How to teach a toddler to be gentle with pets?

Children must always be directly supervised around pets and kept safely separated when this is not possible. Introductions work best with children sitting calmly and quietly, allowing the pet to approach them at their own pace. Show them how to stroke the animal gently on the shoulder, avoiding the head, tail, belly, legs and feet. Offering your pet treats during these interactions will teach them to associate the presence of children with something good. Handle pets gently and teach children to avoid hugging dogs or cats, who may become fearful and reactive. Teach children to pick up dogs and cats by supporting their front and hind legs and body, and only under adult supervision. Respect cats and dogs who are not comfortable being picked up. Always ask owners for permission before touching their dogs. By allowing the dog to smell the back of the child’s hand and then teaching the child to stroke the dog gently on the shoulder, avoiding the head, tail area, belly, legs and feet.

The keyword is gentle. In fact, when it comes to animals, gentle is the first word a child should learn. The best way to teach gentle in relation to a cat or another pet, is to show the child what gentle means. Stroke the little one’s arm gently and let them know how nice it feels. Then have them do the same to your arm. You can teach even very young children the concept of gentle, and once they get it, it makes interacting with cats a lot more pleasant for everyone. Always Supervise Interactions between Cats and Young Kids Even the gentle toddlers and young children don’t fully understand the implications of handling a living, breathing creature, so an adult needs to be present for any interactions. Parents can do the same, it’s an easy way to correct rough behavior without making the child feel bad or wrong. Give the child the opportunity to calm down before approaching the cat, who is probably stressed out by this behavior. Remind them that the cat needs the child to be gentle. Remind the child that the kitty needs gentle pets and a happy time, and they can only be with the kitty if they can do that. Practice what gentle strokes are when the child is calmer and then try again with the cat.