Kids and the new cat
Type your pet's name on the map and every guide uses it.
A new cat has to decide that your home is safe, and children can help more than anyone, by being calm and patient. Here's how to set things up so the cat and the kids both feel safe.
What to do
- Give the cat places children can't reachA high shelf, a cat tree or the top of a bookcase, and at least one room the cat can retreat to.
- A grown-up is there whenever a child and the new cat are together.
- Let the cat come to you.A grown-up can offer a still, slow hand. If the cat sniffs it and rubs against it, the grown-up can stroke the cheeks, chin and top of the head. Leave the belly and the base of the tail alone.
- Learn the stop signs togetherA swishing or thumping tail, a fast-twitching tail tip, ears turned back or to the side, rippling skin, hissing or growling. When you see one, everyone moves away quietly.
- Leave the cat in peaceWhen eating, drinking, using the litter box or sleeping.
- Play with a wand toy, never with hands or feetSo the cat learns to chase toys, not fingers.
- The litter box is a grown-up's jobScoop it every day and wash your hands after. Anyone who is pregnant should ask someone else to do it.
Your job
Be a statue. Sit still with your hands in your lap, and let the cat decide. If the cat comes over and rubs on you, that's a hello: keep your hands in your lap, because only a grown-up pets the cat. If the cat walks away, that's "not now". Both are fine. A swishing tail or flat ears means "leave me be". With a grown-up, you can play with a wand toy, so the cat chases the toy and not your fingers. If the cat ever scratches you, tell a grown-up right away.
If a scratch or bite breaks the skin: wash it right away with soap and warm water, and call your doctor for advice. Call again if a fever, redness or swelling appears in the days after.
If the cat hisses or swats often: call your vet first, because pain can cause it. If the cat stops using the litter box, see How many litter boxes does a cat need?, which starts with the vet too.
Two things we never repeat
Sources: Cats Protection (2) · International Cat Care (2, 3, 4) · CDC (2) · Poison Control · Cornell Feline Health Center. Full list