How to Care for Kittens for Children

Teach your child to hold a kitten gently, without hurting it.

When you make the decision to bring home a new kitten, involve everyone in the family with its care, including your children. A young, rambunctious kitten needs a lot of attention and special precautions when handling it, especially around small children. Teach your children the proper care and feeding for the kitten, so that they can learn responsibility and bond with their new pet. With careful supervision, you and your children will enjoy the presence and delightful antics of the new addition to your family.

Things You'll Need

• Food and water dishes
• Litter box
• Litter
• Canned or dry kitten food
• Cat bed
• Blankets
• Cat treats
• Cat climbing tree
• Cat toys

Instructions

1. Take the kitten to a veterinarian for its initial checkup and any required vaccinations not given to it prior to its adoption. Bring your children along and have them make a list of some questions that they might have for the veterinarian. This experience provides them with a way to learn more about the kitten's care.

2. Set aside a space, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom, for the new kitten. Give the kitten food and water dishes. Place a litter box filled with a few inches of litter in the room for the kitten to use, along with a comfortable bed or some warm blankets for the kitten to sleep on, and some toys to play with.

3. Allow the kitten to explore the new space at its own pace. While your children may be curious about their new pet, keep them out of its room for the first week. Let the adults in the home spend a few minutes at a time in the room, without forcing the kitten to interact.

4. Bring your children into the room once the kitten is used to the presence of the adults. Have them sit quietly and allow them to feed the kitten some treats to tempt it over to them, associating their presence with something rewarding. Show them how to pet the kitten gently, without pulling on its tail, fur or whiskers. Do not allow the children to pick up or restrain the kitten.

5. Make a list of chores that you feel each of your children can handle in taking care of the kitten. Allow an older child, such as a teen, to feed the kitten. Let a younger child change the kitten's water one to two times daily. Leave tasks such as cleaning the litter box to either older teenagers or adults; young children may not wash their hands properly after cleaning the box. Have each child check off a list after he completes his task. Monitor feedings to ensure the kitten is not over- or under-fed.

6. Give the kitten access to the rest of your home after a few weeks. Keep its space available for it as a "safe spot" to escape to and do not let children bother the kitten when it is sleeping or wants time alone. Provide climbing trees, cubbyholes or cat condos for it to sit in, away from your children. Supervise all interactions between the kitten and your children until they consistently treat the kitten with gentleness and no rough handling or play.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your kitten used to the scents of your children by placing some of their clothing in the kitten's room for it to smell.

• Feed the kitten food formulated specifically for kittens during its first year.

• Have your children perform their part of the kitten's care at times when you can monitor them, such as in the morning and evening.

• Spend time as a family with the kitten, so no one feels neglected or jealous of the other.

• Have your children play with the kitten using interactive cat toys, such as those on a string; put these toys away after use to prevent the kitten from ingesting the string, recommends the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

• Never leave children under 6 years old alone with a kitten, even after you think they get along, to prevent any potential injuries to either the kitten or child, recommends PetPlace.com.

• Do not adopt a kitten and rely solely on your children to take care of it. As the adult, you are legally responsible for its care, feeding and health, even if your children lose interest in it; a kitten is a lifetime commitment to the animal, which can usually live up to 15 years or more.

• Keep your kitten's nails trimmed yourself by cutting off the sharp tips above the pink "quick" or having your veterinarian do this, recommends the ASPCA. This prevents your kitten from accidentally scratching your children.

References

• Vetinfo: Teaching Kids to Take Care of Kittens
• Animal Planet; 5 Tips for Introducing Kittens and Kids; Alison Kim Perry
• PetPlace.com; What Not to Do with Your New Kitten; Dr. Nicholas Dodman
• "The Humane Society of the United States Complete Guide to Cat Care"; Wendy Christensen; 2004
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Safety Tips
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Cat Care

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• PetPlace.com; How to Talk To and Handle My New Kitten; Dr. Nicholas Dodman
• Vetinfo: A Guide To Kitten Care