Cat Town welcomes family visits with kids of all ages, and we do matchmaking to find the right cat for everyone! The cats staying at our Adoption Center are all unique. Not only are they different ages and sizes, they have varying dispositions — some are confident, some are building confidence, but many are still shy. Our advice on what makes for a rewarding visit for kids and cats also applies to what works at home once you’ve decided to adopt a cat. By following these steps, you will help create a happy and safe environment for your new (feline) family member!
Create Safe Spaces
Cats, like humans, need their own space where they can get away and be on their own. When you visit Cat Town, you’ll notice many different places for cats to “escape” where they can feel safe and hide out if they begin to feel stressed. In order to feel safe, every cat should know that they’re going to be left alone in these special places. They’ll likely find several safe spaces in your home, such as on top of a cat tree or behind a couch.
Tips for households with kids: You can teach your kids to respect these hideouts. With older children, explain why they should let the cat be and make sure the rules are followed. If you have toddlers, you may need to make these spaces inaccessible to them.
Respect Boundaries
Whether on a visit to Cat Town or with a newly adopted cat at home, respect a cat's boundaries while eating, drinking, or sleeping, and never bother a cat who is using or about to use the litter box. It’s also a good idea to use an “indoor” voice and go slow, as loud voices and sudden movements may scare the cat. A cat who is pulled out of a hiding spot, chased, roughly treated, or picked up incorrectly when trying to get away, is more likely to scratch either by accident or in a defensive manner.
Tips for households with kids: At home, teach your kids to respect your cat's wish to hide, teach appropriate handling, and keep your cat’s nails trimmed to ensure your child doesn’t get scratched.
Supervise, Supervise, Supervise
It’s important to keep an eye on your child during your visit to Cat Town, no matter their age. Besides having cats with different levels of confidence and shyness, you will be sharing the Adoption Center space with other visitors and potential adopters.
Tips for households with kids: Watch for behaviors from both felines and children that might end in either feeling unhappy — such as chasing, grabbling, or engaging with cats without paying attention to how they respond. Cats often show signs of stress before scratching, but these signs can be challenging for young children to recognize. You can help explain what those behaviors mean, and how to respond.
ADOPTING A FAMILY CAT
Choose the Right Cat
A very sociable adult cat, or a kitten over 4 months, is a good choice for families. Avoid cats who don’t like being handled or are fearful. Choose a cat who can tolerate the level of activity in your household. Our staff and adoption counselors can help guide you in making a great choice for your family.
Proper Introductions
Most cats feel stressed during the first few days in a new home, and yet bringing home a new cat is a very exciting time for a child! It’s important to balance your child’s enthusiasm and desire to spend time with the new cat with the cat's need to adjust slowly to the new environment and new people, and their need for alone time. Make sure your cat has a quiet room in the home, away from foot traffic, and not your child’s room if they are under age 10.
Educate
Cats and kids benefit when children learn about cat behavior. At a minimum, kids should learn about basic cat body language so they can tell when the cat is happy or when she needs a break. Research this information so you can teach your child telltale signs of stress, lick lip-licking, and happiness, like kneading. For additional help explaining some of the rules to follow and why, check out this wonderful “message from a cat” that speaks directly to your child from the cat’s perspective!
Make Cat Care Fun
There are so many ways to involve all children–even the youngest–in caring for the cat. Besides interactive playtime with wand toys, feeding, grooming and cleaning the litter boxes are a great, positive way for the kid and cat to bond and feel good about each other!
Be a Good Role Model
Let your children observe how you handle the cat so they, too, can treat your new companion with respect.. Talk to them about why you are handling the cat the way you are. Explain that no one should roughhouse with them or use hands as toys.
You Are Responsible for the Cat
No matter how old your kids are, remember that you’re the adult! Assigning duties such as changing the water and cleaning the litter box can be a great way for children to learn about cat care, but you should monitor that these chores get completed daily.
Bringing a cat into a family home is a wonderful experience for children, parents and the cat, too.Following our advice will help your child enjoy your next visit to Cat Town and start a positive and loving relationship when you adopt a new furry family member!