If you have young children and have a cat or are thinking of adopting a kitten it is essential that you teach them to: –
- Respect the cat
- Learn how to pat and interact safely
- Teach your child how to interpret a cats body language
- Not to chase them and rough handle or pull their tail
- To keep away from their litter box especially when they are using it
- Using wand toys for play and not hands
- Parents should supervise interactions with very young children and toddlers
The best way to show a child how to pat a cat is to use a toy and demonstrate. An open palm should be used or an extended finger and to tell them not to grab the cats fur and pull. Show where the cat prefers to be patted keeping away from the tummy. Never let a child carry a cat or kitten. They must be supported by their back legs and front paws and not held by the tummy to dangle and be dragged along.
Baby gates can be used to keep children away from a litter box or alternatively locate them off the ground if your cat is able to access it.
Vertical height is very important with children as the cat has a way of escaping up when they have had enough or do not want to interact. Children should not interact with a cat when they are up on a cat post/tower.
Body language is very important to read. So teach children your cat’s body language and point out the signs to look out for which show them not to interact at that particular moment. These include swishing tale, flattened ears, whiskers forward and big eyes to name a few.
Teach them that if the cat comes up to them calmly then give then a gentle pat in their preferred spot.
No one should use their hands to play with a kitten or cat and a wand toy should be used under supervision with young children, as their movements can be erratic.
Older children can be shown how to clean a litter tray out and feed their cat. This is a way of showing them responsible pet ownership is more than just cuddles and pats.
By starting young and teaching your child about their pet hopefully will stop any misunderstandings and injuries to either parties. We need more compassionate and understanding people in the world to be cat buddies and by instilling these values early we are on the right track for responsible pet ownership and building good relationships all round.