Handling Cat and Child Conflict
Although a cat might not be aggressive, that does not mean it won’t scratch or bite if it feels threatened. On the other hand, some cats use their claws to hold on, which children may perceive as an attack. Make sure you clearly explain this to your children prior to the first meeting. Give them advice about how to handle the situation. Should a cat claw at their arm, they should never react by throwing or thrashing. Instead, they should unhook the cat’s claws and immediately put the animal down or walk away.
Make sure to avoid situations that can lead to the cat lashing out. Never allow children to corner or chase the new kitten. Not only can this cause the feline to harm your child, it can also lead to feline health problems induced by stress.
One good way to limit the possibilities for the cat to feel cornered is to have children sit on the floor while you bring the cat in. Explain that they must remain sitting in the same spot and not crawl or walk around. This will eliminate the possibility for a cat chase.
Should the cat harm your child, explain why the cat reacted the way it did. Never encourage the attitude that the cat is simply “bad.” Instead, tell your child what they did wrong when handling the cat and how to avoid the situation in the future. Always allow for questions in case your child does not understand.
Supervised Visits Only
Make sure you can separate the new kitten or cat from your children if necessary, at least for the first few days to a week. Visits should always be supervised by a responsible adult to avoid accidental harm to the kitten as well as the formation of any bad cat-handling habits. Older children may be able to handle unsupervised visits sooner than younger children and very small children should never be permitted to play with the cat alone.
In time, your children will learn how to best care for their new pet. They will also develop an understanding and appreciation for living things and the responsibilities that come with caring for a pet. This can teach many valuable lessons they will need later in life, such as when they care for their own children. In the meantime, make sure you explain all aspects of pet care and behavior. Try to make children see from the kitten’s perspective so they can better understand how certain sounds and gestures might be perceived. Eventually, your children will be able to contribute to daily cat care and enjoy a strong bond with their new furry playmate.
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