learn from the other ...
A cat in the family allows the child to acquire a sense of
responsibility from a very young age and to develop a more sociable character,
whether with animals or humans. Thanks to the cat, the child would also
develop fewer allergies to hair or feathers. On the other hand, since
children are sometimes too exuberant in their relationship with their cat, a
little education is useful.
Cats and babies
The way each cat reacts to a
baby depends on its genetic heritage, personality and experience.
To reduce the risk of
problems, you must preserve your cat by respecting its place within the
family; that is to say its territory and its tranquility in the spaces
where it used to be:
• Put his bed, his bowls, his toys, his
litter, etc ..., in quiet places.
• Once the child begins to walk, keep him
away from places where your cat eats, rests or sleeps.
• The litter box is not a sandbox: it must be
covered or placed high, out of the reach of children.
The arrival of the baby can
also disrupt your cat's olfactory territory, which can manifest itself in a
change of mood. Some sulk, others become restless, or mark their
territory, by rubbing their facial glands in places where the baby has left his
scent, or by urinating on new objects (pram, high chair, cradle). Products
based on pheromones are available from veterinarians, which you will use on
these objects to calm your cat.
Your cat should be made to
understand that the arrival of the baby is not a negative event. Treats
and especially more attention are two tactics that can help you. On the
other hand, the cat should not be cuddled or reassured when it is worried and
in the presence of the baby, that would reinforce its anxiety. Wait for
him to calm down or play with him, then cuddle him in another room.
Routine plays an important
role in the life of cats, try to stick to it as much as possible while
respecting its habits as much as possible. If it needs to be changed, make
them as soon as possible.
And if you think you cannot
cope with the combined demands of an infant and a cat, temporarily find another
home for the cat before the baby arrives.
Cats and young children
After the initial
disturbances, most cats love to be surrounded by babies, because
it means more visitors to the house, and more attention for them too! But
the cat may be surprised when the child begins to crawl or move around on its
own and the cries can scare it. Then provide "shelters" for your
cat: igloo-shaped beds, high positions, out of reach.
The cat does not like to be
chased, nor the continuous presence of a child around him.
Parents should therefore
always monitor interactions between the child and the animal until they are
sure that the child is large and mature enough to approach him calmly, handle
him gently and recognize his moods. Children should not be allowed to
carry a cat until they are strong enough to hold it properly.
How to promote good relationships between children and cats?
To establish a climate of
good understanding, you must teach your child:
• not to chase the cat
• which parts of the cat to pet: the top of
the head and the back. The belly is to be avoided because many cats are
very ticklish and can attack to defend themselves if they are touched there
• that you should never drag its tail
• that the cat should always be left in peace
when eating, bathing or sleeping
• that he should wash his hands after petting
the cat
• to play with the cat without risk of
scratches, by means of toys hung on strings, balls or by means of a torch, by
making him chase a luminous point on the wall
• to sit quietly next to the cat, pet it or
brush it if the cat likes, because this is also how we get to know
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