Cats for Kids

Welcoming a pet into your household is a rewarding experience especially if you have children. Kids love playing with animals and it gives them a reason to be active rather than sit down in front of the television or gaming consoles!

There’s an array of household animals to choose from. Animals like ferrets or other rodents aren’t suitable for young ones but felines are also a good choice because they are relatively clean, well-behaved and require low maintenance. Cats groom themselves by licking any dirt off their fur and they are easily toilet trained with cat litter. They are loving, affectionate animals that will keep children occupied.

Buying a kitten that will grow with your child is a terrific way to teach them responsibility. Teach them to handle their pet with care and bathe and feed it at the right times.

Here’s some statistics for pet ownership in Australia.
•    12 million Australians are associated with pets.
•    63% of the 7.5 million households in Australia own pets.
•    Australia has one of the highest incidence of pet ownership in the world.
•    Typically, the major carer of the pet is female, married with children, living in the suburbs and most likely employed.
•    91% of pet owners report feeling ‘very close’ to their pet, reinforcing that pets are an integral member of the family unit, however constituted.
•    Pets were a normal part of childhood for more than 83% of Australians.
•    Of the Australians who do not currently own a pet, 53% would like to do so in the future.

Note that over 90% of pet owners believe their pet is part of the family. The only pets I had growing up were gold fish and birds which I couldn’t really interact and form a bond with. Now, I have a cat but I don’t find enough time to spend with him!

Do yourself and your children a favour by buying a cat or give one as a gift to a family with young kids. Pet stores usually have a new litter of kittens sitting in their windows, waiting to be bought. You can also try the RSPCA who are always looking for homes for stray cats.