Taking Care of Kittens vs. Baby
My wife and I didn't have a fine blueprint for our family when we got married. Then we decided to adopt a Russian Blue kitten because she was too adorable.
We got along pretty well. She is an intelligent cat. One that is so adorable.
A few years passed by, my wife and I started to get busy with life. Our little furry friend looked lonely. So, we decided to adopt another kitten, a friendly, hyper-active cheese tabby.
We thought they were a big responsibility. We couldn't go on a vacation for extended periods of time, we had to break them apart when they got into a catfight (literally) and visit a vet's office.
Now came the baby. It's a whole different story. Two cats were easy. They didn't even need potty training!
In this post, we will explore some differences between raising a kitten and a baby.
1. Independence vs. Dependency
- Cat: Cats are generally independent animals. They groom themselves, use a litter box, and don't require constant attention or supervision. In fact, a lot of cats dislike it when human keeps tailing them around.
- Baby: Babies are entirely dependent on their caregivers for all their needs, including feeding, diaper changes, and emotional support. They demand round-the-clock care and attention.
2. Communication
- Cat: Even though our cats respond when we call their names, English isn't their strong suit. They communicate non-verbally through body language and vocalizations. We need to observe carefully to understand their needs.
- Baby: Babies communicate through crying, facial expressions, and eventually, words. It is much easier to understand their non-verbal cues than the cat's.
3. Development Stages
- Cat: Cats go through distinct life stages, from kittenhood to adulthood. They were cute little kittens for about 2 months and then boom, all grown cats.
- Baby: Babies go through complex developmental stages, including physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. Milestones encompass motor skills, language acquisition, and emotional bonding.
4. Healthcare
- Cat: Cats require routine veterinary care, vaccinations, and preventive measures like flea control. Health concerns are typically more straightforward.
- Baby: Babies need regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and monitoring of developmental milestones. Caregivers must be vigilant about various health aspects.
5. Social and Emotional Bonds
- Cat: Cats can form strong bonds with their owners, offering companionship and comfort. However, these bonds are different from human relationships.
- Baby: Parenting involves deeply emotional and complex bonds with your child, shaping their emotional well-being and future.
Conclusion
Raising a cat or baby is both very rewarding experience with ample share of challenges. Across the species, between the living beings, we can build life-long relationships. I still think back to the moments when the 2 cats and our baby all first came into my arms and falling asleep safe and sound. It was a feeling like "I have no one else in this world but you to depend my life." The soul to soul connection is an unforgettable moment. Kittens and human babies have a lot of differences, but after all, they are all really cute.