If you are a father, mother or soon to be, surely you have seen on more than one occasion how other parents reprimand their children when they try to approach an animal, be it a dog, cat or any other.
This behavior, beyond being a way to protect children from possible bites or illnesses, usually responds to a belief that all animals are dirty or dangerous, a belief that they try to instill in children. children from an early age, along with a mixture of contempt and fear for all animals.
However, on our site we know that this type of action is unnecessary and could be harmful to the child's development as a person, so we want to talk to you about the benefits of having a cat for children You will be surprised how positive it can be for your children to have contact with a feline at home. Keep reading!
A pet at home?
Before the arrival of a baby, many people worry about how their pet will react to the new member of the family, even wondering if the cat could not harm the child, either by scratching or biting him, or if with their simple presence they are capable of causing allergies and infections.
The same thing happens when you already have older children and are thinking of getting them a pet. The concern of whether the animal could be dangerous or harmful to children is always present.
What can we tell you about this? That you can adopt a cat without a problem Of course, you must be aware of the extra responsibilities that this implies (veterinarian, food, cleaning the spaces, affection), but the animal will pay you and your family back in spades.
Now if you want compelling reasons why having a cat as a pet is good for your children, read on!
He alth benefits
The Kuopio University Hospital in Finland is one of many that has carried out experiments with pets and babies, showing that their presence in the home greatly reduces the risk of some he alth problems. If you want your children to develop their defenses and strengthen their immune system,having a cat is an ideal experience to achieve this.
Many times as parents we try to protect children from everything around them, from unpleasant situations to dust and dirt. With this we are not telling you that you should abandon children to their fate and neglect them, but that part of their development as people also involves facing things as they will find them in the real world, and a little dust and cat hair are part of those things. Therefore, if you want to prevent them from becoming adults suffering from allergies, a cat is an ideal option.
In addition, there are many studies that point to cats as animals whose company is capable of preventing cardiovascular diseases, calming the nerves, release stress and combat states of depression, thanks to the pleasure that comes from petting them and listening to their purr, and the tranquility that they are capable of transmitting with their relaxed attitude. Both you and your children can benefit from this.
If you have a child with autism at home, it could help him communicate with other people, as it has been shown on many occasions the effectiveness of animal therapy, making people more sociable.
When you have a cat, you will realize how many funny situations they are capable of taking part in, so there will be no lack of laughter in your home, whose he alth benefits are well known.
Gain Responsibility
It is not a secret that every day the life of other living beings is more despised, the cases of abandonment increase and the number of people who look at animals with contempt is quite high, because we have dehumanized.
In a world like this, it's your job as a parent to teach your children to be better people, and that includes instilling in them respect and love for animals, the ability to understand them as beings that feel, suffer and love just like humans.
With a cat at home, your child will learn the responsibility it means to have a living being under his care, understanding that, just like that he needs food, shelter and affection. Your child will feel important knowing that the cat needs him, so let him participate in the care of the animal, this will help him mature and understand the importance of beings younger, an experience that can be extrapolated to their relationship with, for example, classmates.
You will also learn respect for the space of others, because sometimes cats do not want to be disturbed, so encourage them in your child the necessary development of his sensitivity, which will allow him to discern when it is time to leave the animal alone.
The affection he will feel for the cat will be such that he will become his faithful companion. If the relationship is positive, your cat will easily become attached to the child, watching over him in his own way, like pack animals that they are.
Top Tips
For the experience of adopting a cat and making it part of the family to be satisfactory, you must teach your children to treat the feline, preventing them from bothering him, trying to hurt him or pretending to see him as a toy, pulling his tail and so on. Remember that he is a living being and that he deserves the same respect and affection as any other. Teaching your child this point is essential.
By setting your children's boundaries, you'll set the cat's as well, educating him on where he can and can't be
The hygiene of the spaces used by the animal and the regular visit to the vet are crucial to maintaining the animal's he alth. Carrying them out with your child will help you teach them what it means to take care of someone and why it is so important to take care of our he alth.
Don't forget to set a good example and to do so you can go to a shelter to adopt the future member of your family. Choosing a homeless cat over a purebred cat says a lot about you and will help your child learn to value what really matters.
