With all innocence, a child may pull a cat's tail, stick objects in it's ears, embrace a cat too strongly, poke the cat, or anything else that strikes the child's fancy. To the untutored child this is fun, to the cat it is not, and the most gentle, docile cat may respond with a bite or scratch.

Even tiny babies can be taught that to feel a kitten's coat is pleasurable, and the flat of the child's hand can be gently passed across the fur of the animal. Babies taught in this way never grab at or squeeze any animal.

Older children should be taught that the cat must not be lifted high or he may jump down and break the legs. He must not be squeezed or have his head, leg or tail pulled. He likes gentle games but must have lots of sleeps and rest periods. They must also be taught to wash their hands after playing with the kitten.

No matter how laid back or tolerant your cat is you should never leave a toddler unattended with a cat. Even older children should be under your supervision until you are quite sure that the cat and your kids respect each other.

Children need to be told just how sharp the claws and teeth of a cat are; don't let them find out by painful experience! Explain that cats can bite and scratch if teased, stressed or over excited. Show you children how to play gently with their pet and preferably with the sort of cat toy that keeps the cat at a little distance, such as a catnip mouse on a string.