Kats n' Kids
A mad cat is quite a sight to behold . . . Sharp flying claws, sharp teeth, and lightning fast reflexes and exceptional speed and agility combine to make one mean fighting machine. Before domestication, these defenses helped keep Kitty safe in a harsh environment.
In our homes, cats perched close beside babies and toddlers, or sleeping on an 8-year old's bed are best not moved into either a defensive or offensive mode. Here are some tips here that can help your children and your feline friends get along peacefully.
As a parent, you can help children learn how to respect and properly handle their kitty cat. Teach them to recognize the warning signs that mean “back off”. You want them to be smart and safe around cats. Parents or educators that are teaching safe cat handling may wish to use this checklist as a guide. Cover only one or two points each day / session, and check off the item that you have reviewed with the child(ren) as you go.
- A well cared-for and healthy cat is more likely to be a happy cat. A happy cat:
- » Is well-fed
- » Has quiet time and privacy
- » Is under routine wellness preventive veterinary care
- » Receives loving attention at least once a day
- » Has opportunities for daily interactive play
- » Has at least one clean large litter box to visit
- » Has at least one scratching post (preferably more) and uses it frequently
- Here are some things that can have an adverse effect on the cat’s temperament:
- » Chronic pain or disease
- » Hunger, stress, trauma
- » Lack of a quiet getaway spot
- » Cat crowding
- If a housecat approaches, and is purring and rubbing against the legs or jumps into your lap, this may signal a wish for attention. This is a good time to think about a bit of loving attention or play.
- A sleeping cat should not be rudely awakened. A startled cat may thrash out or bite. Ouch…
- Cats enjoy being petted over the back and down to the tail base, and around the face and neck, but might be too ticklish for a belly rub. Approach the underside with caution! Some cats like to have the area between their toes tickled, but start off easy and don’t hold the foot since some cats resent having their feet held still. Some cats do not tolerate petting at all or only for a short time so proceed with caution until you know the cat well.
- Always move slowly around your cat so you don’t surprise or scare him. Voices should be soft, and attitude relaxed. Cats can sense nervous people and may get nervous too.
- If your cat is nervous when guests come into the home, you may wish to place the cat in their favorite quiet room away from the commotion with toys, dishes and a box.
- Picking up should be done with gentleness. One hand below the ribcage just behind the front legs, the other hand cupping behind the rear end, with tail inside the hand will help you raise Kitty up securely without straining her back.
- Do not pick up by the scruff of the neck. Never use legs or tails to hold or lift, and be careful not to drop the kitty—right side up reflex does not often occur from that height!
- Never grab a cat or force a cat to be held—this can really alienate kitty since she will not forgive or forget rough treatment, and holding tight may start quite a struggle.
- Avoid pulling ears—these are very sensitive.
- Toys should be on a long string or pole, or thrown away from you during playtime. Using hands or toes as a wiggly toy will only lead to bad habits, and perhaps serious biting. If the cat gets really excited, take a break from playtime right away.
- An excited cat will have pupils (black center of the eye) dilated wide open rather than the usual slits. The hair may stand up over the back, and he may run around like a demon and even pant with mouth open. A cat that needs to be left alone may try to stare you down, or twitch their tensed tail back and forth, or even growl. Ears may be pasted back against the neck. The cat that has become really angry may snarl, and hiss or even spit.
- A riled up cat may take a few hours to cool off so leave the cat alone for quite a while once signs of overexcitement or anger occur.
- Cats need private time, so give the cat a break from playing or carrying around if he seems restless or uninterested in playtime anymore. Cats usually want a rest after about 15 minutes or so of concentrated playtime.
- If you are visiting with people, always ask before you reach over and pet a cat or try to pick him up. Some cats do not like strangers. Other cats need to warm up to new people at their own pace.
- It is important never to approach a strange cat walking or resting out in the neighborhood. Some of these cats are not used to people, some cats may respond to the approach with aggression, and in very rare instances, stray unvaccinated cats may be carrying rabies, a very dangerous illness. Note that some cats will be friendly at first, then suddenly turn on you if they decide they’ve had enough petting or just want you to leave. That is not a nice experience.
- Young children and infants should not be left alone with cats. If you want to leave the door open into the child’s nursery, consider installing a screen door into the room to allow air and noises but not Kitty to pass through.
- Don't declaw kitty! Declawing may make a cat more dangerous. Because declawed cats are missing their front line of defense, and unable to use a whisk of the front claws as a bluffing action or "keep away" warning, they may be more likely to resort to aggressive back claw "shredding," or to biting, which can carry bacteria that leads to infection. In addition, clawed cats get a full daily regimen of de-stressing from proper scratching. Soft Paws, vinyl nail caps that fit over cats' paws, are a workable compromise and humane alternative to declawing.
- Involve gentle children in the care of the kitten or cat. This experience helps to teach the child responsibility, and caring!
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at Cathealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. .
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