Creating a Cat Friendly Home When You Have Children

Collaborative post by another author.

Animals have an amazing impact on our children. They teach them patience, empathy, to be gentle and, above all, responsibility. Cats are amongst the best pets to have with children (of all ages!), but to keep their relationship mutually beneficial, you need to create a cat-friendly environment for them to live in.

Your feline and children can coexist peacefully with a home that balances your kids’ curiosity and a cat’s need for tranquillity.

Luckily, this isn’t one of those situations where it is easier said than done. Read on to find out all the tips and tricks to building a safe and happy home for your kitty.

3 children playing in front of a window with a cat sitting next to them

Cats and children can live in harmony

Safety First

One thing that cats and children have in common: you need to take a safety first approach. First things first, you need to identify potential hazards in the home and remove them so your four legged friend can explore safely.

There are many everyday items and houseplants that pose a risk to cats, such as lilies, tulips and poinsettias. Dangerous foods like chocolate, garlic and onions should be kept out of the reach of mischievous paws and safely secured.

Cats are natural explorers and may attempt to squeeze through windows or slip outdoors if they’re left open. You can prevent accidental escapes by installing latches on windows and closing doors.

Comfortable Spaces

Cats are creatures of comfort and enjoy having designated areas to eat, play, rest and destress. Set up a safe retreat in a specific corner with comfortable bedding, where your feline can relax undisturbed and unwind when overwhelmed.

Cat scratching posts fulfill their natural instincts and prevent frustrated behaviours like furniture scratching and aggression. Climbing structures and perches are also excellent additions that create private spaces where they can eat, rest and play.

Teaching Respectful Behaviour

Cats have strong boundaries and you need to teach your children to respect them if they are to have a safe, positive relationship. Educate children on respecting their kitty’s personal space and acknowledge corrections when parents or cats give them.

Encourage children to let cats approach them on their own terms, which helps build trust.

Felines are also sensitive to rough handling so teaching gentle play is a must.

Communication and Training

Effective communication between children and cats can lead to a more harmonious home. Help your children understand feline body language that signals discomfort, like when a cat’s ears are back, or tail is twitching. They should also avoid sudden movements that could startle cats.

Basic training for cats can also improve interactions. Teaching simple commands like ‘come’ or ‘sit’ can facilitate better behaviour and create smoother daily routines.