What is a child's best First Pet? | Way of Cats blog

Classically, an American family was not complete without a dog. Of course, that was back in the days when the American family had a stay-at-home mom and a fenced yard, too. Without these elements, the reflexive impulse to ?get the kid a dog? should be sensibly re-examined.

I think a cat can make a better First Pet for kids.

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When we look over the reasons people get a pet for their child, we see how cats can be a better fit.

Bonding. Pets perform a wonderful service for our little humans. They are a constant friend without the complications of human relationships, and this works on a level of even the youngest child. This ?empathy teaching? is why it is so good for children to have animal companions.

When a child understands how they can communicate affection to their cat, and how their cat sends it back, they will have lots of low-key company, a willing ear to hear their troubles, and the famous Paw of Compassion.

Style. If we have a child with a lot of energy to burn, they can wear out a puppy or a dog and both are happy. However, in these modern times, chances are good that a sports-minded child will romp in places a dog is unwelcome, from ballet class to the soccer field.

When it comes to close contact, cats are the right size; not so fragile as many toy dogs, and not as overwhelming as many large ones. Their rowdiness is rightly focused on toys, so there?s less of a chance of inadvertent hurt on either side.

If our child prefers books, music, computers, and/or video games as an activity, cats are a far more conducive companion. For exercise, a cat asks for some fun activity, which is easy for a child to provide in any weather, at any time.

Responsibility. Cats are at an advantage here, in lightening the burden that will inevitably fall on Mom & Dad. Cats are much better at self-maintaining than a dog is, and unlike that goldfish, they can complain when they are hungry.

In light of the hectic scheduling that comes with modern family life, it?s good to know the cat can be left for long periods with their needs still being met. Walking the dog in adverse weather or after a child?s bedtime won?t come up with a cat; any time is a good time for a child to clean the cat?s litter.

Ability. What cats require from people are things that even young children are able to provide. Training a dog to walk on a leash, maintaining successful housebreaking, and enforcing proper greeting behaviors (no goosing!) requires a certain level of ability. Children need to handle the competing demands on their attention, and display the right kind of assertiveness, to be the strong leader dogs need.

While cat training is 45% communication, and 45% being the cat?s friend. This is something even small children can grasp.

Of course, we need to choose the right cat for the job.

Just as we should with dogs.

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Through her amateur cat rescue, she cured problem cats and placed them in new homes. Learn to maximize cat enjoyment!

Source: http://www.wayofcats.com/blog/why-cats-are-a-great-first-pet-for-kids/17739

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