Cats are wonderful pets for children. Most cats are interactive and cuddly, and they require less maintenance than dogs. Cats have very distinctive personalities, which also suggests that the breed does not always determine these animals’ traits of character. Like with any other pet, the interactions between cats and infants, toddlers, and young kids in general should be supervised by an adult.
Cats for Households with Children: 8 Pros And Cons
1. Low-Maintenance Pets
As a lifelong cat and dog parent, I concur with the notion that cats require far less care than dogs. At the same time, they offer just as much companionship and therapeutic effect as dogs.
- You don’t need to walk cats, although many cats love going outdoors. Some do well with a leash, others will follow you outdoors without a leash.
- If you have a yard, it is great for cats but most cats do well even if they do not have an opportunity to go outside.
- Most cats do shed but so do dogs!
- The majority of cats need to be brushed, some do not need any fur care at all. Cats do not need to be bathed, except for hairless kitty. Bald cats need to be bathed about once a week.
- It is relatively easy to travel with cats because most hotels trains, buses, as well as airplanes allow cats. Many airlines permit cats in cabin.
- You do not need to hire a walker or sitter for your cat for the hours you are away at work.
2. Cats Tolerate Being Alone for a Few Hours Daily
Cats need love and attention, so they definitely should not be deprived of company in any sense. At the same time, cats do well with solitude for hours, as long as they know that their human family will return and spend time with them.
It is important to provide your feline companion with all the essentials, such as water and food but also toys for the hours when you are away.
Most cats are comfortable in their space, and problems like separation anxiety are rare.
Behavioral problems associated with being left home alone are far less likely than with dogs.
3. Inexpensive to Keep
There is not much initial investment when it comes to welcoming a cat.
If you prefer a purebred cat, purchasing a kitten can be expensive – up to a few thousand USD, depending on the breed. However, there are plenty of opportunities to adopt or even purchase a kitten for a small fee.
A kitty litterbox, bowls, toys, harness, and kitty carrier are starter items. Kitty food and litter would be your monthly expenses. Some cats use the litterbox without any litter and do just fine.
Veterinarian expenses are hard to predict. Pet health insurance usually only covers unforeseen expenses due to illness or trauma, so annual and routine visits are usually an out-of-pocket expense.
4. Traveling with a Cat Is Possible
If you have ever had a dog, you know that traveling can be a challenge. If your dog is large, you cannot fly with your pet in cabin, in particular.
Cats can travel by car, or in the cabin of an airplane. Many cats get anxious when they have to leave the house and go to a new place. It is hard to avoid that problem entirely, but a veterinarian can usually prescribe a mild anxiolytic for the times you go on a trip with your pet.
Hotels usually allow cats in the room for an additional fee.
5. Cats Are Entertaining to Watch
People who do not know cats very well may think that cats are not as fun as dogs. However, that is a great misconception.
While it is true that dogs participate in games more and can be trained to do more skills, cats enjoy interactive games and playing with toys.
Two cats, especially kittens, can make you and your whole family laugh very hard just by being their cute, silly selves. Although most cats do well on their own, I find that they enjoy living with other cats and even dogs more than being a solo pet. They like being a part of a pet community.
Cats will chase their tails as needed and chase a ribbon around the house, some will also fetch things. Kids love all the fun associated with cats.
6. Allergies to Cats are Common
Cats are much more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in children and adults than dogs, for example. Sometimes allergies are mild and easily addressed by a mild antihistamine. In other cases, a cat could trigger asthma, which is a more serious concern.
Some breeds of cats are far less likely to cause allergies. Contrary to a common misconception, long-haired cats are not more allergenic. Please see our post from several months ago dedicated to cats and allergies.
If you and your household are naive to cats, spend some time around cats and see if you or your kids do okay around them. Keep in mind, however, that people are often only allergic to some cats but not others, so it is important to know if you are going to do well with the particular cat you are considering to welcome into your home.
7. Cats Are Not Outdoor Activity Companions, Not Usually
Although cats can be plenty of fun to observe and play with, as discussed above, they are not usually companions for outdoor games and hikes. They are just much more independent than dogs in this respect.
Many cats do accompany their owners for walks in their neighborhood, as long as the area is safe and not too crowded if your cat is not on a leash.
Some people also take their cats on hikes and other adventures, although that is not very common, especially if you are also going to have your kids to watch during the adventure.
8. There Are Many Ways to Interact with a Cat
Most young cats are eager to play. They love fetching, jumping, chasing things, and so on. Many cats behave like dogs when they plan, and some breeds are more prone to such people-oriented behavior than others.
There are plenty of interactive toys. The child and the cat could be occupied for hours playing together.
Cats of all ages are typically very cuddly and love spending time on their owner’s lap.
Even if your children prefer to play rather than rest on the couch with a cat on their lap and your cat is getting old, kids bond with animals and learn to interact in ways that are enjoyable for both sides. So, your kids will play on their own and then cuddle with the cat later.
So, Are Cats Good With Children?
Cats are excellent pets for preschoolers and school-age children.
Cats love to cuddle and they love to play unless the animal is very old. Most kids love petting their cat upon returning from school, and to play with them.
Taking care of a cat is usually an appropriate chore for school-age children. Even preschoolers can help with some simple tasks, such as making sure the kitty bowls have food and water in them at all times. There is no better chore for children than to care for their pet, a cat, for example. It teaches them to have responsibilities and to understand animals, and it helps their parents at the same time.
School-age children are typically mature enough to be respectful of their animal’s space when needed. It is helpful when you have any pets and is important with cats since there can be times when the cat wants to have some peace, and it is important to honor that.
Are Cats Good with Babies and Toddlers?
The interactions between an infant and a cat, or any other animal, for that matter, should always be supervised. It is not appropriate for any animal to sleep in the baby’s crib or act protectively around the child. Although it may appear endearing, the cat needs to know that the baby is not their kitten – for everyone’s comfort and safety.
As for a toddler and a cat, they can be an excellent playing duo. However, avoid letting the cat and the child play on their own without any supervision.
Toddlers always require supervision around cats due to their unpredictable and self-centered behaviors.
Very young children do not normally understand that an animal might need to sleep or rest at the time when the kid wants to play. Kids can try to pick up their pets or pull their tails playfully. In other words, there are many situations when a young child could create a precarious situation with even a very disciplined and friendly cat.
Under supervision, however, cats and toddlers can be really happy playmates.
The Friendliest Cat Breeds
As a pet parent to several adopted (from the shelter and from the street) cats, I firmly believe that the breed is not all that important, and cats of unknown backgrounds can be people-oriented or independent. At the same time, cats of very social breeds can be not so sociable, and vice versa.
However, observations and research suggest that the following cat breeds are among the friendliest:
- Maine coon
- Sphynx
- Ragdoll
- Abyssinian
- Exotic shorthair
Some cat breeds appear aloof but they are not aggressive and are not likely to react aggressively. A perfect example is Persian cats. Persians are not particularly people-oriented but are so mellow that they are a great match even for young kids.
Among the breeds that are more independent and less affectionate are the following:
- Norwegian forest cat
- Bengal
- Russian shorthair
- British blue
If You Already Have a Cat and Are About to Bring a Baby Home
If you have a cat and a new baby or a young child is about to join your household, consider taking the following measures to make the transition easier for all parties involved.
Prepare the Cat in Advance
Anticipate some of the changes you will need to implement with the arrival of the baby and practice them a little ahead of time.
The idea is for your cat to become accustomed to the changes in your routine before the baby or young child arrives so that the cat does not associate the changes with the baby.
Dedicate a Little Less Time to the Cat
Your pet will no longer be at the center of everyone’s attention once the baby arrives. The cat has to get used to the change, and it is better if it happens ahead of time.
Of course, you should still show affection for your pet but the cat needs to learn to be happy with less attention.
Pet and treat the cat just the same but make your interactions more brief. Eventually, you will find a way to incorporate your kitty into your activities with the baby but until that happens, your cat needs to be more independent.
Change the Routine Early
Some of the changes will be unplanned. You will just figure out what works best for your household with the arrival of the baby. Some things, however, you could plan ahead of time.
For example, if you want your cat to sleep in a kitty bed somewhere other than the bedroom with the child, then encourage your cat to sleep there ahead of time.
Introduce the Cat to Baby Sounds
Some families play all sorts of baby sounds for days before the baby’s arrival, so the household pets do not react to the noises later on.
Some animals are sensitive to noises in general. Familiarization with baby sounds will help your cat avoid getting too stressed out about them.
Bring a Hat with the Baby’s Scent
This is an easy and popular ritual nowadays and it is mainly done by dog pet parents. However, you can try it with a cat too.
When the baby is still in the hospital, he or she should wear a hat for a day. Then someone should bring the hat home for the cat to get to know the scent.
To Conclude
Cats are amazing pets for households of all compositions, including families with kids.
Any pet should be supervised around young children. Any child should also be taught to respect the animal’s space and its need to rest, as well as to read the pet’s cues. Older children learn to read cats’ behavior well but toddlers and preschoolers, of course, need guidance when they play with pets.
