Cats vs Dogs

There is nothing quite like a cat or dog in the family to teach children about friendship, loyalty and responsibilty. But whether to choose cats vs dogs is a matter of personal choice.

Whichever animal is chosen, the bond between pets and children is an absolute delight and can grow in strength over the years. Psychological sudies have shown that children often relate better to their pet than they do to their peers. The pet becomes the best friend and confidant. It's to the pet they turn when they're in trouble, when they feel no-one else understands.

A child who empathises with a pet in this way, will develop a real sense of love and understanding. And that is something to be cherished.

As a lifelong family member the pet will depend on that family for its very existence and will give unconditional love in return. But first, the pet will need to be properly trained.  Even before its arrival it is wise to introduce children to a friend or neighbour's pet before adopting one and bringing it home

How old should children be before they are ready for a pet to enter the family? According to the experts, as long as the little ones understand the meaning of the word 'no' they're old enough.

And how old should the animal be before joining the family where there are possibly one or more boisterous children? They should preferably have reached young adulthood say those in the know.  In a home were there are children, older animals are more suitable than tiny puppies and kittens.

While small fluffy animals can be adorable little creatures, it is very tempting for children to attempt to pick them up and cuddle them.  This is definitely not to be encouraged.   Puppies are renowned for play-biting and kittens have sharp little claws.  Without intending to, these little animals can cause considerable hurt.  Biting and scratching is something animals grow out of, or can be trained to stop doing.

Also puppies and kittens are delicate little creatures and just as they can inadvertently hurt children, children can hurt them.

Calmer, older animals – preferably those used to having children around - are a much better option. A sensible course would be to talk to the family vet, an animal trainer, or the people who run pet rescue centres.  They are usually only too happy to help.

Once established in the home, dogs need regular food, exercise, socialisation, training and love.  So, for that matter, do cats, though to a lesser degree because cats are more independent and can be left alone for longer periods. 

Whichever animal is chosen, adult supervision is very important. Pets should never be regarded as some sort of toy and should be kept under close supervision from the start.  It is vitally important never to leave pets and small children alone.  Also, children should be discouraged from distracting the dog (or cat) alone when he is sleeping, eating, or playing with his toys.

Children should be taught responsibility, shown how to care for their pets and have the facts explained in a way they understand.  Animal's tail, ears, paws or any other part of their anatomy should never be pulled.  They must never be teased, hit or chased.  And, perhaps even more relevant, children should never attempt to pick up the family pet as if it were a toy.

Animals are great companions and deserve to be treated properly.  In return, they give commitment, trust, responnsibility and unconditional love. They don't care if their human companion is having a bad hair day or feel a mess.

On top of all that, they have positive therapeutic benefits. Stroking a pet has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Walking a dog is a great way of making friends.   Dogs are wonderful at helping people overcome depression and loneliness.  They can be a great distraction from pain and grief.

The subject of pet loss is never an easy one to explain. When their friend, playmate and protector is no more, children can be deeply troubled. Even adults find it hard to cope.

The thing not to do say bereavement counsellors is to use a euphemisms ike 'poor doggie's gone to sleep and won't be waking up again.'  Children take things very literally. Already deeply upset by their loss, they may well become very frightened of going to sleep in case they never wake up either.

Researchers have found that it is much better to be honest and give them the facts.  Simply telling them that the dog, or cat was ill (or had been in an accident) and his body stopped working.  He couldn't breathe any more, or eat or sleep, and he hurt all over.  So he died.  And now he doesn't hurt any more.

Let the children know that it's okay to cry and get them to talk about how they loved their pet and how much they miss him now that he's gone.  As with any sort of grief, sharing it can ease the pain.

Children should be encouraged to recall the happy moments they shared with their pet.
By drawing pictures of him and writing little messages of love, they will remember him fondly.