Cats Bonding With Their Owners

Cats are very complicated creatures. Many or most are very independent but there are some that are called ‘people cats’. These cats bond with their owners like dogs do. There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well – although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who don’t agree with cats.

Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with, usually the person who feeds them. You’ll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affection, especially with cats that are looking to bond.

Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual’s manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful – bringing the best out in the cat.

There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a “psychic aura” that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There’s little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance.

Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, you’ll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong – and simply cannot be broken.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Cats Bonding With Their Owners and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about cats and other pets that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: cats bonding with people, cat owners, independent cats, people cats, felines, dogs, independent natures, animals

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. Healthy Cats Know What Tastes Good

Domestic Cat Breeds

A little about domestic cat breeds. Have you always wanted a cat, but heard some breeds make better pets than others? Maybe you have always wanted a cat, but do not know anything about them? There are plenty of ways to learn about cats and what breeds fit your personality. The choice can come from having an indoor, outdoor or indoor and outdoor cat. The tough and smart survive in the out of doors. Small cats are often pray for birds and other wildlife and should be kept indoors. Tomcats, a mixed breed, are great at surviving outdoors and mousers. So let us look at a few breeds of cats and then you will be able to choose which one may be right for your lifestyle.

Siamese:

The Siamese cat can be a fickle creature. They often require a lot of attention when they determine it is necessary. They tend to meow quite a bit and can tear up a home if left alone for too long. These are the downsides. Siamese can be great pets, especially when raised from infancy. They are often white with brown ears and blue eyes. You may recognize them from Lady and the Tramp? Those two were a little mean and not the typical portrayal of a Siamese. Siamese are generally very affectionate. They are also one of the most intelligent of the cat species. They tend to be very social, which is why they meow or “talk” a lot. A sign for attention is usually a very vocal meow much like a babies cry. Siamese typically bond to one person very strongly and are territorial of that person.

Persian:

The Persian cat breed is one of the oldest cats around. They are longhaired cats with beautiful shinny coats. They are very soft and friendly; however, they are prone to health problems such as allergies. The Persian does not always play as much as other breeds, but they do enjoy a bit of fun for exercise especially in a social situation. They love to have other cats around to play with as well as have a lap available when they are in need of a lap to nap on or for just a good petting. Persians are a variety of colors from solid black, white or a mix of white and browns around the face. A popular Persian is the Himalayan.

Manx:

The Manx is known for its stubby tail that come in three lengths or having no tail. The downside to Manx cats is the lack of tail. Often a Manx can suffer from worms and other parasites due to improper cleaning and not having the protection of a tail. This does not mean you should discount the Manx as a breed. The Manx breed is extremely intelligent and playful. They are a lot like dogs in the play area because they can fetch when you throw toys and they bring them back to you. They are very social animals and depend on human care. They don’t like to be left alone for too long, so it is wise to have other cats to play with when you are gone during the day. The best home for a Manx is one filled with children.

These are just three of the more popular breeds of cats. There are over a dozen cat breeds to choose from and finding the one to fit your lifestyle is important. Cats are very social and intelligent, but some breeds can be loners. Most often, a cat chooses when the time is right and what type of attention they want at the time. The phrase “you do not own a cat it owns you” is very true. Search the internet or go to a pet store or library to find out more about the various types of cat breeds out there. Searching online can also tell your if there are any cat breeder close by to you.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Domestic Cat Breeds and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about cats and other pets that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: domestic cat breeds, cat breeds, breeds of cats, Siamese, Persian, Manx

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. A Look At Cat Breeds
2. An In Depth Look At Siamese Cats

An In Depth Look At Siamese Cats

The exotic and somewhat mysterious Siamese cat hails from the country of Thailand. They had always been a popular breed of cats, some even residing in royal palaces. Siamese cats, in the past, were trusted to protect royal palaces and monasteries from evil spirits. These cats were also thought of as bringing good fortune to their owners as well.

During the year of 1884, the very first Siamese cats began to make their way to England, when they were given as gifts to a British general. After that, they eventually made their way over to America. Now days, Siamese cats are one of the most recognized of the breed. Siamese cats are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat and among the top 3 in the entire breed of cats.

Even though there are several different colors to this breed, some questions what makes a cat a true Siamese cat. These cats have always been known for their bodies which are lighter in color, with darker areas throughout. The more darker areas found on their bodies are normally around the feet, tail, legs, or face. They can weight anywhere between 6 – 16 lbs, with bright eyes that are normally slanted – which is another clue that the cat is a true Siamese.

Traditionally, Siamese cats are robust, with round heads and a truly muscular build. They are well known throughout the world for their color points and unique personalities. Unlike other breeds, Siamese breeds have a talent for communicating with people. If you are looking for a cat that is nice and quiet, you wouldn’t want a Siamese cat. These cats love to play, love to make noise, and they also happen to be the most social breed of cats out there.

Siamese cats demand a lot of attention, because in their minds, they believe that the world revolves around them. For this very reason, they tend to be quite dependant on their owners. They love to play, and crave interaction. If you leave them alone for too long, they won’t like it. They like to get attention, love to play, and hate to be left by themselves.

Even though Siamese cats are emotionally high maintenance, they don’t need a lot of maintenance They need a minimum amount of grooming, which involves bathing every once in a while, and brushing maybe once or twice a month. If you like cats with minimal maintenance, Siamese cats are perfect. Their hair is short to their skin, so a gentle brushing is all you need. They can get sick however, which is to be expected with any breed of cat.

Siamese cats have a life span that is similar to other breeds, which is normally around 15 – 20 years, sometimes even longer. As long as you feed him on a daily basis and take him to the vet for his regular checkups and shots, he will be around for years and years to come. Most people who have their Siamese cat for over 10 years, find the cat to be more like a child than a pet.

No matter how you look at it, a Siamese cat is a great pet. Although the Siamese breed does require a lot of attention, they are excellent pets that you can spend a lot of time with. They are great for kids as well, simply because kids can spend a lot of time with them. As long as you give your pet the attention he craves – he will be your life long friend for as long as you have him.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article An In Depth Look At Siamese Cats and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about cats and other pets that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

[tags]an in depth look at Siamese cats, Siamese cats, Siamese, cats, Thailand, breed of cats, long lived, minimum grooming[tags]

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. A Look At Cat Breeds
2. Why Cats Make Such Good Pets
3. Children And Cats

Why Cats Make Such Good Pets

Why cats make such good pets is that they don’t require as much attention as other options such as a dog. You don’t have to walk the cat and you don’t have to deal with it barking at everything that happens to walk by your home. Young kittens are extremely playful and you can interact with them when you want to. However, most cats are content to play with toys or to be independent.

This doesn’t mean that cats aren’t excellent companions though. They can be silly at times and they often enjoy curling up on your lap and purring. Your cat won’t come running when you are home at the end of day and knock you over. They also don’t lick or bite so you won’t have to worry about how they will interact with others when you have company. Cats always seem to be able to tell when you need some comfort.

Taking care of a pet can help a child to become more responsible but some pets just come with too much time required. A cat makes a perfect choice for children because they tend to take care of themselves. As long as they are given sufficient food and water they will remain happy. Indoor cats will have to be trained to use a litter box but most of them learn very quickly so you won’t have to deal with cleaning up such messes around your home. However, you need to clean the litter box regularly because cats do not like to use a dirty litter box.

Cats are clean animals as they spend a large amount of time grooming themselves each day. In the majority of cases, cats lead a very happy and long life without too many problems. They don’t cost very much because cat food and litter are very cheap. They don’t require as many vet visits for routine shots either like dogs do which can become quite expensive.

For those that have problems with mice, cats make a great natural system for taking care of them. This means you won’t have to deal with messy traps or dangerous poisons around your home. Many cat owners claim they haven’t come across a mouse in their home for years with this line of defense.

Cats are very precious and beautiful animals as well. They have a gentle hum to them that can be relaxing for humans. They have coats in all colors as well as eyes that are very shiny and bright. Each cat has their own personality and you just can’t help but adore them. There are many breeds of cats if you want a particular kind but some of the most beautiful cats are those that are mixed breeds.

Cats are very smart animals too so they will quickly catch up to what you like from them and what you don’t based on the praise you give them. Contrary to popular belief, cats are obedient and they want their owner’s to be happy with them. They will learn fast that you don’t like them scratching on the furniture or putting their tail in your face while you are sleeping.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Why Cats Make Such Good Pets and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: why cats make such good pets, cats, dog, kittens, independent, playful, litter boxes, pet, cat food, grooming

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. Healthy Cats Know What Tastes Good
2. Children And Cats

Aging Cats’ Nutritional Needs Change

Like most aging animals, aging cats nutritional needs change. America’s most popular pet, the cat, lives more than half of its life in the senior years. Although advances in veterinary care, better nutrition and better educated owners have helped improve the quantity and quality of these years. Studies reveal that senior cats continue to struggle with weight as the result of reduced activity levels and a steady decline in senses, nutrient absorption and fat digestion.

“One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable,” said Dr. Arnold Plotnick, who developed a senior wellness program to address the special needs of aging cats at his veterinary clinic, Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City.

Owners of senior cats can help their aging felines maintain an ideal body weight throughout the senior lifestage by feeding a diet that addresses their unique nutritional needs. Purina Pro Plan, for instance, has reformulated its entire line of senior cat foods to address the changing nutritional needs of aging cats in two different phases of the senior lifestage: ages 7 to 11 (mature) and 11 and up (senior).

As cats age, there’s a gradual decline in the body’s ability to repair itself, maintain normal body functions and adapt to stresses in the environment. Disease and weight changes are common throughout the senior lifestage.

Cats are more likely to face weight gain during the mature years when activity level declines and metabolism slows. But around age 11, weight loss becomes a greater concern.

The 11-plus years are particularly problematic for cats because their sense of smell and taste often diminish at this time, which affects their interest in food. The ability to absorb key nutrients and digest fat declines, making eating itself less efficient.

The undesirable result is that more food passes through as waste and less is used for energy, causing a drop in lean muscle mass and body fat that leads to potentially harmful weight loss.

In addition to providing the proper diet, owners of senior cats should pay close attention to their cats’ activity levels, weight, and eating, grooming and elimination habits and report anything new or different to their veterinarian.

Though many of these changes are a normal part of aging, others may signal a more serious problem. Scheduling veterinary visits at least twice a year is good practice during the senior years as many potentially serious conditions are treatable if caught early.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Aging Cats’ Nutritional Needs Change and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: aging cats nutritional needs change, aging cats, senior cats, nutritional needs, aging felines, cats, nutrition, popular pet, senior years, veterinary, veterinarian, better nutrition

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. Cats And Feline Diabetes
2. Healthy Cats Know What Tastes Good
3. Small Kids and Kittens

Cat Insurance: What Is Covered?

Cat insurance is a good choice to get when you adopt a cat, but what is covered? If you are considering cat insurance, you need to know what is covered in the standard policies. This will help you to shop around and compare plans.

The main aim of cat insurance is to provide cover for any expensive veterinarian treatment that your cat may need during her lifetime, so that you are not suddenly faced with having to pay out a huge sum of money for expensive surgery or other treatment, or having your cat put down when her life could have been saved.

So you can expect your cat insurance plan to cover emergency medical treatment for your cat, as a minimum. This should include veterinarian costs for treating any new illness or health condition in your cat (but see notes about deductibles and limits below).

Your cat insurance policy may not include cover for some or all of the following:

- routine shots
- preventive treatment that your veterinarian recommends
- foods for a special diet
- dental treatment
- treatment relating to neutering, pregnancy or birth of kittens
- treatment for behavioral problems
- the cost of medications
- treatment of issues that your cat already has (pre-existing conditions)
- treatment of geriatric illnesses (conditions caused by old age)
- life insurance for accidental death
- insurance for theft or loss of your cat
- cost of treatment in other countries if you travel with your pet
- cost of boarding if you are admitted to hospital and cannot care for your cat
- cost of canceling a paid-for vacation because your cat is sick

You will need to think about which of these options you might need or want. Cover for them will be worthwhile for some cat owners but not others. For example, theft insurance might be important to somebody who owns a valuable pedigree cat, but probably not to the owner of a regular mixed breed cat. For that reason, many plans offer these items as optional extras.

It is very important to read the fine print of any cat insurance plan carefully, so that you know exactly what you will get and what you won’t. Compare a couple of different plans, too. Don’t only look at the cheapest plans. You may see something in a more expensive plan that you had not thought about, and it might turn out to be important.

If the plan that you are looking at does not cover everything that you want, call the company and ask if you can have certain things added. It will cost a little more but it is often worthwhile.

As with many other types of insurance, you may find that you are expected to pay something toward each claim. This is known as the deductible in the US (‘excess’ in the UK and Australia). This might be $50 or $100 or more, depending on the company and the policy. You can often negotiate this amount. It will affect the cost of the insurance so, other things being equal, a policy with $200 deductible will be cheaper per month than a policy with $100 deductible.

There may also be a maximum payout for each condition or event. For example, your plan may cover up to $5000 of veterinary bills for a particular disease or injury. The cover may also be time limited: e.g. your cat insurance may only pay for the first 12 months of treatment for each problem.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Cat Insurance: What Is Covered? and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: cat insurance, what is covered, adopting a cat, what to consider, standard policies, veterinarian, types of insurance, cats, dogs

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. Pet Insurance Ratings
2. Cats And Feline Diabetes

Pet Insurance Ratings: Can You Trust Them?

Pet insurance ratings, can you really trust them? Pet insurance ratings are used these days by many people to help them make a choice between the different insurance companies that offer plans for pets. But are they reliable? How much should you trust them when you are shopping around for a pet insurance plan?

In theory, pet insurance ratings and reviews are given by consumers who have tried pet insurance and want to report their experience to other potential users. They can be very useful, a little like getting a neighbor to tell you what he thinks of his insurance company.

However, it is important to remember that they are subjective. Each rating that is submitted is just one person’s view. It may not be a balanced view. It could even be untrue. Staff could go online and post positive reviews of their company or negative ratings of competitors. If they were feeling unhappy at work, they might even post negative reviews of their own company!

On the other hand, most ratings are made up of the opinions of a number of different people. So it is clear that you can have much more confidence in them if the rating is calculated from thousands of consumers’ opinions rather than just a few.

If you are a member of any online forums, you probably know that people often come to the internet to vent and rant when they are feeling frustrated with something in their lives. This is true of pet insurance just like anything else. People are probably more likely to leave a rating for any type of product or service when they have had a bad experience. If they have had a good experience or an OK experience, they do not necessarily bother to tell others.

So when you are reading pet insurance ratings online, keep in mind that they may be skewed toward the negative.

Another point to remember is that not everybody will be looking for the same things that you are. A company could have a plan that would suit one person just fine but another not at all. So even if somebody rates a company 5 stars, it does not mean that they will have the product or service that you want.

It is much more useful if people post individual reviews instead of just a numerical rating. Then you can see why everybody felt the way that they did.

Where To Find Pet Insurance Ratings

You will find consumer ratings for pet insurance companies on specialist sites that compare the market for this and other products and services. Just keep in mind that you should not use consumer reviews as your only reason for deciding to go with a pet insurance company.

You will also need to look carefully at what they offer, including reading their policy document which most companies put online so that you can check it before you sign up. Do not pass up that opportunity. Pet insurance ratings are not the only way to evaluate the service that a company offers.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Pet Insurance Ratings: Can You Trust Them? and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: pet insurance ratings, can you trust them, pet insurance, ratings, making a choice, insurance companies, comparing insurance companies

Bookmark It

Healthy Cats Know What Tastes Good

Healthy cats know what tastes good and what is good for them. As all cat owners know, a feline can be a wonderful addition to any family. One of the most basic aspects of cat ownership is proper health care for the cat. Health care for a cat encompasses a wide array of vaccine shots, flea protection, vet visits, medications, and even proper exercise.

However, the most important aspect of cat health is also often overlooked. People spend hundereds of hours and thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a cat to keep it healthy, but most cat owners don’t pay nearly enough attention to the proper cat food they get for their cat.

The right cat food is absolutely essential to a healthy, happy cat.

But what is the best cat food for your cat? While each cat will have slightly different nutritional needs, there are some general rules that must be considered when looking for cat food.

First of all, cats (like their human owners) need a high quality diet. This means the best types of protein, fats, carbs, and the less preservatives and chemical additives, the better. Most of the research available online does not compare specific brands of cat food, as much as specific ingredients to feed your cat, and which to stay away from!

Cats need a high protein diet. Wild cats are very carnivorous, and cats derive a great deal of their nutritional needs from protein. House cats, while not wild, still have many of the same nutritional needs as their wild feline counterparts. So, the most important ingredient in any cat food is protein.

Carbohydrates are also an important part of a cats diet, though not as important as protein. Cats really should derive the majority of their nutritional needs from protein, so cat foods that are high in carbohydrates may not necessarily be the best for them.

Interestingly enough, many of the premium brands of cat food offer exactly what most cats need, and aren’t necessarily more expensive. This is because high end cat foods need a smaller serving amount than the low end cat foods to give a cat all the nutrients they need to be satisfied and healthy.

When comparing a premium brand such as Eukanuba, to a lower cost brand such as Purina, the cost difference for the recommended serving size is only a nickel a day. Furthermore, because a cat will eat less of the high end cat food, their waste will be reduced. This can cut down on the frequency of litter replacement and litter box related chores.

Another aspect of cat food to be considered is the quality of the protein in the food. Because of the way many pet food companies describe the meat in the food, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what the difference between “chicken flavored”, and “chicken dinner” is.

Food that contains “chicken meal” can only be made from the skin, flesh, and bones only. This is really the best type of protein for a cat. Food that has “meat byproducts” can contain nearly any animal parts, and are of lower quality than “chicken meal”. Food that is “chicken flavored” only has to taste like chicken, but may not contain any animal meat at all. Also, chicken is generally better than beef for cats.

And it goes without saying, preservatives, as well as artificial colors, should be avoided whenever possible. Although specific research is lacking on this subject, we do know that preservatives and artificial colors can have a negative impact on human health. It is only logical that cats will also be negatively affected.

Keep in mind what your cat needs and read the labels. DO NOT over feed your cat or he can become fat. Like most things when your shopping for your cat read the labels to make sure you are feeding your cat a healthy diet.

Enjoy the new Great Cats Site Blog article Healthy Cats Know What Tastes Good and here are some of the other pet and dog sites that I currently operate. Hope you can find all of the information about dogs and caring for dogs that you are looking for through these sites.

Cats: Our Feline Pets
TC Pet Stop
Teri’s Dog Training Tips

Technorati Tags: healthy cats, know what tastes good, cat owners, feline, health care, diet, healthy diet, protein, Eukanuba, Purina, cats, kittens

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. Cats And Feline Diabetes
2. Finding The Right Cat Breeders – Part 1
3. Children And Cats

Introducing A New Kitten To Your Older Cat

You want to get a kitten and you’re not sure how your older cat will take to having this new ‘creature’ introduced to her. So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into your home could be great for your existing cat, for companionship. And you remember how much fun your cat was when she was a new kitten, and you would love to re-live those days.

It is generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of another feline, especially cats confined indoors. But before you rush off to your local cat shelter or breeder, here are a few tips to make bringing home a new kitten as stress free as possible.

Choose a time when your home is not too busy and you will have time to devote to your new kitty and your existing cat, avoid holidays, for example, or other times when friends and family are likely to visit.

Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your veterinarian to get her checked and vaccinated, kittens have weak immune systems and are likely to pick up something at the shelter or cattery. Consider adopting a cat of the opposite sex to your existing cat, this will avoid same sex rivalry and associated problems. For a number of reasons all your cats must be spayed/neutered.

If possible arrange to bath your new kitten at a friends house before you take it home, this will neutralize kitty’s odor, and go some way to prevent unsettling your cat.

A short isolation period is necessary when introducing a new kitten. It would be ideal to have a separate room for the new kitten, your new little pet will need her own litter box, and food and water bowl. Some kittens will hide out under furniture for some days, more adventurous ones will be eager to explore their new home almost straight away. Do not try and force kitty to leave the room, you will know when she is ready.

Allow your new kitten to explore around your home while your older cat is in another room. Make the introduction, slowly, bit by bit, it is a good idea to let your existing cat sniff your new kitten’s blanket a few times before they actually meet. Make the initial periods of contact short. Gradually increase the time that they spend together as they get used to one another. It is not unusual for there to be a few spats in these first meetings, so do not leave them alone together until they get on. If a fight does break out, distract the combatants and get them into separate rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat.

The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat, can often be relatively stress free and need not be full of problems. The key is in making the introduction slowly, and perhaps the best tip of all is to give your older cat just as much attention and affection as you give the newcomer.

Introducing a new kitten to your older cat can be done with next to no stress if done right. Before you know it you will have two cats that thrive on each others company.

Technorati Tags: introducing a new kitten to your older cat. new kitten, kitten, older cat, cats, feline, Great Cats Site, TC Champigny

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. The Toys Cats Will Love

Small Kids and Kittens

What is it about small kids and kittens. Small children don’t realise that a small kitten is not a toy. Little kids just don’t realise that they can hurt a small animal like a kitten. Ever watch a toddler with a kitten?

The smaller your child, the more interested he will be in the new kitty. It will be his baby, his companion, his toy ….only the kitten isn’t a toy and that’s something that you need to make very clear about right from the get-go. Even a toddler can understand that they are not to pick kitty up if they are told firmly enough.

Your child is fragile against the outside world, but the kitten is fragile even against a small child and can easily be hurt by simply being loved too much! Young kids have a habit of wanting to hug the kitten tightly, and this can be fatal as it’s easy to restrict cat’s air supply. Picking up the kitten in a rough way, or by its legs can create the need for a visit to the veterinary where you and your child (if there) will be admonished for ill treating the kitty. It can also create internal injuries on a young kitten that doesn’t have much body fat to protect its internal organs.

The best way to bring young child and kitty together safely is by first not allowing your child to pick up the kitten until you are sure he can do it in the correct manner, and by teaching him to fuss and then play with the kitty while the kitty is on your knee. The kitten will soon follow your child around if he feels safe, and within no time at all you’ll probably find you have two “kittens” crawling around the floor as your child becomes the kitty’s shadow!

By first teaching the safe way of fussing, and then playing, you decrease not only the chances of the kitten being unintentionally, but seriously, harmed – but also the chances of your child being scratched by a fearful cat who is being held too tight.

Small kids and kittens will get along fine if the child is taught right from the start to be easy with the kitten.

Technorati Tags: small kids and kittens, small kittens, little kids, small animal. kittens, toddler, young kids, hugging a kitten, young kitten, veterinary, veterinarian, kitty, Great Cats Site, TC Champigny

Bookmark It

Related posts:

1. Create A Safe Zone For Your New Kittens
2. Children And Cats
3. The Toys Cats Will Love