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Kids and Kitties

July 15, 2020

Has your little one been asking for a pet? Cats are extremely charming, and they certainly can melt our hearts. It’s not hard to see why kids sometimes have such a hard time resisting Fluffy’s charms! Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet offers some helpful tips on helping kids and cats get along.

Ground Rules

Set a few basic guidelines for your little ones about interacting with Fluffy. First and foremost, they should never force attention on a cat. That’s how people get scratched! It’s also important that they don’t offer her anything without asking. Little kids won’t necessarily know what is and isn’t safe for pets to eat or play with. It’s also important for them to be very gentle with their feline buddies. You don’t want your children learning the hard way that Fluffy hates having her tail pulled! This is especially important with kittens, as they are so small and fragile.

Cuddling

We all know that cats make great cuddle buddies. Fluffy’s soothing purr is just naturally relaxing, and is something that children can really take comfort from. Everyone needs a hug sometimes, and our feline friends are great at providing them!

Benefits

There are actually some quite tangible health benefits to hugging cats. Studies have actually shown that kids who grow up with pets often have stronger immune systems and fewer allergies than those who don’t. They also tend to be very caring and sympathetic. The love of a pet can also provide kids with much-needed stability, which is very important in tough times. Plus, pets help kids gain a better understanding of the cycle of life. Last but not least, kitties can keep kids entertained and distracted. Talk about a win/win!

Photo Ops

Do your little ones love their feline pal? Take a few moments to celebrate that friendship. Have them draw a picture of her, or write a little story or poem about her. Or, look up some great DIY projects they can create. You can have them make Fluffy a box castle, or sew her a comfy new bed. Of course, you can also snap some cute photos of your children snuggled up with their furry pal. These may very well become precious keepsakes!

Please reach out to us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

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