Cats are truly loveable creatures. While they may be a little more nonchalant than their canine counterparts, they do make wonderful pets for children. If you are thinking of buying a kitten for your child, there are a number of considerations that you need to think about before doing so. This guide will give you practical advice before you embark on the responsibility of a cat:

Time and Energy

Caring for a kitten is akin to having a newborn in the house again. If you are not ready for this big commitment, even on a short term basis, then it is not the right time to buy a cat. If your child is adamant that they want a kitten, as opposed to an older cat, you will need to ensure that they are aware of the significant responsibility that a kitten is. While kittens are cute, they can be mischievous. If you don’t have the time and energy to invest into a kitten, it may be more advisable to opt for an older cat instead.

Kittens Are Fragile

One of the key things to remember (and to remind your child of) is that cats and kittens are fragile creatures. They are incredibly delicate so if your toddler is a little boisterous, a kitten will not be a suitable pet. If your children are older and less spirited than toddlers, a kitten makes for a great companion. Do bear in mind that a cat’s temperament is unpredictable. If they are being roughhoused, they will scratch, bite and hiss. This can be distressing for small children. However, as previously mentioned, if you have older children they will be aware of the warning signs of a cat in distress. Toddlers and kittens do not mix, but older children and kittens can make for a very cute pairing. Take a look at kittens for sale in your area if you are committed to being a cat owner.

Preventing Rough Play

On the subject of rough play, you need to be aware that kittens have extremely sharp teeth and claws which can be damaging to a child’s health. Remember, cats are very territorial. Some children are not aware of the ramifications of a territorial cat. Punishing a cat will not help the situation as cats cannot be trained. If your children have gentle personalities as opposed to boisterous personalities, a cat will make for a wonderful pet.

How do I prepare my home for a new kitten?

Bringing a new kitten into your home can be a parenting adventure like no other. Your kids will love to get involved and help out with the preparations as they learn responsibility while they have fun. Get them excited prior to the kitten’s arrival by talking about all the things you’ll need to do, from shopping for food, litter, and toys to setting up their bed in a cozy corner of the house. Uncover any potential hazards such as cords, poisonous plants or household chemicals that may need to be moved out of reach. When introducing your kids to the kitten for the first time, take special care to supervise them so that everyone can easily adjust and get along with each other.

What Breed of Cat is Suitable For Kids?

This can be a tricky question to answer. Breeds of cat are less important factors than the age of a cat. If you want a feline pal for your child, it may be advisable to opt for an older cat that is used to being around families. Older cats tend to cope with energetic children better than kittens. That said, if your children are gentle in their approach then there is no need to worry about purchasing a kitten. Cats make great companions and are perfect additions to any family. Ensure that you take on board the practical information from this guide to make sure that you get the best from your potential feline family member.