Thread: Kittens Vs Toddlers

As you all know, a kitten will be joining our family soon and even though everyone in the family are looking forward to it, I cant help but worry just a little on how our 2 year old will welcome the new addition.

When we had a stray cat live with us for 4 months, all my toddler seemed to want to do was 'play' with her. She was a well tempered cat and has the patience of a saint, my toddler would bother her whilst sleeping and eating and she doesnt seem to be bothered about it, sometimes she just ignores him. We constantly tell him how to be good to the cat and how to stroke her nicely, but I think he was getting frustrated coz she didn't respond to any of his attempts to 'play', and sometimes would shout and cry. :(

Now, Ive been researching the net on how to introduce a kitten to a family with small children. I dont want his first few days to be stressful coz I know that would make him a nervous cat. Maybe we should have gotten the kitten from a breeder with small children, I dont know. Just a little worried thats all, that theyre not going to get along. But at the same time, I want my son to grow up with animals and knowing how to play and handle them in the right way.

So, hubby and I have thought of a plan for when the kitty comes home:

• Get rid of the kids for a few hours or maybe for the weekend when we pick up our Maine Coon, so that he can settle without over excited kids around.
• Maybe have him sleep in our bedroom for a few days?
• Get a cat toy like a Feaher Waggler so that he can play with the cat without handling or scratching accident.
• Never give the cat too much attention when my toddler is around, because I think jealousy can arise.

Well, those are some things I have thought of doing, Im still thinking of some more. But if any of you have any suggestions please let me know... lol. Thanks guys!