Child-Proofing Your Pet (Part 1)
Many varieties of dogs have a good attitude around kids, and can take some horseplay without getting aggressive. Sadly, this is rarely the case for cats. Particularly with small children, playing with or picking up the cat or kitten may often result in scratches and bites. When you’re expecting visits from small tykes, you should try to separate them from the pet as much as possible. And if you have yet to make a decision about a dog or cat for the home, you should consider getting a dog.
Little ones, both part of the family or on a visit, must learn how best to play with their pet. It’s important that they be warned it is not a plaything, and gentleness is requires just like any playmate. Pulling, tugging, slapping, hitting, or any other antisocial actions must not be allowed, and you will need some form of discipline, to tell the child how serious this is.
If the small children are visitors, one way for both pet and children to play well is by some outdoor activity, like playing catch, walking the dog when he needs to go out, taking the dog or cat for a jog or run, or other things. These can also teach small ones the importance in taking care of a cat or dog.