Family Start Guide

Advice for families with children or other pets.

Siberian Cat | Fuluck Cattery, Osaka

3 min read | Text updated: February 2026

If You Have Children

AI illustration of an adult and child waiting as a tabby kitten approaches
Adults and children can start by waitingAI illustration
  • First 3 days: "just look" — Hold back the urge to touch. Wait for the kitten to come to you.
  • Don't chase or grab — Running after them will scare them into hiding.
  • Let them sleep — Cats spend most of the day sleeping. Don't wake them up.
  • Play with toys together — Using wand toys prevents hand-biting habits.
For young children, explaining "the kitty is like a little baby" helps them understand.

If You Have Dogs or Other Pets

Using a closed barrier with the dog on a lead (AI illustration)
Using a closed barrier with the dog on a leadAI illustration
  1. Scent exchange — Swap towels/blankets to get used to each other's scent.
  2. Same room with distance — Through cage or on leash, in the same room. Hissing means "surprised."
  3. Gradually extend time — Slowly increase calm together-time.

Rules for Peace of Mind

Giving a resting kitten quiet time as a family (AI illustration)
Giving a resting kitten quiet time as a familyAI illustration
  • Keep visitors to a minimum in the first week
  • The cage is a safe base (don't force them out)
  • When in doubt, send photos/videos for advice