How to Care for Kittens for Children

When you make the decision to bring home a new kitten, involve everyone in the family with its care, including your children. A young, rambunctious kitten needs a lot of attention and special precautions when handling it, especially around small children. Teach your children the proper care and feeding for the kitten, so that they can learn responsibility and bond with their new pet. With careful supervision, you and your children will enjoy the presence and delightful antics of the new addition to your family.

Things You'll Need

  • Food and water dishes
  • Litter box
  • Litter
  • Canned or dry kitten food
  • Cat bed
  • Blankets
  • Cat treats
  • Cat climbing tree
  • Cat toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the kitten to a veterinarian for its initial checkup and any required vaccinations not given to it prior to its adoption. Bring your children along and have them make a list of some questions that they might have for the veterinarian. This experience provides them with a way to learn more about the kitten's care.

    • 2

      Set aside a space, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom, for the new kitten. Give the kitten food and water dishes. Place a litter box filled with a few inches of litter in the room for the kitten to use, along with a comfortable bed or some warm blankets for the kitten to sleep on, and some toys to play with.

    • 3

      Allow the kitten to explore the new space at its own pace. While your children may be curious about their new pet, keep them out of its room for the first week. Let the adults in the home spend a few minutes at a time in the room, without forcing the kitten to interact.

    • 4

      Bring your children into the room once the kitten is used to the presence of the adults. Have them sit quietly and allow them to feed the kitten some treats to tempt it over to them, associating their presence with something rewarding. Show them how to pet the kitten gently, without pulling on its tail, fur or whiskers. Do not allow the children to pick up or restrain the kitten.

    • 5

      Make a list of chores that you feel each of your children can handle in taking care of the kitten. Allow an older child, such as a teen, to feed the kitten. Let a younger child change the kitten's water one to two times daily. Leave tasks such as cleaning the litter box to either older teenagers or adults; young children may not wash their hands properly after cleaning the box. Have each child check off a list after he completes his task. Monitor feedings to ensure the kitten is not over- or under-fed.

    • 6

      Give the kitten access to the rest of your home after a few weeks. Keep its space available for it as a "safe spot" to escape to and do not let children bother the kitten when it is sleeping or wants time alone. Provide climbing trees, cubbyholes or cat condos for it to sit in, away from your children. Supervise all interactions between the kitten and your children until they consistently treat the kitten with gentleness and no rough handling or play.