In sharing their lives and homes with cats, children can learn priceless lessons about love, respect, friendship, loyalty, empathy, and responsibility. In helping to care for the cherished cat, a child gains a sense of accomplishment and personal competence. Responsible, aware pet ownership teaches children to value the lives, natures, and needs of the other creatures with whom we share the world. Even as a toddler, a youngster can learn that the family cat – if handled gently and given proper respect – is a nice playmate. As he grows, guided by responsible adults, a child can gradually learn to respect the cat’s fragility and power, appreciate his uniqueness, and come to regard the cat as a friend and a warm buddy. A responsible adult should always continue to oversee the pet’s well-being, but the adult should also seek to delegate those aspects of cat care they know their child can handle.
Cats and Toddlers
Toddlers adore cats, but they are too young to realize that a cat is a living animal, not just a fluffy toy. Some cats are extraordinarily patient and understanding with the grabbing, poking, pounding, chasing, and hauling. But most cats will object. And even declawed cats are well equipped to defend themselves and escape when held against their will. That’s when scratches, bites, and other injuries can occur. If you’re considering adopting a cat, it might be wise to wait until your child is a bit older. Or prepare your toddler ahead of time for his first encounter with the cat. However, no matter how thorough your preparation is, always closely supervise all interactions between young children and cats. Teach your child to recognize the sign of a cat’s impatience – hissing, a low growl, or a lashing tail. Teach him to retreat gently and leave a cat alone.
Besides an obvious danger of the cat scratching or biting a child, an overly enthusiastic or poorly trained toddler can seriously injure a cat. Kittens are especially at risk.
If you have young children and are adopting a cat or a kitten, choose a cat who’s been fostered or socialized in a house with young children. A cat who’s been exposed during his critical period of socialization (about 3-14 weeks to the sights, sounds, and activity level of young children will be a happier, calmer, and safer companion for your toddlers. Some cats will never feel comfortable or safe around children, or in noisy, active environments.
Ragdoll Cats and Children
Ragdolls, named for their willingness to go limp in your arms, have an easy-going, docile temperament that makes them particularly good with children and other pets (though young children must be instructed not to take advantage of the Ragdoll’s accepting nature by being too rough). Some breeders claim that they are so nonaggressive they won’t even defend themselves when attacked. These gentle giants are sociable, playful, soft-voiced, and affectionate.