I always hear that cats are bad with small children, is this true?

Answer 1

Cats all have very different personalities. Cats who are raised around children will most likely be very good with them. Cats who have never been around children will not react well to them. Cats also don't like to be "bothered" sometimes. The key thing with cats and children is supervision. Cats won't go out of their way to hurt a child by any means, but they MIGHT if they're hurt, cornered or being mauled by the child -- so it's important to always supervise and not let the child get too aggressive with the kitty and to teach them how to handle them as they grow older, and to recognize when to play and when to leave kitty alone. I had a (non-child-friendly) cat who got cornered by my god-daughter when she was a toddler. The baby moved in and the cat, cornered and unable to get past her, reared up on her hind legs and smacked the baby on top of her head - audibly. She was, however, careful NOT to have her claws out -- just soft little foot pads smacking the baby on the head. This startled the baby long enough for kitty to make the escape, and baby was unharmed. Had the baby grabbed and squeezed or pulled the skin on the cat, however, she likely would have gotten scratched.

Answer 2

It depends on the cat. Small children like to grab things, and a touchy cat might bite or scratch. Most cats will just run off, jump up high, and in general stay out of the child's path.

Best thing to do is moniter the child and the cat at first, to make sure there won't be a problem.

Answer 3

Cats should be kept clear of sleeping infants, as they *could* cuddle up and accidentally smother the infant. This is where the old wives tale of stealing the baby's breath comes from. Aside from that, its all about the cat. If it is comfortable with kids, it will have a blast. If it isn't, it may scratch or bite to get away because it is afraid of injury. See how your cat reacts to the child and go from there, but give the next cat a chance to be different! Kids tend to be loud and aggressive, two things that makes cats uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean they won't love the kids and the affection they have to offer. Just teach the kids to treat the cat right and all should be fine.

Answer 4

ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I have a 13 mos. old daughter and we have two cats. My husband was really worried too, because he had heard cats kill babies and it is SO not true (he comes from a catphobic upbringing). Basically, before they found out that leaving a baby in the crib with a bottle was bad for both their ears and teeth, parents would put their children down by putting them in their crib with a bottle of milk. Many would find their cat in the crib at the baby's mouth. Thus old wives tale of cats stealing a baby's breath.

The truth is, cats would try to drink left over milk in a baby's mouth. Now that it isn't done anymore, there really isn't a problem.

Any animal, no matter how social should NEVER be left alone with any child/infant/newborn. Cats/dogs, pets are all still animals and though you may love them dearly and trust and believe in them, they are still animals. Cats aren't any different than dogs. For cats and dogs, you need to train them when a child enters your life. They need to know boundaries and what is and isn't appropriate around your children, this includes keeping them out of your child's room at all times. It is the same when you bring home a second baby, your first needs to know the same. We keep all of our pets out of our daughter's room, even if she isn't in there. They know it is a fast way to punishment if they go in there. The room is off limits.

Cats are NOT bad around small children... at least not any worse than any other pet.

Answer 5

It depends on the cat. And on the kid.

I've known cats that were just wonderful with little kids, others who avoided kids when they could, and one or two who were downright dangerous to small children.

If Kitty can get to know Baby while Baby is still an infant - not yet at the loud, sudden and grabby stage - then Kitty will very likely bond with Baby and they may form a lifelong friendship. If the child is already a toddler and apt to squeal, run after and try to grab Kitty, then Kitty will likely be too afraid to make friends. And if Kitty is so afraid that s/he gets really defensive, that's when it could get dangerous for the child.

If the chid is old enough to frighten kitty, then try to explain to the child that Kitty is easily spooked and needs to be approached gently and quietly. If the child can be calm enough to do that, Kitty should be OK.

Answer 6

My cats have always been good with my kids and other peoples kids. I had a cat once that thought she was momma she watch my baby while I was in the other room once the baby woke up cat came running to let me know. Meowed till I went to see.Small children should never be left alone with a new or unfamilure cat, especially if they have not been taught how to behave with cats, there is always a chance they could scratch or bite if a child pulls there tail for example.

Answer 7

Not at all, but it does depend on the temperment of the cat. If it is an old cat that is kind of grouchie it isn't going to want a child climbing, pulling, patting it. If it is a youger cat or kitten I am sure it will be fine. I have a two year old daughter that is just in love with her kitten she named it meow meow. She chases it, carries it and just loves to play with it. First thing in the morning she asks where is meow meow. I think that they are easier than dogs with small children because puppies chew, jump on the children and knock them over.

Answer 8

Not all cats. I was adopted by a cat when I was 3 1/2. My family had moved to a new house and the cat next door just came over and decided to be my friend. That cat taught me a lot about love and nurturing.

Answer 9

not always, mostly it's the other way around. small children are bad with cats. but as long as it's a tolerant cat, and a "good child" and they're both loved, then all should be fine.

Answer 10

no, i always had cats with my baby niece & they always got along fine. it is a old tale that a cat will smuther a baby but thats not true, but if you have 2 to 7 yrs old they might pull the cats tail,hair or if they pick it up wrong & hurt it it WILL bite or scatch.