NEWCASTLE KZN: Here’s how to keep safe around dogs and cats

According to Heather Gero of the Newcastle SPCA, it is essential for children to learn how to behave appropriately around animals so they can learn to appreciate their company and also make sure they stay safe.

In that respect, Gero has provided the SPCA’s top tips on how children should behave around dogs and cats.

Dogs

Do:

• Be gentle and quiet around dogs at all times and treat them how you would like to be treated
• Have respect for dogs

Don’t

• Sneak up on a dog – you could scare them
• Tease a dog – it is not fair on the dog
• Stare at a dog – they find this scary
• Disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating
• Assume a dog wants to play with you, as they may wish to be left alone
• Approach a dog that is without an owner, as you won’t know if the dog is friendly.

Cats

Do:

• Be gentle and quiet around cats at all times
• Have respect for cats

Don’t:

• Stare at a cat, as it will feel challenged by you
• Tease a cat – it is not fair on the cat and it will become irritated and may bite or scratch you
• Disturb a sleeping or eating cat – it may not want attention or to play at that particular moment
• Assume a cat will always want to play – it might want to sleep or be somewhere else.

For more useful advice and information, contact the Newcastle SPCA on 034 318 2346 or visit the organisation on Samson Avenue in Barry Hertzog Park.

ALSO READ: Interesting facts about cats and dogs

Contact us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

Make sure you follow us for regular updates: