| What You Need to Know Before They Become the | | | | often have fantastical ideals of how their new life |
| Dynamic Duo | | | | with their new friend will be. Deciding where your |
| From mischief in the goldfish bowl to lazy summer | | | | new pet will sleep can help avoid those first night |
| days spent snuggling on their favorite spot, kids and | | | | melt downs that all too often end in tears and the |
| kittens have always seemed to be drawn to each | | | | insistent begging that kitty sleep in their bed. If you |
| other like mud puddles and new shoes. However, if | | | | don't like the idea of your child sharing a bed with |
| you are considering a fuzzy friend for your favorite | | | | your new pet but your child is still set on the idea, let |
| little someone, there are a few things to keep in | | | | your child help make kitty's sleeping space extra |
| mind before you bring home your new pet. From | | | | personal and stylish. Have them draw pretty pictures |
| health concerns to mommy mishaps, read on to | | | | to grace the wall beside kitty's bed. Let them choose |
| discover everything you need to know about your | | | | an old blanket as kitty's stylish new comforter. You |
| soon to be dynamic duo before they pounce through | | | | can even get as creative as letting your child create |
| the halls of your home together. | | | | a "TV." from a cardboard box. The younger set will |
| Does My Child Have Allergies or Asthma? | | | | especially appreciate this. |
| "What's New, Pussycat?" That's the question every | | | | * Helpful Hint: Still having trouble getting your child to |
| parent needs to ask their family doctor before | | | | agree to the sleeping arrangements? Ask them to |
| bringing home any furry friend. If you suspect that | | | | read kitty a bedtime story in its own little space each |
| your child has new onset allergies your pediatrician | | | | night. This will give them a sense of accomplishment |
| can conduct an allergy panel on your little one to | | | | and allow them to still have some nighttime |
| determine his or her triggers. The test is relatively | | | | downtime with kitty. |
| painless and can save you a world of sneezes and | | | | Which Kitty is Right for Us? |
| wheezes. | | | | When choosing any family pet, you should always go |
| And don't worry. If your child does have allergies or | | | | into the search with a "forever pet" mentality. If your |
| asthma, often times a doctor will not dismiss the idea | | | | family is energetic, a young kitten would be perfect |
| of a pet; he will simply give you the right preventives | | | | for you. They love to play and could keep up with |
| to make living with your new pet both fun and | | | | even your busiest tot. If you are a more relaxed |
| healthy for your child. | | | | family, or an overly stressed family, an older cat |
| * Healthy Hint: Did you know that children raised with | | | | might be best. This is especially true if you are a |
| an indoor pet are less likely to suffer from severe | | | | mother with a lot on her plate. In this case, an |
| asthma and allergies? This is because the exposure | | | | already litter trained feline is the way to go. |
| to triggers builds up the body's immunity to allergens. | | | | Remember, having a pet is supposed to be enjoyable |
| What Responsibility Level Does My Child Have? | | | | and while it does come with new found |
| Before you bring a pet into the home it's important | | | | responsibilities, it should never come with new found |
| to consider your child's responsibility level so that | | | | stress. |
| neither of you become overwhelmed. It's reasonable | | | | When in doubt, though it may sound cliche, let your |
| to believe that a school aged child can help in daily | | | | pet choose you. Long-lasting, life-long pets are born |
| responsibilities such as feeding, watering and brushing | | | | on "love at first sight." |
| the new addition to your family. However, cleaning | | | | While there is a lot to be considered when bringing |
| the litter box is a better left to you or an older child | | | | home a new pet, one thing remains certain ... kids and |
| such as your tween or teen. The litter box is known | | | | kittens belong together and that's a no brainer. As in |
| to carry the intestinal parasite Toxoplasma thus little | | | | any new found situation, there is bound to be an |
| ones who are notorious for skipping the soap are | | | | adjusting period but with a little patience and a lot of |
| best kept away from this area of kitty's habitat. | | | | love those little paws will work their way not only |
| Where Will Kitty Sleep? | | | | into your child's heart ... but also into your own. |
| When a new pet is introduced into the home, children | | | | |