Page 221 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

SOCIALIZING Y OUR C A T 219

scratching to get what they want. If that is the case, simply Introducing children
stop playing with him, say “no” in a firm voice, and give him If you have small children, your cat may feel threatened and
a toy instead. If your cat learns that biting or scratching frightened by their exuberant, noisy behavior and sudden
achieves the outcome he wants, it will be difficult to get him movements—especially if they chase him. His preferred
to break the habit. Give plenty of praise when your cat is defense will be to run away, but when cornered he may
playing nicely with you, but also praise him when he takes respond by hissing, scratching, or biting, all of which may
his aggression out on a toy. That way, he will learn that he scare or hurt a small child. It pays to prepare your children
can play hard with toys but not with you. for the cat’s arrival by reading through a book about cat care
New people need to be introduced with care. Never force with them. First meetings should be supervised, especially if
your cat to meet strangers. Instead, let him approach the toddlers are involved. Let your cat or kitten take the initiative
person when he is ready; once he realizes that nothing bad and approach the child. If he decides to flee, let him go. Play
is going to happen, he will be more confident and trusting. sessions should involve the child sitting still on the floor with
You can speed up the process by laying a trail of treats up to a lure toy or ribbon that encourages the cat to come closer.
the stranger. This works best when your cat is hungry. (You To make your children feel involved, give each responsibility
can also restrict treats to occasions when there is a visitor in for some aspect of the cat’s care, such as filling the water bowl,
the house.) When your cat is comfortable with the person, a shaking out the bedding, putting his food away, or collecting
friendly stroke or two on the head or back can be attempted. his toys. To avoid overfeeding, make sure only one child has
If you have to leave your cat to be looked after by friends or the job of feeding your cat. Never let a young child clean out
neighbors, get him used to the new people in advance. Ask your cat’s litter box. Cat feces can carry intestinal parasites,
them to come to your home frequently to feed him treats and such as worms, and an infection called toxoplasmosis that can
pet or play with him. He will soon look forward to their visits. be harmful to a young child (p.211).

A new baby
If your cat has always been the center of attention, he may
become jealous of the competition for affection when
a new baby arrives. Some careful preparation can help
prevent this. Before the birth, allow your cat to examine
the baby’s room and gear, but make it clear that he is not
allowed in on his own and that the crib, bassinet, and
stroller are distinctly off limits. If you have friends or
family with a baby, ask them to visit so that your cat
becomes familiar with the sounds and smells. To
accommodate the new domestic situation, you may need
to change your cat’s routine or how much time you will be
spending with him. Introduce such changes gradually in
the months leading up to the birth. Likewise, if your cat
has any behavioral problems that you need to put right,
now is the time
to do it, since
they may get
worse when the
baby arrives.

A NEW COMPANION
The arrival of a new
baby need cause no
GETTING USED TO CHILDREN problems for your cat
A new cat will be an irresistible attraction to any children in your if you get him used
family. Teach them the correct way to approach and handle to the idea well in
a cat, and make sure you supervise their initial encounters. advance of the birth.