Our top picks: The best cats for kids
Anecdotally, many cat owners also report that their cat is exceptionally patient with their baby, demonstrating more tolerance toward the baby than they do with any adult. Interestingly, research suggests that most mammals respond to the cries of newborns, regardless of species.
Getting a pet just to teach a child responsibility is not a good idea. Pet experts recommend that young kittens are not appropriate for children under age five and suggest a child should be at least six years old before having a pet.
Low Maintenance Cat Breeds
Cats can get jealous of newborn babies because they’re no longer the center of attention. With major life changes like a baby, routines can change drastically and some cats may show stress-related behaviors including a bit of jealousy.
Myth 4: If a cat hears a baby crying, he will climb into the crib to harm the baby. Cats are curious and may feel a new baby’s cries are worth investigating. As mentioned above, babies give off warmth, and a cat may try to climb in and share it, but it’s extremely unlikely that the cat would harm the baby.
The takeaway: Cats bond to their people like babies do to parents. Among people, 65% of infants are securely attached to their caregiver. “Domestic cats mirrored this very closely,” Vitale said. About 65% of both cats and kittens were securely bonded to their people; about 35% had insecure bonds.
If you are lucky enough to instantly bond with your baby you will care about very little else for a while, the love is phenomenal. A kitten will require attention. You will have days you won’t even know if you’ve brushed your teeth let alone fed and played with a new kitten.
Cats and young children can absolutely live safely and happily together if you adopt a cat with the right temperament. The best cats for kids are gentle, friendly and patient. While rumor has it that many cats are cranky, most can make loving pets.
A kitten requires more time for socialization and generally more veterinary care during his or her first year of life. If you are a busy, working family, an adult cat may be the right choice for you. An adult cat can provide the love and companionship you are looking for from your cat, but with less work.