Purrfect pets for children

With the latest research showing that pet ownership is associated with lower levels of absenteeism from school due to illness[1], cats have been nominated by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) as the purrfect pet for busy families wishing to introduce children to the joys and responsibilities of pets.

Cats are great companions and enjoy the attention children lavish on pets, provided proper care is taken by the child. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a great first pet.

In many households, children are the driving force when it comes to getting a pet so it is a good idea to use this enthusiasm as an opportunity to talk about the responsibilities associated with pet ownership. Of course, it is also important to make sure that adults are involved in caring for the cat.

Some people associate cats with allergies, and it is certainly true that pets can cause allergic reactions, but there is also an increasing body of work that shows that early contact with animals with fur - particularly cats - can assist in having a lower sensitivity to pet allergies later in life[2].

It’s a good idea to research the type of cat that is best suited to your lifestyle as cats have very different personality traits and physical characteristics. For example, a Russian Blue cat is quite active and will want to be involved in whatever is going on, whereas a Persian cat prefers less activity.

The great Australian moggie also makes a great pet, although it is important to find a well-socialised cat. A kitten that turns up on your doorstep may need a lot of expert care if it is timid or not well socialised.

For families thinking of adding a cat to the household, consider the following three questions.

1. What sort of household do you have?
If everyone in the house is out during the day at school or work, it is a good idea to have two cats as they can help keep each other company.

2. What sort of cat do you want?
There is a cat to suit every family so do your research on the different breeds and don’t forget a moggie from a good home. A good place to start is the information on PIAS’ website – www.i-pet.com.au

3. How much attention will your cat get?
Children need to be taught to be quiet and patient with a cat and to handle it properly. They also need to be taught when to leave a pet alone as too much attention can overwhelm a pet.

Cats are a great addition to any family and with around 25% of Australian households enjoying the companionship of a cat, it is clear that many children are growing up with all the benefits of a feline friend.

[1] Beneficial effects of pet ownership on child immune functioning, Dr June McNicholas et al, University of Warwick.
[2] The effect of pet ownership on the risk of allergic sensitization and bronchial asthma. Liccardi D’Amato et al. Journal of Respiratory Medicine.