Teaching your children how to interact with cats is crucial. Explain that cats are living beings that feel pain, fear, and discomfort just like people do. Teach them to recognize signs of discomfort in the cat, such as hissing, tail twitching, or ears flattening. Encourage gentle petting instead of rough play and ensure they understand the importance of not disturbing the cat while it's eating or sleeping.

Always supervise early interactions between your cat and children. This oversight can prevent rough handling, which might lead to scratches or bites. Supervision helps you correct inappropriate behaviors from both the cat and the child, ensuring safety for all parties.