Cats are an awesome addition to any family, being such caring and cuddly creatures. However, there is the notion that cats are quite stingy and selective with who they associate themselves with! This begs the question: Do cats and children get along well?
Do Cats and Children Get Along?
YES! Cats and children do get along. There are cats that strike an amazing bond with children.
That said, there are also a few cats that can get aggressive around people, particular younger children that haven’t learned about boundaries yet. This is why you need to make sure that you get a cat that has the right temperament and is patient with kids.
So while you might think that all cats are cranky, many cats would make loving pets, being gentle, patient, and very friendly.
In fact, having such a loving pet at home can influence your child’s development positively! According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at the Tufts University, children raised with pets would demonstrate well-balance emotional health. They are known to have more empathy, improved cognitive development, along with great social participation!
While children and cats get along, you should consider the age. Cats will tolerate and/or love toddlers, but younger children shouldn’t be left alone with pets. Since toddlers are exploring, their curiosity can end up with them being rambunctious, accidentally hurting or frightening a cat that may just hurt your kid as a response.
Choosing the Right Cat
As mentioned, there are some cats who do get cranky and don’t go well with children (just like other animals, like dogs!). This is understandable, as kids can get too rowdy or touchy, which is animals may not like, especially for long periods.
Because of this, you will need to do your research and choose the right cat to adopt very carefully. When you are looking for a cat to adopt, look for these qualities:
- Confidence and friendliness
- Not stressed from changes or loud noises
- Happy to be cuddled and handled
- Calm and curious as they meet new people
- Positive history with children
- A friendly and patient personality in busy homes
When you do adopt a cat, you will need to take proper precaution as well and create a safe space for them before introducing it to the kids. Make sure that he has a comfortable bed, pet toys from Peggasus Pets, food and water, and a quiet space where children can’t go in.
As you introduce your cat to your kids, be slow and make sure you are always around when they meet, until such time that the cat is calm with the family’s presence. This may take some time, but after a few weeks, your cat will soon learn to love you and your kids, and by then, your children will also get to learn more about the responsibility of taking care of a pet.
Wrapping It Up
Fortunately, cats and children do get along well, and cats will make excellent companions for children to seniors alike. There are actually many benefits cats can give to the household, especially with children! If you plan on getting a cat for the household, do your research to make sure you prepare for them to come home.