Cats and children

[HeyLetsGo]

I may be adopting a cat from a local rescue, she was a surrender so has lived in a home before. We met her and she was generally quite affectionate, she approached us, sat next to us and let us stroke her and she rubbing herself against our legs, heard some purring. She seemed slightly more nervous with my DC who is 5 and a half but eventually she sat next to her too and was letting her stroke her and purring away. I think she likes this on her own terms though. She has never lived with DC before but the rescue said she as she is friendly it will be fine and has met children, just not lived with them. I was wondering if anyone has any tips how to make her feel comfortable around my DD. My DD knows to be respectful, just thinking of ways to help her settle and wondered if she will eventually be less nervous around her?

My kittens love my 10 year old but aren’t keen on my 7 year old, I’m sure when he’s older and less bouncy they will like him lots too! They won’t tolerate a stroke from my 7 year old but they know he’s the guy to go for to play! They will play with him none stop, as soon as he sits on the floor they bring a spring too him. Maybe your daughter will be the ‘play person’ too I really wouldn’t worry as they will all find their place and understand each other.

What is quite helpful is if you can encourage your child to interact with the cat through play. A 5 year old can really enjoy waving a wand around or tossing toy mice around the floor, and the cat can bond with her that way.

Another thing that you could try is to let your daughter put down the food for the cat, so she associates her with something nice happening.

If your daughter knows to be gentle and respectful with the cat and to give her space as needed, it will be fine. She may find her a bit overwhelming at first but she'll soon warm to her.