Possible To Train a Cat to Like Children?

So, my husband and I have been visiting various shelters in our area and hoping to find a perfect match for our little girl, Seth. We're wanting to get a young adult male, preferably a cuddlebug that doesn't fear people or other cats.

Well, we've met a sweet 3 year old longhaired black cat, but his profile mentions that he should not be around children. Well, my husband's parents and his 5 year old brother will be moving back into the area in the near future, and I wanted to have a cat that would be friendly towards him. You know how kids are, wanting to pet kitties and puppies.

Is it possible to train a cat to feel comfortable around children? Or is it just a waste of effort?

If his profile states he is not good around children. Then there is a good reason for it. I would not expect to be able to change what issues he has concerning children.

Okay, thanks for the advice... It's just so disappointing to have to pass him up. *sighs*

IMO you can't train a cat to like or tolerate ANY one. They can be exposed to people, other cats, other dogs, etc. but doesn't mean they will accept them.

If the shelter cats says no children, there is a reason why. I'd look for another one that it more child friendly. It would be the same for a dog - you wouldn't want a dog that was not child friendly nor would you try to make the dog child friendly.

I think it's more important to train the child, not the cat. My cats are not exposed to children very often, but will only run and hide from the rowdy ones that get in their faces. Last year at our family reunion at our house, we had about 12 kids stay with us. They ran from the rowdy boys, and spent hour upon hour playing with 4 year old Kate, who simply waved a feather wand in their direction, didn't scream, and was very gentle with them. They actually followed her around the house wanted her attention. The boys would walk up and they would be gone.

Originally Posted by Momofmany

I think it's more important to train the child, not the cat. My cats are not exposed to children very often, but will only run and hide from the rowdy ones that get in their faces. Last year at our family reunion at our house, we had about 12 kids stay with us. They ran from the rowdy boys, and spent hour upon hour playing with 4 year old Kate, who simply waved a feather wand in their direction, didn't scream, and was very gentle with them. They actually followed her around the house wanted her attention. The boys would walk up and they would be gone.

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I agree with this.
No matter what cat you get, children should be told what's appropriate and not appropriate behavior around animals.