Cats & Toddlers: It’s Tea Party Time

Hi, I’m Nicole! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my distinguished Burmese, Mr. Baby Cat.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I did not expect Baby Cat to be so gentle, welcoming, and tolerant of our toddler. Not only that, he genuinely enjoys spending time with her.

A few weeks ago we had quite a chilly afternoon (it’s winter in New Zealand, which is like the end of Spring in Canada, but still chillier than our house likes to be. We put on the fire and our daughter asked if she could set up a tea party. The perfect afternoon.

Setting the Table for Tea Time

She requested we set up her table beside the fireplace because she wanted to invite Baby Cat to her tea party and I imagine she thought that it would be more likely that he would join if he could be by the fire.

We poured the mango tea and started sipping, and lo and behold who turns up? The guest of honour, Mr. Baby. He jumped up to join us and took a look around. I don’t think he was overly thrilled with the beverage selection but he did enjoy the company. (We did not actually offer him any tea, I didn’t check with the vet and I am pretty sure that mango herbal tea is not on the list of drinks to safely feed a cat).

It was so cute watching my daughter pour more tea and pretend he was drinking it, chatting to him like a real party guest and imagining his replies.

He didn’t stay long, maybe five minutes, but to be fair, that was only about two minutes shorter than my toddler. And it is always customary for guests to leave before the hosts, of course.

Sipping Our Way to Happiness

I love that even in his old age, he is still finding enough energy to be present with our little girl, she’s able to build core memories of her time with her cat, and I truly believe that their relationship is giving her life skills and developing her natural traits.

The tea party is only one of many occasions I find the two of them playing together – or one of them playing and the other being an incredibly patient and tolerant accessory to play.

I believe that my daughter’s understanding of empathy and responsibility have developed very quickly for someone her age largely due to her relationship with Baby Cat. She knows to be gentle with him because he is old, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting to include him, she just includes him with care.

I often see her talking to him and petting him gently, talking to him and telling him things like “Sometimes, all the cats get tired.” (Sometimes is one of her newest and most favorite words at the moment). Her cuddles for him can sometimes be a little full on, but he often cuddles in harder, maybe reminiscing about the days that he was a strong little chap and wants to pretend he’s still got it for a moment.

Either way, if you have toddlers and cats, I highly recommend a cozy tea party. I think for the next one we host, we will do high tea, make cucumber sandwiches for us and some cat food pâté on a plate for our fancy little man. Stay tuned!