Having a cat in the family can really help to give young children a sense of responsibility early on in life. Children raised with pets have been shown to be more sociable as adults, both with people and animals. They also tend to have better communication skills, and are much less likely to develop allergies towards pet fur and dander. Even so, children can often be over enthusiastic (to say the least) in developing a relationship with a pet, so a little education can go a long way - on both sides.

New babies
When it comes to newborn babies, the way individual cats respond will depend upon their genetics, personality and experience.

To keep any disruptions to a minimum, make sure your cat's bed, feeding and water dishes, toys, litter tray, etc. remain or are re-sited in a private position away from busy areas.

Once the baby becomes a toddler, your cat will want to eat, rest and sleep in higher, out-of-reach surfaces - ideally in a safe area that can be sealed off with a baby gate. Alternatively, cat 'sanctuaries' can be provided in the form of igloo beds placed on top of tables or sturdy shelves. The litter tray is not a sandpit or play area and should be either covered or placed high up out of reach of toddlers.

The arrival of a baby can affect the normal scent profile of your cat's territory, leading to a possible upheaval in the cat's mood. Some sulk, some get agitated and some try to include the new scents by over-marking them, either by rubbing with face gland secretions or, more worryingly, by spraying new items such as buggies, high chairs and cots with urine. Pheromone preparations, which help cats to relax, are available from vets and can be applied to new items in advance of the baby's arrival. 

Tasty treats and offering more attention are both useful tactics to help associate the baby's presence with good things! Cats shouldn't be petted or comforted when worried by the arrival of a new baby, as this only reinforces their anxiety. Instead, wait for them to relax or start to play and then cuddle them in another room.

Predictability is very important to cats, so it's important to stick to their established routines as far as possible. If they need to be changed, try to do it as far in advance as you can. And if you think you might be just too busy to cope with the demands of both a baby and a cat, it might be kinder to consider rehoming the cat ahead of the baby's arrival.

Older kids
Most cats love having babies around, because it means more visitors and more attention for them as well! But around about the time children start to become independently mobile is when the novelty will start wearing off for most cats. A crawling or toddling child can take a cat by surprise and his or her squeals and shrieks can be frightening. Providing places of retreat for your cat is even more important at this stage. Cats don't like being chased around by anyone and a sudden uncoordinated but persistent pursuit by a toddler can be very disturbing.

Parents should always supervise interactions between their children and cats until they are sure that the children are old enough and wise enough to approach calmly, handle gently and read the signs in the cat as to whether attention is welcome - and when it isn't. Young children should never be allowed to try and pick a cat up until they are strong enough to hold the pet properly.

A few tips

• Teach young children not to chase the cat.
• Show them how to stroke your cat gently. Toddlers often 'pat' roughly which cats don't usually enjoy.
• Teach children where best to stroke the cat - the top of the head and along the back. Although tummies are irresistible when a cat is rolling and playing, many cats are very sensitive about this area and may lash out in self-defence, and of course tails should never be pulled.
• The cat should always be left alone when eating, toileting, or sleeping.
• Children should wash their hands after stroking the cat.
• Help children play 'hands-free' with fishing rod toys, balls or shining a torch against the wall for the cat to chase.
• Alternatively, sitting quietly nearby or perhaps stroking and grooming if the cat enjoys it are both good ways for children to get to know about cats.
• Make the experience enjoyable for both the cat and the child with praise or a treat for the cat and a sweet for the child.