Читать книгу The Cat Owners Handbook - Graham Meadows - Страница 39

If you have a baby, you are more likely to want to protect it from the cat. Make sure that the cat cannot climb into a young baby’s cot, because there is always the danger that the cat will jump down onto the baby’s face and scratch it, or curl up close to the baby’s face and obstruct its breathing.

Toddlers can cause a new cat some problems, because they tend to want to hold the animal – usually in an extremely uncomfortable, if not painful, position. You need to train your child just as much as your cat to ensure that they both get the most enjoyment from each other.

The same applies to older children, especially if this is the first pet they have experienced. They need to understand how the newcomer feels, and the importance of keeping it free from stress and allowing it some time out on its own. Children have similar needs, and it shouldn’t be too difficult for them to learn to treat the new cat as an individual rather than an object or toy.

When choosing a new kitten, try to view the whole litter at home. Although the smallest kitten may look cute, it is more likely to be weak and sickly. The boldest, biggest kitten is a better choice.