The relationship between a cat and a child can be a celebratory union that leads to a deep lifetime friendship. On the flip side, the interaction between a feline and young human can be fraught with complication and even physical struggle. Children often fail to read signals from the cat asking for space, and the result can be scratches and bites, with both cat and child upset and frightened. It's not only falling toddlers or overly friendly 4-year-olds who can have poor interactions with cats; it happens with children of all ages, into the teen years. The stakes of how an interaction goes are high for the physical safety and emotional well-being of both the child and the cat.

As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who specializes in behavior issues and has treated many cases of canine separation anxiety, I have seen first-hand how challenging the problem can be. Separation issues not only have behavioral consequences for the dog, but there is an emotional component for both dog and owner, which can make matters even more difficult.