How to Teach a Child to Care for a Cat

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Show the child how to feed the cat. Give the child a measuring cup and show her how much food she should put into the cat's bowl. Also, show her how to change the water. You can make a calendar and hang it on the refrigerator, so the child can check it off each time she feeds the cat.
Step 2:
Groom the cat. Buy a brush so your child can brush the cat each day. This will teach the child about grooming which will help her learn to groom herself. In addition, it will cut down on the shedding the cat does.
Step 3:
Teach the child to empty the litter box each day. Scooping out the litter box will help the child learn discipline. This is not a pleasant chore but a necessary one.
Step 4:
Help the child learn how to play with her cat. It is important that a child is not too rough with her cat or the cat will just run away and hide or scratch the child. Find toys that are appropriate for the child and the cat. Which toys are best for them will depend on the age of the child.
Step 5:
Be sure to follow up on the cat's care every day. Assigning chores to your child is great but children don't always do what they should. Therefore, you need to check and see that the cat is getting the care she needs.

Tips & Warnings

Assign all or some of the tasks listed in the steps depending on your child's age. Small children may not be able to handle all the responsibility.

More Puppy Pages

How to Introduce a New Cat to the Family

If you are ready to bring a new cat into your family, there are a few things you need to do to make the transition smooth for everyone. Be patient and loving as the cat adjusts to it's new surroundings.

Taking care of an indoor cat, whether it is your own or you are pet sitting is not very difficult. Cats are independent creatures and indoor cats tend to be much more easy going than their outdoor counterparts.

You've finally gotten that family pet that you and your children have always wanted. A pet can be a wonderful experience for children, teaching them about responsibility, love and how to care for another living thing. But it can take some work from you...

It takes time to take care of Himalayan kittens. Kittens have a way of getting their hair dirty and it can tangle. The fur is going to be long and needs to be brushed to say soft and clean. You also have to consider finding the right food which is vital...

Pets are a wonderful addition to a child’s growing-up experience. Aside from learning about unconditional love, they also learn responsibility and respect. The following are some ways to teach your child to be a responsible and loving pet guardian.