How To Teach A Young Child To Properly Interact With A Cat

How To Teach A Young Child To Properly Interact With A Cat

Having kids and pets grow up together is really something special, but it can take time for kids to learn how to handle animals and properly interact with them.

When it comes to kids and cats, there can be a learning curve. After all, kids aren't always the most gentle of people, and cats can be rather feisty.

Some cats and kids get along just great. In fact, cats have even been known to protect the young children in their lives, like the cat who kept the toddler away from the balcony ledge!

But sometimes, cats and kids don't get along so well. Perhaps the kids bother the cat or the cat scratches the kids!

Thankfully, there are some tips you can follow to introduce kids to cats and teach them how to properly interact with cats for the best possible outcome. Check out the tips below:

Give Instructions

Like with anything, young children need clear instructions and direction to learn. You can foster a positive interaction between a cat and a young child by telling the child how to properly approach a cat, pet a cat, and act around a cat.

Lead by Example

You can lead by example when it comes to interacting with cats. Treat the cat how you want the child to treat the cat. After all, kids tend to copy the adults around them.

Supervise Interactions

When introducing a cat and a young child, be sure to supervise the time they spend together. This ensures the child is being careful with the cat and not interrogating or provoking (intentionally or not). As you supervise, you can offer instructions when needed.

Body Language

Cats use body language to communicate. You can teach your child about a cat's body language so they can recognize signs of comfort, distress, etc.

Establish Boundaries

Young kids need firm boundaries, and that's true when they're around pets as well. You can help children form a healthy relationship with cats by establishing boundaries around their interactions.

Use Positive Reinforcement

You can offer both children and cats positive reinforcement to foster a positive relationship between the two. When learning new things, including how to interact with a pet, it can be discouraging at times. Offering a child positive reinforcement can encourage them to keep trying.

Renowned cat expert Jackson Galaxy shared a video titled: "Can Cats and Kids Get Along?"

In the video, he offers some additional tips and knowledge on introducing kids and cats, and he sets some expectations about the topic.

You can check it out for yourself below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onv3BaCdnlY
Malorie Thompson

Malorie works as a writer and editor in Northern California. She's passionate about food, conscious living, animal welfare, and conservation. She's worked with a variety of publications in different sectors but is happiest covering topics close to her heart. When not at her laptop, Malorie can be found enjoying picnics on the beach, hiking in the redwoods, and spending time with her rescue pup, Jax.

Back to blog

Help Animals That Need Medical Care

100% of your donation will fund medical care for pets in need!

1 10
View all