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I have fond memories of growing up with my family cat ‘KG’ - a black and white moggy who used to sleep on my bed with my favourite teddies and dolls. When I was about six, I remember being thrilled when KG chose my bed to sleep on, over and above every other place in the house. It made me believe that I must be his best friend.
 
Cats can make great first pets for kids and in some ways they are much easier than dogs as they are nowhere near as demanding on attention and time… (for a start, they sleep for around 18 hours every day!). 

Cats are irresistible to children

Kids of course find cats irrisistible they are small, cute and very cuddly but cats can cause also nasty injuries by biting and scratching if they are not handled correctly. There are just a few golden rules to apply to ensure a happy relationship between feline and child

It’s really important that children learn that cats are not toys, but are living beings that feel pain just like us. For this reason, I recommend that kids under the age of six are not allowed to pick up puss as they really are too young to understand what is comfortable and safe for a cat. Young children just don’t have a grasp of when a cat is likely to lash out and bite.

Older kids should only be allowed to pick up puss under supervision. Sit them down on the floor (at cat level) to pat or play. Tell children that if the cat struggles at all, let it go instead of trying to force it to do something it doesn’t want to.

Playtime

Playtime is perfect for teaching children to bond with their feline friends. It helps to give them a greater understanding of a cat’s instincts and body language. Avoid games that encourage puss to chase or pounce on little fingers. Cats love to play with boxes, paper bags and ping pong balls – (and the great thing about these toys is that they’re cheap too)!

Responsibilities and duties

Involve kids in everyday care of the family cat. Younger ones can help fill the water bowl and older kids can take care of brushing or changing the litter tray duties. Lessons in basic pet hygiene can be learnt here. Remind your children to always wash their hands after handling the cat. This is particularly important after helping out with the litter tray.

Encourage the whole family to come on trips to the vet. This teaches children about animal health and the responsibility of caring for kitty. It also allows kids to understand the role of the veterinarian in pet health (just like the doctor is for us!).

Trim your cat’s claws so they are less likely to do damage should a scratch occur. Your vet can help you out or show you how, but if you have a particularly ‘laid back’ cat, you can cut them yourself. With puss secured comfortably, pick up a foot and lift it towards you. By squeezing the toe between your thumb and forefinger, you can extend the nail and trim it, using small guillotine clippers. I also find human toe nail clippers easy to use. The most important thing is to avoid the pink blood vessel that runs inside the nail. If you cant see this, then seek advice from your vet before attempting a trim.

Make sure that puss has somewhere safe and private to retreat to at all times. She should have a bed, litter tray and food and water bowls in an area that is off limits to the kids. Use a baby gate if necessary to keep toddlers away from this ‘save haven’ Teach kid’s to respect your cats privacy and to only interact with puss when he/she she comes to them, not the other way around.

For more information on pets please go to Dr Warrens website www.drkatrina.com

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

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Many people are naturally concerned about how the arrival of a bub will affect the behaviour of their cat. The good news is that cats and babies can live very happily together provided you plan well in advance and respect the needs of your cat.

Make changes to your routine in advance
If you are no longer going to allow your cat to enter certain rooms or sleep on your bed, start making those changes now.

Create a barrier to the babies room or cot
Cats love sleeping somewhere warm and high and nothing is cosier than a babies cot. If you are worried about your cat jumping into the cot, you can install a screen door- this way you can still see and hear the baby but puss can not access the room. A tall baby gate may also do the job, although some cats may still jump over this.

Allow your cat to smell the news smells
Smells which will be associated with the baby such as baby lotions and wipes well in advance.

Make sure flea and worm control is up to date
A check up by your vet is a good idea while you have the time.

Trim claws in advance of baby arriving

If possible obtain a recording of a baby crying
Play this regularly at home so puss gets used to the new sounds prior to the arrival of the real thing.

Send home a blanket from the hospital that has babies smell on it
This will help puss have time to get used to the new smell.

When you bring home baby, don’t force the introduction
Cats like to do things in their own time. Ideally have someone hold the baby while you give your cat lots of attention.

You want puss to think of baby as a positive addition
When baby is around try to get someone to give your cat some attention and if he/she likes food, then give lots of favourite treats. That way the baby starts to become a good thing in the eyes of your cat.

Always allow puss to escape if he/she wants
Cats do not respond well to being pushed into circumstances they are uncomfortable with, so make sure he/she always has somewhere to run to and feel safe.

Stick to some kind of routine if possible
It is the change in routine and all the new smells that tend to upset cats, so try to stick to regular feeding times if possible. Try your hardest to find some time in the day to give your cat some individual attention- This is important to help your cat feel like he/she is still an important member of the family.

For more information on pets please go to Dr Warrens website www.drkatrina.com

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Find out how Cradle 2 Kindy can provide professional guidance on a variety of behavioural issues in children including sibling rivalry by calling 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?
See all other Parenting Articles from our Archives

For many people, pets act as their 'child substitute’ and their animals are treated accordingly. This can lead to problems when a ‘real’ baby comes along. Issues that may arise include jealousy, decreased time spent on the pets and hygiene issues. All of these problems should be able to be easily addressed if dealt with efficiently and appropriately.

First things First

Firstly, it is important that your pets realize that they are in fact animals. This does not mean that they are loves any less but it will mean that imposing boundaries when the new family member comes is much easier. Basic things such as not feeding your pets from the table and interacting with them at your chosen time, rather than theirs, will ensure that they understand where their place in the family is. If this is done from the outset the introduction of a new baby will be considerably easier.

Preparations

During the lead up to the birth ensure that your pets recognize that the nursery is off limits to them unless accompanied by you and invited into the room by you. Let them sniff around the room and understand that something is happening. This will decrease the shock to them when another living, breathing (and often crying!) newborn is in there.  A good idea, especially if you have a dog, is to make sure that you have a nappy disposal unit as this eliminates the smell of dirty nappies that a dog might find incredibly appealing. If you have a cat, let them sniff around the cot and perhaps rattle and shake it a bit just to make them realize that is isn’t a warm and cosy spot for them to sleep in. You want it to seem fairly unappealing to them so it isn’t even the slightest bit appealing for them to jump into and curl up.

Lead up to returning home

During your time in hospital make sure that all pets become used to the smell of the newborn. Dad could bring home a few nappies and even a few blankets or items of clothing that the baby has been in. Place these in the baby’s room (or cot if baby is going to be in your room) just so they get used to a new smell in the house. Make sure that during the time that you are always that they are well looked after and not ignored. They don’t understand at this stage what is going on and a sudden withdrawal of attention will upset them and may lead to behavioral changes.

Unusual behaviour

On the odd occasion cats or dogs will urinate on the baby’s blankets or bedding. This is a territorial behaviour that relieves the pets’ anxiety by covering the strange cent. Do not reprimand them as this will only increase their concern regarding the new scent and make it more likely to occur again. It isn’t a behaviour suggesting jealousy or malice and scolding them will increase their stress during this time of adjustment (this is easier said than done when you are washing the sheets for the third time that day!!!) the best thing to do is to ensure they don’t have access to the target and increase your interaction with the pet.

Arriving Home

On your arrival home with your baby make sure that you give your pets the attention and greeting that you would have given them had you just been away on holidays.  Perhaps giving them an extra treat or a new toy will let them know that you didn't desert them but had just been away for a while … and happened to bring someone else home with you. 

First impressions

On introducing the baby to your pets initially, have one adult holding the animal and another holding the baby.  Ensure both are getting appropriate attention but are in the same room.  Gradually you can bring the two of them closer together, always ensuring that the pet is under control.  This process can take anything from a few hours to a few weeks depending on the nature of the pet.  If your pet has a history of showing any signs of aggression towards strangers or other animals, you must do this incredibly cautiously.  Don’t try to do it on your own, a dog jumping up to investigate a baby can easily accidentally scratch them or even bump them out of your arms.  It doesn't matter how much you trust your pet, they must never be left alone with a baby or an infant. 

Pampering

It is important to ensure that your pet gets some ’special time’ with you, just like they did before the intruder arrived home!! Perhaps an extra cuddle when the baby is asleep or taking your dog for a walk, without the baby, will ensure that they realize you still love them just as much as always, but you are just a bit busier these days. Sleep deprivation doesn’t always allow hour-long walks but going to a park, sitting in the sun and throwing a ball or a stick can do wonders for your sanity! It will give you a chance for a bit of ‘baby-free’ time, something that doesn't happen that often as a new parent.   Perhaps this is a reason to love your pets that bit more.   I personally got a 6-week old Border Collie puppy when I was six and a half months pregnant and already had a 9 month old kitten.   Everyone told me I was crazy and that I was creating so much extra work for myself.  How would I possibly find time to walk the dog when I had a newborn? And the cat would definitely want to get into the cot and cause all sorts of problems, not to mention all the germs!!

Best of pals

After following all the above ideas, my 8 month old daughter breaks into a beaming smile whenever she sees the dog and the dog is incredibly adoring of her as well.  She lets her stroke her head (always under supervision of course) and even lets her little fists pull at her ears.  My gorgeous ginger kitten looks at Lucy from afar but really isn't that interested in her.  Never once has she jumped into the cot and neither of them goes into the nursery, even when the door is open, if I am not with them.  Sure, I spend a fair bit of time picking up poo of one sort or the other, but basic hygiene methods such as regular worming, hand washing and vacuuming has meant that all of us are nice and healthy.  It is now considered that children who grow up with pets are much less likely to suffer asthma or any other allergies.  As a new mum, to a human baby and two of the furrier varieties, all three of them make my day in different ways.   Philippa Warren BVSC (and mum!!)

Tips:  Long before baby arrives start preparing your pet for the new arrival.

Remember: Your pet was first on the scene and will take some time to adjust to having a new member in the family.  A new pecking order will need to be established and maintained.  They remain the lowest on the rung but need to know they are still loved.

If you would like more information similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Find out how Cradle 2 Kindy can provide professional guidance on a variety of behavioural issues in children including sibling rivalry by calling 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

See all other Parenting Articles from our Archives