Why kids need a Bengal Cat

Pets can teach unconditional love like no other. They never find fault, shout or are critical. They are always forgiving and their mere presence can teach children self-acceptance.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these shots are priceless.

Bengal cats are smart, they love to interact with their humans. Children can easily teach Bengals tricks like playing fetch, for instance. Bengals possess a high level of intelligence, curiosity, and confidence, and they naturally connect with kids.

They love getting involved and being in the centre of the action, which makes them the perfect companion for a child!

Owning a pet is a fundamental part of childhood. Many of us have fond memories of our first cat. We remember those days with a great amount of love. But, did you know that in addition to the companionship and love that a child receives from a pet, pets can offer a lot more to aid in a child’s development – socially, cognitively, physically, and emotionally?

Socially

Pets are conversation starters that break down inhabitations. Most children are naturally attracted to and curious about animals.

Children are more likely to engage in conversation when the topic is about a pet. Plus, because our beloved cat accepts us just as we are, a child’s self-esteem can grow and develop.
Cat shows are a great avenue to developing better social skills via the child’s  purebred Bengal (or household pet, as many registries allow household pets to be shown in competition).  Moreover, cat shows provide social stimulation with like-minded people and kids.

 

Cognitively

Cats can spark a child’s desire to learn. Curiosity about the cat’s origins and breed can stimulate a desire to research and read more on the topic. Bengal cats in particular offer an interesting story for anyone and especially for a child. As the child cares for their cat, they are presented with the opportunity to learn about proper care and nutrition. Attending veterinary appointments with their cat will foster further education as they are allowed to ask the veterinarian questions. If age appropriate, the internet provides a great resource toward furthering a child’s learning.

Physically

Bengal cats are easily leash and harness trained. Taking the cat out for a walk provides a great motivation to exercise and makes exercising fun. Teaching the cat to fetch will require a fair amount of exercise, too, until the cat picks up on the trick. But, Bengals are smart, so once one trick is learned, they are ready to be taught the next!

Emotional

A pet can foster love , empathy and compassion any many more emotions  in a child. A beloved pet shares our secrets, our fears and our joys. They build our self-confidence,  as they see no wrong in not getting our homework done, forgetting to pick up our dirty laundry or leaving the dishes on the table (hey, they may even appreciate these shortcomings). They don’t yell at us or give us a look of disapproval – unless perhaps we have left the food dish empty. More often than not, our pets are extremely happy to see us – boosting our ego and our desire to reciprocate the feeling.

Pets have been able to cross barriers of deep hurt and emotional scarring because the child was willing to trust a pet more easily than another person. Studies have shown that pets relieve stress. A pet in the home can help to reduce the effects of separation anxiety for a child. Additionally, for the child who is afraid of the dark, it’s nice to have someone (your cat) share your bed with you assuring you that all is good.

 

Trouble Proofing Kids and Cats

Pets can bring out the best in a child.
Bengals are absolutely the most wonderful pet for children to grow up with.
They love children; although with smaller children it is important that the child understands how to properly interact with the cat to avoid injury to either the cat or the child.

A new kitten in the home makes for an exciting experience for most children. Prior to acquiring a kitten though, children should be provided with basic information and instruction to eliminate and avoid any problems that might occur. Even very small children can learn basic safety rules. Depending on the child’s age, supervision should be structured to help keep both, the kitten and the child, safe.
It is important to discuss how to play with the kitten, even using a stuffed animal as an example for smaller children.
Children should be taught to be gentle and calm around the kitten. Children learn by observation and therefore parents should set the example.

Time Out

Once the kitten arrives, teach children that there are certain times when the kitten must be left alone. These rules will help keep them safe and make the kitten feel safe too.

. When it’s eating or drinking

. When sleeping unless to give soft and gentle strokes

. If the kitten is hiding

. If the kitten is hissing, has its ears back or is showing aggression.

How to Play

Providing children with safe toys that will assist in positive interactions, yet will not frighten the kitten, will help the kitten to trust the child. They will also help the child to release some of the excitement that may be building over the new pet. The Da bird wand toy is a great choice for fun all round (although you need to keep an eye out in the unlikely event that the string gets caught around the kittens neck). Another great option is the Cat Dancer
Parents should quickly step in when needed to intervene on behalf of the kitten and the child during any interactions.

Bengals are extremely tolerant and are not quick to bite or claw if a child is too rough with them. The same holds true with their demeanour towards other pets that may reside in the home. Quick to make pals, Bengal cats are known to have some of the most unlikely best friends, from birds to dogs and lizards to llamas!

All good reasons why kids need a Bengal cat in their life!

Please visit our ‘Available’ page to see if we have kittens for sale.