November 14th, 2011
|
It can be scary for a cat to see a toddler approaching, arms outstretched. One of the ways I instruct clients to teach children about gentle handling is to get a stuffed toy that resembles the family cat and use it to show them how to pet and hold. Demonstrate open hand petting, always going in the direction of the fur.
If your cat has body location preferences, demonstrate them. Show that pulling a tail, an ear, or whiskers will hurt. Once your children have figured out the petting technique, introduce them to the family pet. I usually talk to kids about Scarlet, the cat who saved her kittens from a burning building. The more kids learn about how sensitive and loving cats are, the more they want to be loving in return. Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC, is a certified cat behavior consultant and author of seven best-selling books. Her website is www.catbehaviorassociates.com |
See more Cats & Children tips
I remember Scarlet very well. What a brave soul she was.
yes , cats ar esensetive and loving
unfortunately our society loves the active, loud, playful dogs
and ignore the kitty
since they are looked upon as weak
gentleness has been mistaken as a weakness
people prefer popularity over friendship
who can sell themselves
aleays know howto turn conversation to their advantage are the winners
p.s. kittys dont care to win
they want to care