Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/cats afraid of kids?

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/19/2009


Question
Hi, I have two cats one is extremely affectionate all the time and tolerates my young niece and nephews for a short period then must run away, the other hisses and swats at the kids as soon as they approach. I'm not sure if the noises and or smells of the kids are what scares or angers the cat. Do you have any info on cats getting along with kids?

Answer
Shaunn,

A lot depends on how the children were raised to treat animals. Children need to be calm and gentle around cats as not to scare them, especially if the cats are not used them.

I wouldn't force the cats to like children if they are scared of them, or don't want to be around them. Hissing and swats are kitty communications and should be taken as warnings.

It all depends on the personality and experiences of the cats whether they will take to children or not. Sometimes cats are like childless people...kids are OK in small doses! *smile*

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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