Cat Guide

• • Cat and kids
  • Your cat's language
  • Finding a lost pet
  • Good habits
  • Neutering - the facts
  • Settling your cat into her new home
  • Spraying - the facts
  • Taking care of older cats

The two can mix if you take care. You need to pay even more attention to hygiene, particularly in the kitchen. Make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date. Don’t forget routine and preventative treatments are not covered by pet insurance.

Feeding
Get your cat used to eating as soon as you put down the food – you don’t want kids accidentally knocking over bowls that have been left lying around. Dishes should always be cleaned and put out of the way to stop either kids or cats helping themselves to each other’s food. When the child is old enough involve them in feeding your cat, it’ll bring them closer to each other.

Time together
Encourage your children to be gentle with your cat, but introduce them gradually – keeping them in separate rooms until they are fully integrated. Even then, make sure the cat can always find a quiet spot she can use as a refuge. Never leave them alone, even if you have had your cat for years and trust her completely. If your cat does scratch a child do not punish her, just separate the two and try to explain to the child the reasons and discourage retaliation.