When to introduce young kittens to my two year old daughter?

[Ella]

My cat had a litter of four kittens yesterday and although myself and my fiancee have been able to handle the kittens since we have a close bond with our cat, my two year old daughter hasn't seen them and doesn't know they are there. My daughter loves our cat and our cat loves our daughter in return so when should I take my daughter in there to see them? She wouldn't be holding them herself obviously but at some point she's going to go into the room and see where they are and I don't want her accidentally scaring them. She's very understanding and gentle with supervision and understands the word no. She follows what I tell her so I have no problem with thinking she may pick one up if I tell her no (as long as supervised).

When do you recommend? Should I wait a few weeks or introduce her now?
Yes, I am planning on getting her neutered. I'm phoning the vets this afternoon and booking her in for an appointment as soon as they can recommend one. She was only 8 months old when she got pregnant and is a house cat. We had the money and the appointment to have her neutered and my fiancee left the kitchen window open and she disappeared for two days. She came back and three weeks later we went for the appointment to find out she was already pregnant. We have good, loving homes for all four of the kittens right now and we don't plan on having others

 

[Ocimom]

Always suprevise your daughter around the kittens. SHOW her how to pet and hold the tiny kittens and have her sit and hold them - never carry them around at this point.

I would advise to wait till their eyes open for the child to pet/hold the kittens, but you and your bf can hold them daily as this is more beneficial to them so they are used to human touch before your daughter holds them.

Also stress that your daughter is NEVER to pull ears, tails or hurt them in any way because they are little. Show her the right way to carry the kittens when they are 1-2 months old. Rehome the kittens at 3 months old (12 weeks).

And very important, make sure your daughter is not playing in the litter pan at any time.

 

[Dr. Strongrod]

i would show her now but make sure she understands she cannot handle them until they are older (4 to 5 weeks)

 

[Kumi]

If she isn't going to be handling the kittens (and just looking at them) I don't see why not, or why you should wait.
Though that's as long as you're sure she isn't going to want to bother/"play" with them, since this obviously wouldn't be a good time, what with them being so very young.

But anyhoo. I don't see any problem.


On a side note, are you planning on getting your cat neutered? I don't mean to criticize, but I'm assuming you aren't a legitimate breeder, and there are enough unwanted animals euthanize every day already. It's very literally a life and death matter.

 

[Peaches32]

As soon as possible, providing you are with her.

If your cat is happy with you handling the kittens, then sit your daughter by the side of the cat bed and pop a kitten on her lap with you supervising closely. Make sure you make lots of fuss of mum cat too!

My various cats have had kittens and my children have always handled them. My children are a bit older, so have also had the delight of helping with litter box training, weaning and cleaning up after them! I have always handled the kittens from birth and have had them in a family room so they get used to everyday noises. My cats have never tried to take their kittens anywhere else, they have been happy in a bed at the side of the sofa!

Make sure you are always in the room with your daughter and she understands not to go in there on her own.