
Ring worm
- Again found in faeces
Tteaching children not to go near litter trays, making sure that any
faeces are cleared away regularly using gloves, and ensuring any areas
of the garden that the cat uses as a litter
tray is unavailable to the children, will eliminate this worry.
Making sure that the cat is regularly wormed and vaccinated as well
as treated for fleas will ensure that not only are you protecting the
health of the cat but also any children and adults around too.
A home with children and cats is generally a happy home and can be
the start of a lifetime of companionship for both child and cat.
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