10 Essential Cat Safety Tips for Primary School Children

Cats are the UK’s most popular companion pets, edging out dogs by a small but meaningful margin. This means most primary school children will have met or seen plenty of cats, whether in their own home or a friend’s. Understanding how to interact safely and respectfully with cats is vital for children to enjoy positive experiences without frightening or harming any cat — or getting scratched themselves.

Here are ten important things all primary school children should know about cats to ensure safety, kindness and fun!

Cats Are Not Like Dogs

Children often assume cats behave like dogs, but cats are quite different. Dogs are generally more outgoing, playful and eager to greet people, while cats tend to be calmer, more cautious and like to approach on their own terms. This distinction helps children respect cats as unique animals who communicate differently.

Cats Are Delicate Creatures

Though cats can be playful and sometimes a little rough during games, they have fine bones and delicate limbs. Pulling, squeezing, or lifting a cat roughly can hurt them and make them unhappy. Children should always be gentle and learn the right ways to handle a cat.

Learning to Read a Cat’s Warning Signs

Cats give many clues when they want space. Hissing, growling, a stiff posture, swishing tail, or suddenly stopping purring all signal that the cat is stressed or unhappy. Teaching children to recognise these signs helps prevent scratches and makes interactions safer for both.

Where and How to Stroke a Cat

Each cat has its own preferences, but a good general rule is to let the cat sniff your hand before touching. Then, gentle strokes along the sides, top of the head and neck are usually well received. Most cats dislike having their tummy touched. Help your child learn to notice if a cat likes or dislikes being stroked and adjust accordingly.

Knowing When a Cat Has Had Enough

When a cat decides it’s time to stop the attention, it will often walk away calmly. Children should understand to respect this and not follow or block the cat. Forcing interactions can make cats agitated and is best avoided.

Encouraging a Cat to Come to You

Cats prefer to approach people on their own terms. Children should avoid staring directly into a cat’s eyes or making sudden movements. Soft talking, gentle gestures, or offering a treat can encourage a cat to come nearer, building trust and friendship.

Keep Calm and Quiet Around Cats

Loud noises, shouting, or running around can scare cats and make them hide. Teach children that calm, quiet behaviour helps cats feel safe and makes positive interactions more likely.

Not Every Cat Wants to Be Friendly

Some cats are shy, nervous, or have had negative experiences with children before. It’s important for children to accept that some cats prefer to be left alone and admire them from a distance without trying to touch or chase them.

Cats May Claw While Purring

Purring is a happy sound, but cats often knead with their front paws while purring and their claws may come out. This “kneading” is a sign of contentment but can unintentionally scratch. Children can protect themselves by sitting with a blanket on their lap or wearing thick clothing when cuddling cats.

Knowing When Not to Disturb a Cat

Cats need privacy when they are eating, sleeping or retreating to a quiet spot. If children see a mother cat with kittens, they should always get permission from the mother before approaching. Defensive or unfriendly behaviour from the mother means the family should leave them in peace.