Adding a cat to the family is a great way to teach our kids compassion, responsibility, and communication. It’s also a way to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. By bringing a cat into our homes, we agree to take care of a life that requires food, shelter, and care - one that might not otherwise have a good home. Why choose a cat, though? And what cat breeds are ideal for families with kids? Learn more here about the benefits of cat guardianship and breeds that may be better for family life.
Many families don’t realize the toll their cat’s diet can have on the personality and behavior of their cat. When a cat is experiencing digestive distress, such as upset stomach, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, low energy, sugar rush, and weight gain, it can be because they aren’t matched with the right food. EcoDigestive probiotic and enzyme support formula for cats is the answer for thousands of households. Commercial pet food is not always easily digested, and many dogs and cats lack the essential digestive enzymes that allow them to get the full nutritional benefit of their food. EcoDigestive improves your cat’s digestion and the absorption of nutrients in his or her diet. This leads to a happier, healthier cat whose real personality can shine through.
The benefits of pets for kids.
Growing up with pets teaches kids to be kind to other creatures beings, big and small. It’s vital to the development of their emotional intelligence. And cat guardianship is even beneficial to a child’s physical and mental health. Children who have pets develop a stronger immune system and, therefore, have a reduced risk for allergies, asthma, and other illnesses. Perhaps best of all, those who have a pet in their life, particularly at an early age and through childhood, actually live a happier, less stressful life. They learn about responsibility, patience, and empathy. And they develop better communication and social skills.
The benefits of choosing a cat.
Dogs are the most common pet for children, beating out staples like hamsters and goldfish. But in their own, unique ways, cats make wonderful companions for families with kids.
- They do not require a lot of space.
- Adopting a kitten/cat is less expensive than many other pets.
- Cats are more affordable long-term.
- Cats demand less of our time, energy, and attention for play, exercise, and cuddles.
- Cats are generally easier to take care of, as they enjoy self-grooming and napping. They spend a great deal of time playing on their own and napping.
- Aside from litter-training and teaching them to stick to their scratching posts, cats are mostly well-behaved.
- Cats are generally quieter. They don’t bark at the mailman. They don’t alert the entire household when the doorbell has been rung. And they don’t need to bark excitedly when you are about to throw a toy for them.
Top cat breeds for families with kids.
Abyssinian. This breed is ideal for kids six years and older because of their playful, curious, and energetic nature. When they’re not eating or sleeping, Abyssinians are often on the prowl. They are affectionate and loyal companions. Plus, they've got those memorable ear, as long as kiddos won't be tempted to pull and tug those ear, this might be the perfect family cat.
American Shorthair. The breed is known for its easygoing nature, making it a suitable companion for homes with children and other pets. This breed is probably what comes to mind for most people when they think about a cat. They do not require a lot of maintenance and remain relatively healthy even in old age. They're even-tempered and can be a great companion, while also happily living an independent life as children grow up and lose interest.
Birman. This breed is highly social and gets along well with other animals in the home. Birmans are active, playful, loyal, and intelligent cats. Their gentle, loving, and patient nature make them great companions for young children. Just beware of that fluffy coat. Their soft, lightweight fur will end up everywhere. This is especially true when we consider how much Birman cats love to be close to their humans.
Burmese. Children will adore these cats’ affectionate, playful, and kitten-like personality, which they maintain even as adults. With their sweet and easygoing nature, they effortlessly form strong and lasting bonds with their humans. They are also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and overall health throughout their lifetime.
Manx. Manx cats are highly intelligent and adaptable, making them suitable for training. Anyone interested in harness training their cat for family hikes? This could be the cat for the job. They are active and love to play, but they are also naturally gentle and even-tempered.
Maine Coon. These cats are gentle giants. They make great human companions - they are loyal but also enjoy having a lot of independence. They are mostly relaxed and laid-back, and they get along fairly well with other household fur-babies. They enjoy wind cat hammocks, cat condos, and other safe places where they can retreat and watch from a distance.
Ragdoll. These cats are so-called because they enjoy being picked up and carried around. They are sweet and gentle - the perfect pet for a family with children. They crave constant contact with their humans and are naturally well-behaved. They can be easily trained to play fetch and to follow simple commands. Just remember that the name, Ragdoll, doesn’t mean you’ll have a living doll in the house, which is a common and unfortunate mistake many families make. Eager children and those who want a toy should not get a cat of any kind.
When choosing the right cat breed for our kids, the key is to match the cat’s personality with that of our children. If our kids tend to be excitable and aren’t generally interested in listening to direction or caring for others, we may want to skip the pet altogether and work on nurturing their compassion before we put an animal in the room. If they are already at a point where they care for those around them and want to learn how to put the needs of others first, then a cat may be a great idea. We may also want to consider factors such as cat intelligence, adaptability, and trainability. Generally speaking, cat breeds that are easygoing, sweet-natured, and playful make ideal companions for most kids.
Further Reading:
- “10 Scientific Benefits of Being a Cat Owner,” Mental Floss
- “What to Consider Before Getting a Cat for Your Kids,” VetStreet
- “Top Five Calm Cats for Kids,” PetMD