Introducing a kitten to two children

[Pinkjenny]

We are getting a kitten in a couple of weeks and both dh and I are total novices, although we have been doing lots and lots of research. We have an almost 5yo and a 2.5yo. The 2.5yo is very gentle with animals, but both dc are quite noisy and boisterous.

How do we introduce the kitten so as not to terrify any of them?

This puts me in mind of this book It might help a little.

It used to be one of our favourites here when dc were small. Actually that was before we had the cats but it did help dc to understand animals must be treated gently.

We have just got a kitten (was 2, but put one to sleep on Sunday night ) we have an almost 2 yr old, 5yr old and 9 yr old. The toddler did terrorise the kittens when they first came in shouting HIYA when they were trying to fall asleep, but within a couple of days she had calmed down, now she is really gentle (we have only had them just over a week). She is sometimes a bit rough with the toys, but we just keep reminding her how to treat the kitten and picking the kitten up so she knows it's nothing to be scared of.

The 5yr old is great, and has been gentle, although he has a habit of chasing after her to get her to play. I think as long as the kittens have a 'safe' place to go away from the mayhem they should be ok.

HIYA that's brilliant.

Would a utility room be appropriate? Or possibly dh's study?

Bump

Yes somewhere quiet and cosy with litter box easily available.

Many new kittens find something enclosed like a box or a basket and a cosy blanket very comforting. Maybe even a couple of small cuddly toys to cuddle having been used to lots of brothers and sisters around. I used to give ours a hot water bottle wrapped in the blanket, but make sure it's only just warm body temp and not scalding hot.

I am taking notes

Ours is kept in the kitchen at night and when we go out. We have a space inbetween two sofa's that they she can go to if she wants some quite time. Most of the time though Pixie likes to have company and will sit close by.