Can Kids and Cats Live Together Safely?

Last Updated on May 29, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin

Help my cat hates my kids! I’m pregnant and my mom (or doctor or best friend) says I have to get rid of my cats. Are kittens safe with babies? Can kids and cats live together safely?

There are many benefits to living with cats. Cats can teach children empathy and patience. Kids learn to care for other while taking care of their pets. Cats give kids someone to pour their heart out too. A feline friend is a source of support and calm. Children with cats are less likely to develop allergies and less likely to get sick.

Consider your family before you adopt.

If you are pregnant, or just had a baby, it makes sense to wait to get a new pet.  It might not be the right time to add a cat to your family if your children are extra loud, active, or aggressive.

However, if you have the time and can give a cat an enriched, safe environment where she is respected as a cat, then she will respond with confidence and trust.  The relationship between a kid and his childhood cat is something special.  It just takes a little work on the parents’ part to make sure it gets off to a good start.

Are Cats Dangerous with Babies?

It is a myth that cats “steal babies breath”.  They will not intentionally harm a baby. The warmth of a baby attracts them.  A cat curling up to a newborn that can’t roll out of the way could cause an accident.  Cats should not sleep in the baby’s crib.

Introducing a new kitten and a new baby into the home at the same time is not ideal. But you don’t need to plan to re-home your resident cat just because you bring a human baby into the picture. Planning and preparation will help her adjust.

Cats like routine and consistency.

Her new human sibling’s arrival will be as much a change for your cat as it is for you! Keep her routine as normal as possible. Make any necessary changes to your life before the baby comes home. If the baby’s room is off limits to Kitty, then close the door now. If her feeding schedule will be different then adapt it now. You could add puzzle toys or a timed feeder to help.

Get your cat used to baby sounds and smells.

Look for baby videos online and play them when you are snuggling with your cat. Expose them to any sound or motion toys like mobiles or music boxes or swings. Wear lotion and powder that smells like baby. Bring home something from the hospital so Kitty can get used to the baby’s scent before you bring him home.

Don’t spoil her in advance.

Don’t lavish excess attention on the cat before the baby comes home. Kitty will get used to it and it will be worse when the baby takes the spotlight. Kitty will still need one-on-one play time and snuggles, don’t just push the cat out for the baby.

It can take a month or longer for your kitty to adjust but almost all cats do, in fact, adapt.

Are Cats and Toddlers Safe?

Things rarely get too rough until baby gets mobile. The kitty looks like a great playmate, or a toy. They don’t intend to be mean but they are unpredictable, grabby, loud, and scary to the cat. It is necessary to teach little kids how to play with their feline friend. Keep your cat’s claws trimmed to prevent rough play from getting out of hand.

Toddlers don’t understand what nice or gentle mean. Have your little one sit with you when the cat is happy, put your hand over hers and show her exactly what gently petting their cat looks and feels like. Tell her where and where not to touch. Teach her how to put out one finger and let the cat sniff it to tell the child if petting is okay. Don’t let a child grab a cat.

Give your cats places to go to get away from the kids.

You can put up tall cat trees, cat shelves, baby gates with cat doors to keep the cat safe from the little kid enthusiasm. Put the litter box and Kitty’s food and water in the kid free zone. Don’t use a covered litter box. It won’t keep the kid out and it will make the cat feel trapped and vulnerable.

Teach children how to respect their kitty.

Model appropriate communication from the beginning.  Children will pick up cues to proper handling from your actions and be able to put it into practice as they grow. It is like teaching table manners or how to share with other children.

The American Humane Society recommends that kids under 5 years old not have kittens. It is better to have a 2-3-year-old cat. Kittens are fragile. They will also be quicker to respond. Kittens are tough customers when they play together. They learn that claws and teeth hurt from their mother and their siblings. They play the same with their humans.

If your cat is prone to petting induced aggression, don’t risk an incident happening. Toddlers can’t read the cat’s body language so don’t allow the child to interact with the cat unless you are right there supervising.

Young Kids and Cats

If you are adopting your first cat, teach your kids the same way as you would a younger child teaching them how to handle their furry friend. Talk about how Kitty will need patience and understanding to feel at home at her new house.

With kids in this age group you can start them off right by teaching them about cat body language and communication. Teach them to respect the cat as a being. Explain how not to force themselves on the cat but let the cat decide if she wants to be held and put her down when she asks. Set a rule that we never ever bother Kitty when she’s eating or sleeping.

Teach Empathy and Respect

Don’t let kids under 6 pick up the cat and walk around with him. Explain that most cats don’t enjoy being carried around and could scratch to get away. Teach them how to hold the cat supporting the cat’s rear. Encourage your kids to keep their face away from Kitty’s face.

Teach your cat to play with toys.  Don’t play with Kitty with your hands or feet. Kids do it naturally, but they could get hurt in what is the natural play style for cats. Cats play rough with other cats, especially when they are kittens. They are not trying to hurt your child.

If you do get a kitten for your young child impress upon them that cats are not toys. Don’t treat them like a doll and force it wear doll clothes and push in a stroller. Some cats are okay with it, even enjoy the excitement and attention. If yours isn’t, then don’t push her.

Feeding Routines

Preschoolers can help with feeding the cat. Kids are notorious for overfeeding. You don’t want a fat feline because your child is over generous with food or treats. Teach them never, ever, to give Kitty something other than cat food or cat treats.  

Parents need to supervise to make sure the kids practice proper hygiene. Even processed kibble has been recalled for risk of salmonella.

Preteens

The family cat is the responsibility of the adults. But kids over 10 can handle her care with supervision. Besides the food and water, older kids can do litter detail as long as they can follow proper hygiene.

Kids’ friends enter the picture more at this age. Make sure that your child’s friends understand how to handle cats or put the cat somewhere away from the kids. Teach them the cat language that says without doubt that Fluffy has had it. Make sure they know to shut the door if your cat is an inside only cat.

Positive Experiences Between Kids and Cats

When introducing kids and cats, you want positive experiences to establish the bond. Establish rituals like a special treat or special toys that only the kid will use.  Positive experiences will get the cat to trust you and your child.  

Your cat and your children can establish a special relationship with proper preparation and supervision.

You May Enjoy the Other Posts in this Series:

• Choosing Your New Kitten
• Kittenproofing 101
• Bringing Home Your New Kitten
• Introducing Your New Kitten
• Bond with Your New Kitten
• The Best Way to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
• Can Cats and Kids Live Together

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