When you have children, especially babies and toddlers, there are many things to consider if you’re thinking of adding a cat to your family. Studies show that children who grow up with pets tend to benefit greatly.
A cat needs ongoing love, care, and attention for the long haul. Fortunately, cats make great pets for families with children, but it’s important to make well-informed decisions, especially when children are concerned.
Here’s a list of things for parents to consider before bringing a cat into their family and home.
Be sure to educate your children and everyone living in your house about cats and what to expect. Discuss how to play with the cat safely, what cats do and don’t like, and what foods are toxic. Set boundaries so that everyone will have a long, happy, healthy life together!
Also, if you want to get your children interested in cats, check out these 20 cat facts to share with kids.
If you’re a mom or dad, we’d love to hear from you, as well. What are some other things parents should consider before bringing a cat into their family? Have you introduced your kids to a new cat before? Let us know in the comments below!
Things Parents Should Consider Before Adopting A Cat
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Temperament & Age
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If you're adopting, you're going to want to find a cat who's been kid tested. Many rescued cats live in foster homes with children, so they have experience, and you can ask their foster parents how it went.
A tiny kitten may not be right for a house full of rambunctious kids. An older cat who has more life experience and isn't as easily startled by the sounds and goings on of a busy household may be the perfect fit.
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Breed
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You can find just about any breed of cat from a shelter or rescue. If you're adopting from a breed specific rescue, take a moment to learn about what breeds are best with children.
We have some lists of cat breeds that are best suited for family living situations.
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Cost
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When planning for cat-related expenses, you'll want to come up with a budget that includes food, litter, supplies, vet visits, and potential health issues that may come up that can require some serious cash.
Your cat is going to be a lifelong companion. If your living situation is unstable or funds are tight, you may want to wait for things to settle before bringing a cat into the fold.
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Time
(Picture Credit: Getty Images)Cats require time, love, and attention. Discuss who in your family will be responsible for cleaning the litter box daily, changing the litter each week, feeding and making sure the water dish is clean and full, clipping your cat's nails, and so on before adopting a cat.
If you do not have the time or energy to provide these basic needs, you may not have enough time for a cat.
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Allergies
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If you've never had a cat before, many adults and children are surprised when they bring a cat home and find out that they're allergic.
Make sure you've spent some serious time with a cat before adopting one. They will crawl all over your bed, pillows, and furniture, and if you happen to be allergic, this is going to be a major problem.
You need to know this before you've filled out the adoption paperwork. You may want to try fostering a cat on a trial basis to make sure that everybody in the house can deal with having a cat around on a day-to-day basis.
