2006-10-03 17:35:08 · 21 answers · asked by hotortillas 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
A 2 year old is way too young to be around a animal for grab and pull on everything and will pull too hard on the cat or grab a tail and then theres the risk of being badly scratched and one can't blame or even train the cat not to anad the risk is even greater with a dog. Although the 4 year old can be taught the right way to interact with a cat and some basic as to her cae way too young to have any resposiblity. The 2 year old should always be supervised for at this age and still very short low to the ground its head first and too young to learn right away that one does not approacch a cat haed first or stick face to cat-this scares a cat and also often interpreted by cat as agagression-the cats instinctual response is to rear back and lash out with her paw(claws) and although the at is only following her instinct a serious injury esp to the face and eye area can occur--please do not consider declawing for compare to having your fingernails torn out-very cruel and painful to the cat and ethical vets will not do I'd wait another year fo thn the 4 yr old will be 5 where he'll absorb more and keep the instructions on how to approach and interact with cat and he'll teach also besides the parent to the younger one-who will not be in the terrible two's phase and not the time to get any pet. and have it be a positive experience.
2006-10-03 17:48:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of good ideas bouncing around here. My mother would never let me have a pet so I think it's great for children to grow up in a household with a dog, cat, rabbit or rat.
Just don't get a kitten! A cat around a year or two old that has some experience of children would be best. An adoption counselor at a shelter or humane society may know something of a cat's background and will help you select a suitable cat for your home. A cat of that age can jump up and get away from a persistent toddler giving it chase. A kitten might just grow up to be fearful and always hiding if pursued constantly by the children.
Dogs can sometimes be a better choice of pet because they are generally more social and can be protective of the children in a family. Of course with them the adult has to take responsibility for the daily walks (up to an hour) which are essential to their well-being.
2006-10-03 18:02:38 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but watch them
I love cats, but you have to watch out for the animal from jealousy towards your kids
Unfortunately I had to get rid of 2 cats so far since I had kids, they were mean to my daughter
my kids are still young
one cat would jump on my daughters back at 3 am pretty much every other morning bite her head, shoulder etc, scratch her, and then take off. My daughter would scream out
The other cat would jump on her butt as she was walking and bite and run (no kiddding) And these 2 cats that I am describing, we didnt have at the same time (different locations) the butt biter was in a totally different house.
My daughter was never mean to the cat's either, she loves kittys
Some animals are jealous just like kids can get jealous.
Sinse then we have gotten 2 more cats, and they dont harm her at all (thank goodness)
2006-10-03 19:03:13 · answer #3 · answered by KittyMom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Safe for the kids? Yeah most likley as long as you get a cat that is good with kids its usually better to get a bit of an older cat this way you know the personality already. Kittens you never know what they will grow to be like. One the other hand safe for the cat? hmmm maybe not the kids might be too young still
2006-10-03 17:38:00 · answer #4 · answered by Confused 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a cat yes - a kitten NO (kittens are way too claw agressive - and can be hurt too easy)
go to your local SPCA or humane society and select a more sedate cat - who will tollerate being held..getting 2 is better than one if you can manage it..
DO NOT GET ONE WHO IS DECLAWED.. while that might seem like a good idea- declawed cats are frequently prone to become agressive or nervous biters...
teach your kids how to pick up and hold cats correctly - by supporting them from underneath NOT squeezing them around their tummy - probably the 2 yr old shouldnt be allow to hold the cat at all...
teach the kids that if the cat squirms it needs to be let go (not dropped)
DO NOT tell the kids it is their pet.. it needs to be a family pet... and they are not allowed to maul it...not allowed to chase it.. not allowed to hit it or punish it or tie things to it
- make sure the cat has some "cat only" places
2006-10-03 17:59:56 · answer #5 · answered by CF_ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I might suggest getting a young cat that can grow up with them and become used to them and vice versa. Older cats, or cats that have a history might not fit well with two young children. The only thing with young children is that they sometimes can maul an animal, and that's when scratching might occur. If you take the time to show them how to handle it and care for it then I don't see a problem.
2006-10-03 17:42:01 · answer #6 · answered by thebattwoman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have had cats, dogs, horses, birds with broken wings, turtles and any other animinal I could find in my life since I was born. My mom took the time to teach me how to care for them properly and how to play with them without hurting them, and my childhood was special because of my pets. I think your kids would love a kitten, but be sure to teach them how to be kind to animals. Good luck.
2006-10-03 17:44:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't see any reason why it would be a bad idea. The kids might get scratched a bit, but that's better than a dog bite. It would probably be a good experience for them. Just make sure you teach the kids to be gentle.
2006-10-03 17:43:43 · answer #8 · answered by calichoppergirl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you keep watch on your kids with the cat and they aren't too rough on it, it may be okay. Cats are great pets, but sometimes little kids just mishandle them and that isn't fair to the cat. Whatever you do, please don't have a cat declawed. It is painful and cruel.
2006-10-03 17:47:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. You should wait for your kids to be maybe 6 or 7. Little children could get allergic.
2006-10-03 23:55:09 · answer #10 · answered by chipper_adi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋