How to present a cat to your kids

Get your kids included

Involving your kids in the procedure of getting a cat and after that the cat’s subsequent care is a terrific method to present the cat to them. You might take a look at rescue cats online together, let them choose some toys for the cat, or depending upon their age and maturity level, provide the obligation of feeding the cat, for instance. Or, let them choose some from the best cat treats to help them make friends!

Teach body language

Particularly if your children haven’t spent much time around cats before, they may not know how to read cat body language. Teaching your children a few basic signs to watch out for might save them from getting hurt at worst, and at best could help them develop a stronger bond with your new pet.

For example, teach your children that flattened ears and whiskers and wide eyes are signs that a cat is afraid, anxious, or angry, and they should leave them alone. In contrast, slow blinking or rubbing their head against you shows that a cat trusts you and is happy.

Take things gradually

If a new owner already has children and is introducing a new cat to the household, the key is to be very slow and gradual with exposure, says Dr. Anna Foreman, vet at Everypaw.

She explains that kittens adapt more easily to a new home with children, particularly if they’ve been born into one too. “Even if a kitten has not come from a household with children, if they have had exposure to humans, and seen their mother comfortable around humans, they will have already learned they are not a threat,” she says. “These kittens can be introduced readily to children, ensuring the children are gentle with them.”

If you’re getting a kitten over 16 weeks old, or an adult cat, it’s best to provide them their own room to begin with, with everything they need so as not to overwhelm them. Keep things simple and quiet for a few days at least, and gauge how they react to their new environment.

Create a barrier

(Image credit: Getty)

For the benefit of both the cat and your child, it’s a good idea to create a barrier when they meet for the first time. The cat should be able to see and smell your child through the barrier, without risking any physical contact.

“This will allow them to assess the new person/people without the risk of nervous flight or fight behavior occurring,” says Dr. Foreman, who also recommends using a pheromonal spray. “Once the reaction of the cat has been gauged, an introduction can be made if appropriate.”

If the cat appears calm and looks interested in your child, allow them to come quietly into the room with the cat. However, you should ensure that your child doesn’t run over and try to grab or stroke the straight away. Instead, give the cat the chance to approach the child.

It might take a few sessions of this before the cat decides to approach your child – it’ll differ from cat to cat. However, it’s important not to rush things, as you risk undoing progress. And particularly if the cat shows signs of aggression or being scared, it’s worth doing a few more sessions of barrier introduction first so that the cat gets used to a child being around.

Make sure your children are responsive to instruction

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This is important for their own safety, above anything else – you don’t want the cat to get scared and scratch them.

“It’s important to avoid a child becoming over-excited by the presence of the cat,” says Dr. Foreman. “They must not try and grab the cat – the cat may respond in an aggressive fashion if it feels threatened.

“When handling a cat, it is key for a child to be carefully monitored to ensure they do not hurt the cat. Many cats do not enjoy being squeezed or pulled around, and again may respond in an aggressive manner.”

For this reason, it’s easier to introduce cats to older children, who are more likely to listen, and understand why you might need to be quiet and gentle around the cat. As Dr. Foreman explains, “babies, toddlers, and younger children should have a much slower and gradual introduction to a new cat as they are much more likely to become over excited and frighten the cat”.

Keep an eye on the cat’s health

“It’s important to look out for signs of long-term stress in the cat – for example overgrooming or repeat episodes of cystitis,” says Dr. Foreman. “Stress can cause significant medical issues in some cats, and so the temperament of the cat should always be considered before they are introduced to the household.”

“If they already suffer with stress-related issues, then it is likely that the stress of introducing them to children will exacerbate these. If they are a sensitive or easily stressed cat, the same is likely to happen.”

Remember, for finest results in the long-term it’s best to be patient. Introducing a new cat to the younger members of your family might take time, and even then there’s no guarantee they’ll become best pals.

And some breed are more friendly than others. Ragdolls and Birmans, for example, are generally more placid than domestic short-haired and long-haired cats, which can make them more suitable to a family setting.

However, it’s always best to take care when introducing a cat to your kids – any cat can get stressed in the wrong situation. As Dr. Foreman sums up, “Cats tend to be sensitive animals, often enjoying a household where they are the only cat and/or animal. Introducing a cat to anything new can be tricky, especially small children”.

But if you do it right, the decision to bring a new addition into your home might be one of the finest ones you make.

If you’re looking for some more expert veterinarian advice on your feline queries, stick around and to find out a vet’s opinion on is wet food bad for cats? Or check out this vet’s guide to handling upset stomach in cats.

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About the editor Hey there! I'm proud to be the editor of Pet News 2Day. With a lifetime of experience and a genuine love for animals, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my role. Experience and Expertise Animals have always been a central part of my life. I'm not only the owner of a top-notch dog grooming business in, but I also have a diverse and happy family of my own. We have five adorable dogs, six charming cats, a wise old tortoise, four adorable guinea pigs, two bouncy rabbits, and even a lively flock of chickens. Needless to say, my home is a haven for animal love! Credibility What sets me apart as a credible editor is my hands-on experience and dedication. Through running my grooming business, I've developed a deep understanding of various dog breeds and their needs. I take pride in delivering exceptional grooming services and ensuring each furry client feels comfortable and cared for. Commitment to Animal Welfare But my passion extends beyond my business. Fostering dogs until they find their forever homes is something I'm truly committed to. It's an incredibly rewarding experience, knowing that I'm making a difference in their lives. Additionally, I've volunteered at animal rescue centers across the globe, helping animals in need and gaining a global perspective on animal welfare. Trusted Source I believe that my diverse experiences, from running a successful grooming business to fostering and volunteering, make me a credible editor in the field of pet journalism. I strive to provide accurate and informative content, sharing insights into pet ownership, behavior, and care. My genuine love for animals drives me to be a trusted source for pet-related information, and I'm honored to share my knowledge and passion with readers like you.

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