Cat for Kids

Taking a cat in your home as a pet

A lot of people will either be a cat or a dog person, and it’s easy to see why. A cat however is great for people who don’t have the time to look after an animal 24/7, and want a creature that is independent enough to do its own thing. They are also great as a pet for kids and you should always think about a cat for kids. There are lots of reasons you should get a cat, and we have some advice for you before you do:

  • Make sure you have the time for your cat. You will need to feed it constantly as well as clean its litter tray. It will also need to go outside if it’s an outdoor cat so there can be a bit to do! Some busy pet owners often hire pet sitters who provide pet care duties while staying at the pet owner’s house for free. 
  • Make sure you have the money to be able to afford a cat. They aren’t the most expensive animal you can get, but they aren’t the cheapest either. Caring for pets which are fluffy, say a Siberian cat can be time consuming and expensive.
  • Does anybody in your house suffer an allergic reaction to cats? Find out before such pet adoption to avoid a negative situation.
  • If you have other animals, make sure they will be ok with a cat. You don’t want your dog or other animal getting frightened or attacking your cat as soon as it gets home.
  • Get everything ready before hand to make your time easier. It will make the transition phase for the cat easier as well.
  • Cats can live a very long time, so be prepared for potentially 20 years of friendship from your new feline friend!

After your new cat is home, here are some other tips to make sure it will remain a happy cat:

  • Whether your cat will be an indoor or an outdoor cat, make sure you have a litter tray suitable for its size. A cat will need to go to the toilet when it’s inside and there will be times you can’t let your cat out. Keep this in mind with your cat.
  • Ensure your kids know the correct behaviour around your cat when it comes to feeding and cleaning.
  •  Keep a routine with feeding your cat daily and give them the best possible food. You don’t want your cat to get sick from cheap food.
  • Get a bed or basket for your cat for them to sleep in. You will probably find your cat will sleep anywhere soft but it’s always good to have their own bed as well.
  • Regular visits to the vet are essential to maintain good health in your cat.
  • Cats will need to scratch at things to maintain their claws so get them a good quality scratching post so they don’t destroy your furniture!
  • Your kids can hurt your cat, as can a cat to your kids, so always keep an eye on them when they are together.
  • Always keep cupboard doors and doors to other items closed as you will be surprised to see your cat in there one time! Cats are extremely curious animals and can end up in anything from your wardrobe to your dishwasher!
  • Always get some high quality cat toys for them to play with! As curious and playful creatures they will always be after something, and something as simple as a piece of string or wool can help suffice their appetite for a good play session!

There is no questioning a cat is great fun and they can be the best cats for kids. Think about getting one for your next pet and you will have a fantastic companion for a very long time! Cats are useful and friendly rescue pets as they are often matured and trained. You can try picking a cat as a viable pet for kids at home.