Babara Bush
Many parents want their children to have a cat. But before you buy one you have to find out which species is a child-friendly cat.
Many families have already been amazed because cats and children seem to understand each other blindly. As soon as the offspring begins to speak, the misunderstandings between child and pet are cleared up. Small kittens in particular do not give way to children and their claws are only extended in extreme emergencies. We will give you suggestions as to which cat breeds are best for families with children.
A Cat As a New Family Member
Do you or your child long for a kitten to play, cuddle and run around? But how do children get on with cats and what do you have to consider before buying a cat if you have children?
Cats Are Not a Toy
Cats will rarely blame the little ones for anything. The four-legged friends can be hugged stormily or willingly chauffeured through the apartment in the doll’s pram.
However, children should be made aware from the beginning that cats are not toys and that the animals, just like the child themselves, feel pain and do not want to be cuddled too much or pulled by their tails.
It must be made clear to children that they let go of the cat immediately if it begins to moan and feels harassed. Correct stroking must also be practiced. Cats don’t like it when their fur is brushed or painted against the grain. Even a kid-friendly cat will show its claws when irritated.
Likewise, cats do not belong in the bathtub. If children should come up with the idea of taking a bath with their four-legged friend, the cat will be very resentful and in the future will bring themselves to safety before the child comes into the room.
Cats And Babies
You should never leave a sleeping baby unattended with a kitten. The cat is attracted to the infant’s calm breaths and body heat and prefers to use the cradle or cot as a place to sleep.
Cats bring quite a bit of weight and if the animal perches on the baby’s head or chest it can have nasty consequences.
Many children feel lonely at times. Studies have shown this. Only children who are left to their own devices for the majority of the day are particularly affected. Even the children of single parents often want company and someone who has time for them.
Cats are good listeners. Whether what is said is understood is of secondary importance. Cats are sensitive animals and feel the sadness of their people. They show their compassion by purring and cuddling and sitting on the child’s lap.
The mere presence of a cat can make shy and withdrawn children more open and approachable. In hectic and restless children, the calm and equilibrium of the cat have a positive effect on the attacked state of mind. This means that the cat is often more than a pet for children and a deep and lifelong friendship can develop.
Child and Cat
Do you want to buy a pet so that your child learns to take responsibility? Right at the beginning: You will not be able to hand over the complete responsibility to the offspring, it lies with you and that for the entire life of the cat.
However, you can delegate various tasks to the children. These should correspond to the level of development and knowledge of the youngsters. Even a kindergarten child can help with putting together and cleaning the food bowls.
Elementary school children can feed the cat independently, provide a play and cuddle hour every day or clean the litter box. The tasks can be expanded step by step and you can observe how conscientiously and regularly the child fulfills his duties.
The care of claws, eyes, or ears or the administration of medication, on the other hand, does not belong in the hands of children.
One or Two Cats?
Do you want to buy a cat for your family? Then think carefully about whether it should be one or two house cats. In general, domestic cats are not entirely happy on their own. Things are different for outdoor enthusiasts, they are on the move, meet fellow animals, and roam their territory.
If, on the other hand, you only keep a single house cat, it could quickly become lonely. The world is much more beautiful together. Two cats play, cuddle and keep busy with each other. Countless kitties are waiting for a new home, especially in the animal shelter. The respective animal shelter employees can also provide you with information on whether the selected house tiger gets along well with children.
Important Rules: Children and Cats
So that the coexistence between the child and cat works and that you can take a clear view of both of them, you should agree on some basic rules with the offspring, preferably before the new pet moves in.
Cats Are Not Stuffed Animals
It’s hard for young children to understand that they can’t treat the cute bundle of fur the same way they treat their favorite teddy bears. Children must learn to understand that cats are living beings, feel pain, and should not be kicked, hit, or pulled by the tail.
Cats Need Privacy
Even though cats are often attached to their children like burrs, there are moments when cats simply need to be left alone. The child has to learn that the cat wants to go to the toilet undisturbed, does not want company while eating, and retires several hours a day to sleep.
Cats Have Their Own Opinion
Cats once subordinated themselves to humans, but they have retained their independence to this day. Children need to learn to understand the unmistakable signs of the kitten and withdraw in time. Otherwise scratches or even bites could result.
Explain to the child, preferably with photos, what an angry cat looks like, how it bends its ears, humps, hisses, and develops a bushy tail.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands
Hygiene is an important issue when dealing with pets. Children should wash their hands regularly after playing and cuddling. Small children should be kept away from the litter box and food bowls. So that the cat itself does not pose any danger, it should be treated regularly against fleas and ticks.
Which Breeds of Cats Get Along Best With Children?
Whether the chemistry between child and cat is right does not only depend on the breed of the animal. Each house tiger has its own character, often inherited over several generations.
You only know for sure whether the cat likes and accepts children after it has been in the house for a few days. Ideally, the breeder agrees and you can let the fur nose test live.
Of course, there is nothing against domestic cats. These have extremely complex characters and each kitten is like a little surprise bag.
The Following Cat Breeds Are Particularly Suitable For Families With Children:
Egyptian Mau
- athletic shorthair cat
- spotted fur
- likes to play
- attentive
- curious
- loving and playful
- can be taught tricks
- goes on a leash
- goes on vacation
Norwegian Forest Cat
- large cat with half-length fur and a bushy tail
- almost all colors and drawings possible
- intelligent
- sociable
- affectionate
- calm and nervous, even when it gets loud
- playful and loving
- needs a lot of work
- likes to be on a leash
- goes on vacation
Ragdoll
- big cat with half-length fur and Siamese drawing
- always wants to be the focus
- Interested
- balanced
- needs a lot of grooming
- gentle and good-natured
- always wants her people around
- likes to be carried around
- loves variety
Birman
- medium-sized cat with half-length fur and Siamese markings with blue eyes
- gentle
- curious
- learns quickly
- needs a lot of work
- can be taught tricks
- goes on a leash
- goes on vacation
Burmese Cat
- elegant shorthair cat in brown, blue, red, cream, or purple
- playful
- uncomplicated
- intelligent
- likes the hustle and bustle of an extended family
- funny and resourceful
- affectionate
Devon Rex
- slender cat with wavy hair
- spirited
- fun
- curious
- good-natured with children
- intelligent and full of energy
The breed can provide a rough guide to which cat is right for you and your family, however, every kitten is different and the chemistry should just be right. Ultimately, it’s a question of sympathy – on both sides, after all, you want the animal to feel comfortable with you at home.
Cats From the Shelter
In animal shelters, many cats are waiting to be adopted by a loving family. These animals are usually a bit older and have previous experience with other keepers. The animal keepers in the animal welfare stations and shelters know their fur noses very well and can help you to make the right decision when looking for your house tiger.
Most of the animals are not pedigree cats, but they are wonderfully cute nonetheless. The animals are handed in for a nominal fee. Of course, you cannot take the animal with you immediately after you have made your first visit to the animal shelter and have made up your mind. Animal shelters try to avoid that the acquisition of the cat as an “impulse purchase” and that the cat is quickly given back. A constant and reliable caregiver and a home are also important for animals.
Despite the nominal fee, you save a lot of money if you choose a motley non-breed kitten from the animal shelter because buying a bred cat is usually very expensive. So you not only do good by giving an animal from the home a loving home with lots of petting but also save your wallet.
Cat From The Shelter Has These Advantages
- You’re doing something good for animal welfare
- The zookeepers know their cats well and can advise you which animal is right for you
- Cheaper to buy
- Mostly castrated and vaccinated animals
- You give an animal without a family a loving home