Safe Play between Cats and Kids

You won’t find more fun combination than of a kid with a cat. They both prove to be wonderful companions who interact with each other and make best of both worlds. Though cats have sharp claws and hairy coats and kids have soft and sensitive skin, but they enjoy each others’ companies a lot. What kids find joy in is the never-ending energy of cats that keeps them entertained and happy. The shrill voices and meows of cats are loved by children and at times, they may even try to replicate them.

Do not worry about your fluffy friend playing with your young one just because of the latter being an animal. In the right circumstances, you might think of building healthy and safe environment when both of them play.

Petting cats at home with kids perfectly teaches them empathy, compassion, self-esteem and kindness. In return, cats get to learn to trust children and develop affection with a positive behavior. Whereas, the cat may lash out at your kid and get angry because of the improper handling. Which would eventually led to hatred and fear in your kids’ mind for the cat.

So, to curb this issue, you may make your children understand that the kitty in a friend and not a toy. You can even teach your child to behave properly and show affection to the pets. The little ones should understand that no matter how the cats behave, in the end she’s a companion and a living individual who has feeling just like us humans. Although the kid is afraid of her or her rough actions, playing according to their terms and nature will let your kid gain trust.

The question that your young one might raise while playing with pet is why cats lash out at times. There are situations when the cats lash out and get angry, but these traits need to be avoided. Most of the cats are temperamental, grumpy or naughty, but none of them would ever bite or scratch for no reason. Generally a cat might swipe just because of stressful, annoyed or threatened feel. On the contrary, some cats are so friendly that they will get over excited when tickled or while playing with a following toy.

The children can also be taught to learn the signs when the cat is angry or is going to strike. Some of the common signs are flattened ears, thrashing tail, hissing, growling or arched backs. All these are warning signs that indicate towards the bad mood of the pet. If the child knows about how to handle such tantrums, the future mishaps have a high possibility of being avoided.

Your cat might be the one with bad-temper and may have a history of biting and scratching. Letting your kid play with such a pet isn’t a good idea. Also, if your children are so young that they do not have a self-control behavior then you must be really careful while trying to develop relationship between the two.

There are some ways in which you can build a safe play environment between the two.

Setup a relaxed environment

Make sure your cat gets a spacious yet safe place to relax, lounge and play. You may think of getting a cat tree or a raised place so that they get a great view of their surroundings. Doing so will help keep them away from the young ones’ hands.

Set some rules

While interacting or teaching your kid, make sure that they learn to keep their calm and stay quiet while playing with a cat and avoid screaming or running away. It all depends on the age and maturity level of the kid, they can be taught to not to poke, scratch or pull the cat. And that the cats should not be followed or chased once they decide to hide.

Supervision is the key

Pre-schoolers and toddlers can be instructed to stroke the cats and give them a belly-rub. Children can be demonstrated how petting feel s and can be guided to place their hands softly over their fur. Some overexcited cats may bite while being petted. Older kids can be taught how to hold the cats in their arms. Placing hands properly on her torso and the other one on rear-end for great stability.

Seeing your child and your kitten having fun together can be rewarding for you. The main key for maintaining a safe playtime is a respectful behavior, educational toys and your supervision. With such tricks and knowledge, you would be able to easily develop a bond of love and friendship between the cat and the kid!