Pets in the home are something that ideally every child should be able to experience in some way or the other, it could be small and simple like a fish in a bowl they need to take care of to a set of energetic puppies that keep everyone on their toes.
Animals create bonds, build relationships between people and with their owners and have a way of reuniting and distressing emotions when we need it most.
There are endless success stories of pet owners who have seen their dogs sit at children’s bedsides while they are ill till the day they recover, others who soak up the tears kids are letting out due to a bad moment on the playground or feeling overwhelmed by the day. A simple cuddle, a soft and squashy body of fur to bundle up against on the sofa or in bed, and life is soon better again.
Interactive.
Kids love animals, for the most part, and a new addition to the family is always welcomed with open arms and a sticky, smiling face. If you are considering treating your little man to a new furry friend then the Bombay cat is a great choice, they are easy to take care of, have great breed care options, and are suitable for all family sizes and homes.
What also makes them so appealing are their aesthetics. Jet black fur top to bottom and eyes that tend to pop out making them look like a superhero, the kids will love choosing a character name to match.
Cats can help in more ways than a simple cuddle (although those are never turned away, am I right?), let’s look at ways and reasons why cats are a perfect add-on to the family portrait.
- Manners. You wouldn’t think it but life lessons are being taught in all areas of the home and with all members. Children when first introduced to pets have an unspoken understanding that they need to be careful, gentle, and kind to the pet. They show respect to their new four-legged friend instinctively and in return, your pet is forever devoted to protecting them. Win-win.
- Patience. We all want to cuddle and play with a cute fur ball when we first see them but if they are still little they can be nervous and feel stressed with too many hands on them. Allow your new pet to roam around the house by themselves, get familiar with smells and their new surroundings while the children occupy themselves, and when the cat is ready they will come to you.
- Responsibility. This is the best part but also the trickiest when it comes to taking care of a pet because you want the child or children to take on specific duties and job routines but not become frustrated or overwhelmed by it all and end up not enjoying it. Begin slowly and add more tasks as they feel comfortable.
There are lots of responsibility teaching moments, see some of them here https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_benefits_of_a_family_pet#:~:text=Pets%20teach%20children%20valuable%20life,cuddle%20buddy%20during%20nap%20time and when the time comes your kid will thank you for it. They may not notice at first how much and how well they are doing so reassurance and encouragement are vital to building confidence and effort.
Cat versus kitten.
A lot of factors determine this decision, some more necessary and specific than others, but at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in terms of looks, personality, and level of care.
If you are a big family with children who are involved in many extra-curricular activities and one or both parents driving them to and from the various sports it may be best to consider a full-grown cat rather than a kitten.
In the first year of a kitten’s life, they are looking for social interactions, to build relationships with their owners, and to add to all that they have a large list of veterinary checkups and injections to boost their immune systems and prevent illness and disease. This too requires commitment and could end up adding to an already full plate.
If you have a cat that has passed these early stages you can get the love you want and seek without the initial leg work. They may well have been socialized already if you are opting to adopt which is always great as far too many animals are left homeless or have been abandoned. Of course, it is up to you, but before making any hasty decisions, take a moment to click here and read what other pet owners took into consideration before making the choice.
We can take a moment to learn from others’ mistakes and listen to advice or tips and tricks to make our lives that much easier, after all, we are all human, we make mistakes, and we learn from each other.
The last thing to think about is the age of the person who will have the responsibility of the pet. A young child might enjoy the energy level and madness that comes with kittens and thrive on rolling on the caret with them for hours (but be sure not to leave a young child alone with a pet for too long as they can get annoyed and the child may not realize it in time before getting scratched).
An older person would enjoy an older cat for companionship rather than entertainment, so there is certainly something for everyone.
