✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: June 2026
When the kids are no longer the only little creatures wandering around the house, it can be joyous and a little daunting. Cats tend to take their time adjusting to new people and environments, so let them warm up to everyone at their own pace.
This is your guide to ensuring the arrival of a new kitten or cat is a smooth process for everyone.
We’ll cover the benefits of having cats around kids, how to introduce them and what to do if you already have pets.
Why cats are a great choice for children
Cats are a popular choice of companion for children. Why, you ask?
- Teaches them responsibility: Children will learn about structured routines and the importance of mental stimulation and physical health.
- Enhances their empathy: Caring for a cat or kitten helps children develop nurturing and compassionate traits.
- Provides friendship & social skills: Children often tell their feline friend stories and deep thoughts, which improves their verbal communication skills.
- Boosts active time: Following and playing with the cat helps keep kids active.
- Reduces stress or anxiety: The sound of a purring cat and the action of stroking a cat have a calming effect on kids.
- Strengthens immunity: Being exposed to cats from a young age decreases the likelihood of children developing cat allergies.
How to introduce a cat to your kids: a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Give your kids the essential information to prepare for life with a kitty
A few key tips for them to remember:
- Cats can be very timid, so be patient in gaining their trust and attention.
- Use a quiet voice while your cat adapts to its new home.
- Cats don’t like to be chased or squeezed. Be gentle when stroking them, and stick to the top of their head and along the back. Don’t pull the cat’s tail.
- Children should wash their hands after playing with or petting the cat.
- Leave the cat alone when they’re eating, toileting, or sleeping.
- Look out for signs that the cat is upset or wants to be left alone, such as hissing or lowering its ears.
Step 2: Create a separate space for the cat
Before you bring your new cat home, get the kids involved in preparing a separate room or zone for their new pet.
Children will enjoy picking out the kitty’s bed and toys. Another great addition is a Feliway Diffuser, which releases a synthetic version of the pheromone that cats naturally produce when they feel content. This scent lets the cat know that their space is safe and will help ease their anxiety.
Step 3: Bringing your kitten home
Ensure the household is quiet and that doors and windows are closed so your new kitty can’t escape. Open your cat carrier in a secure area of the house, allowing the kitty to come out at their own pace.
Step 4: Let your cat interact with the family
Supervise your cat’s first encounter with your children, and remind the kids to be gentle and quiet. Have them sit and wait for the kitty to approach them first. Distract the cat with toys if it starts to scratch or bite.
Step 5: Maintain consistency and familiarity
Routine helps the cat gauge its new environment. Stick to short, supervised play sessions between the kids and the cat for the first few weeks, and limit household guests.
Step 6: Keep your kids involved in the responsibilities
The more the kids are involved, the stronger their bond with their new cat will become. Get them to assist with tasks like feeding and cleaning the litter box.
Introducing your kitten to other pets
Whether your new kitten and your existing pets become buddies or simply cohabitate is up to them. You can facilitate the friendship by taking it slow and remaining patient.
Step 1: Start by introducing each pet to the scent of their new sibling. For instance, put your dog’s toy in your kitten’s space, or let your dog sniff your kitty’s litter box.
Step 2: Allow them to look at each other through a barrier, such as a crate or children’s gate. Reward good behaviour with treats. Do this regularly, and gradually increase the time spent viewing each other.
Step 3: When your pets seem comfortable, allow supervised interactions. Stay attuned to their behaviour. When you spot signs of stress, separate them and try again another time.
For more tips and things to look out for, head to this guide on introducing a kitten to a cat or dog.
Making your kitten feel at home
Apart from showering your kitten with love and attention, you’ll want them to feel safe and protected. If you can, provide them with their own space – somewhere quiet and cosy where they can hide away. Set them up for ultimate comfort with cat beds and bedding. Add interactive toys or a cat tower or tree so they can stay stimulated.
FAQs for bringing kittens into the family
What is the 3-3-3 rule for cats?
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline as to how long it can take for a cat to adapt to a new environment.
At 3 days: Your cat may be anxious, confused, and overwhelmed.
At 3 weeks: Their personality will start to shine through as they become more settled.
At 3 months: Your feline friend will feel comfortable in the home and will have developed a sense of trust with the family members.
When should I start socialising my kitten?
The more you can expose your kitten to new people and places during the first three months of age, the less fearful they will be in the future. You could aim to start around the 4-week-old mark.
However, before introducing your kitten to other cats or public environments, make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Many common feline diseases, such as cat flu viruses, can spread through the air or via contaminated surfaces, making unvaccinated kittens particularly vulnerable.
Speak with your vet about when it is safe to begin socialising your kitten outside the home.
What are red flags to watch out for when introducing your kitten?
If your kitten is feeling uncomfortable or threatened, you'll notice:
- Growling
- Hissing
- Biting
- Swiping
- Raised hair on their back
- Ears are flat
It’s important to stay calm and remedy the situation so that the whole family feels happy and safe again. If your cat continues to show signs of stress or grouchiness, check out these tips on how to prevent common cat behaviour issues.
Want to keep your new kitty entertained and at peace? Stock up with Petstock’s kitten essentials.