Like humans, each cat has a unique personality. Some cats crave lots of affection and enjoy being held and cuddled, while others are more independent, and dislike being picked up or stroked. Many children love cats and will naturally want to show their affection by cuddling, stroking, and playing with them. However, as responsible owners, we must teach children how to properly handle cats with care. By doing this, we will help to strengthen the bond between them and ensure that they are both safe. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have three cat handling tips for children to learn. Enjoy!
1. Calm Environment
Cats are very responsive to how we are feeling and what mood we are in. Cats will often sense if we are feeling stressed or sad. Therefore, it is important to teach a child how to approach a cat in a relaxed way and using a soft voice, as felines can become scared if they hear sudden loud sounds. Cats are naturally very perceptive and intuitive, and this has enabled them to become hypersensitive to the sounds and sights around them.
2. Giving the Cat Space
Cats can be very solitary creatures and many like to retire to safe places in the home to hide, sleep and feel safe in. Therefore, it is important to teach children to respect a cat’s personal boundaries. Your cat can become stressed or anxious if they feel they have no safe space to retire to if a child is becoming too loud or energetic for them. Create safe and secure areas of your home for your cat to rest and feel comfortable in that includes soft bedding and their favourite toys. Always explain to a child why the cat needs to have some time to themselves and help them to understand the reasons for limiting their interactions throughout the day.
3. Positive Reinforcements
A great way of building a strong relationship between a child and a cat is to always respond positively to a child when they handle the cat with care. If your child is sitting still and carefully stroking the cat or letting the cat sleep, then always give them praise. Positive reinforcement will encourage children to continue handling cats with care and respecting the animal’s feelings and personal space.
Closing thoughts…
We hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any cat handling tips for children, then please let us know in the comment section below. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we are a leading luxury cattery service within the region of Hertfordshire. Call us on 01462 742658 if you would like to book your cat in to our luxury cattery or if you have an enquiry relating to our cattery services.