Few things in life are quite so delightful to a child as a furry friend, and fortunately, most cats also love the attention a youngster will lavish on them. Children and cats can live and play together wonderfully, provided they can respect one another.

Toddlers should never be left alone with a cat. They can be rather clumsy and may accidentally hurt or frighten a cat, especially a fragile kitten. If a cat is frightened, they might bite or scratch, so you should always supervise their playtime together.

All children who are going to come in contact with your cat should be taught the basics of handling:

• Always pick them up supporting the chest with one hand and hind legs with the other. A cat can also perch with their front legs on your shoulder, but be sure to support the back legs with your arm or hand
• If a cat struggles or tries to get away, let them go
• If a cat's ears are flat and their tail is lashing then they are not happy and should be left alone
• Don't touch a cat's tummy. It can frighten the cat and they may bite
• When playing with a cat, always use appropriate toys. Teasing, or trying to entice the cat to catch your hands or fingers is not a good idea. It may lead to a scratch or a bite
• If your cat is sleeping, eating or using the litter-box, leave them alone - there'll be plenty of time for play later

Many parents choose to introduce a family pet as a way of teaching their children compassion and responsibility. This may not actually be such a good idea for younger children. If a child falls behind on the routine jobs associated with the cat (feeding, watering and cleaning the litter) it's only the cat that will suffer. When deciding to get a cat, make sure that you - and your children - are committed to their care. This will lead to a happier cat, children and parents.