What's the best type of breed of cat to have with kids?

[RattusRattus]

I want a cat that is laid back in the extreme. DH not a fan so I want something that isn't likely to scratch and cause havoc (have DD's for the latter so no more havoc needed) - a lapcat ideally.

[NoVeggiesBeforeSkeggies]

I have a black rescue moggy.
She's fantastic with my DS (4) keeps her claws to herself, and sleeps under my bed all night

I have heard Ragdolls are good lapcats, and a bit soft- I've a secret longing for one, not that I'd let my lovely Lil know!

[ItsonlymeMrsDB]

RAGDOLLS !

Relaxed is not the word, they are also the soppiest, friendliest cats you can have.

No claws come out, ever.

And they can be carried around, literally, like ragdolls. (from 7 year old DD).

[stripeybumpinthenight]

Go to a rescue centre - the staff will know the personality of every single cat there and recommend one to suit you.

We have a beautiful glossy black fat lazy teddy bear of a cat, super affectionate and does nowt but snooze all day so low maintenance which was what we requested

[ItsonlymeMrsDB]

Oh, and they aren't 'nutty' as kittens, either.

Both of mine have just emerged from their pit, (ie the sofa) for dinner, after spending the day sleeping.

They are happiest on a lap, or next to someone warm.

They might occasionally decide to play, but very often change their minds as it is clearly far to strenuous for them !

One more point....they do need regular brushing to stop their coats from matting, but if started when a kitten, most raggies adore it, as it is another form of 'fuss'.

[bodiddly]

Exotics are also incredibly friendly, affectionate and ours put up with being manhandled, held upside down and carried around like babies 24/7.

[RattusRattus]

Ragdolls do sound lovely but DH doesn't want a longhair and TBH I'm with him on that, despite them looking gorgeous.

[ItsonlymeMrsDB]

They aren't long-haired in the 'classic' sense, ifywim ? I have found that friends who have short-haireds moan more about the shedding and fur about than we have with our raggies. They don't tend to shed and leave fur everywhere, if you brush on a regular basis.

Of course if it is just an aesthetic thing, that's completely different !

[ItsonlymeMrsDB]

Sorry, iyswim.

Typing is atrocious tonight !

[RattusRattus]

What do you mean by exotics? Siamese etc?

[girliefriend]

get a soppy moggy.

[northernmonkey]

I have a ragdoll and he is such an amazing cat. He's so forgiving with my 3 dcs especially the 4y old. As for his hair, yes he needs grooming sometimes, but real ragdolls keep their fur under control. I would recommend one to anybody

[Magnumwhite]

a low maintenance short haired moggy from a rescue centre. The staff will be able to advise on one suitable for childre. So many lovely moggies to rehome..go on you know you want to!

[helpmabob]

Burmese have lovely playful affectionate natures and are short haired. Really family friendly

[tabulahrasa]

Siamese are nice, lol

but, the thing is while some breeds of cat do definitely have personality traits - they don't always follow them and there's no way of knowing what a kitten will turn out like...

If it's really important that they're laidback, I'd be looking for a young adult so that you know what their personality is like.

[sprinkles77]

try to get an adult cat who's personality is unlikely to change. Kittens are quite a bit of work, and there are lots of adult cats that need rehoming. Phone around, if you have your heart set on a particular breed there may be one at a rescue centre, and sometimes breeders take back cats they have sold if things don't work out.

[KirstyJC]

I've just got a rescue cat, short haired black cat between 1-2 years old. We got him from a rescue and they helped us choose a cat that was right for us - loud family with baby and 2 boisterous kids. Although I think he is a plain old short-haired domestic cat, he is purfect (see what I did there?) as they knew his personality and got it just right.

He's been here less than 48 hours and is currently draped over the arm of the settee snoring. He also doesn't mind the baby crying or the 3 year old trying to 'play' with him all the time - he just gives them a look and then puts his head down and goes back to sleep!

A rescue cat who is about a year woud be just the thing - you know what temperament they have and you don't need to toilet train them either!

[bodiddly]

Exotics are a breed .... some of them look like they have had their faces smashed against a wall but ours dont. They came from a breeder that didnt like them like that so are just lovely looking cats in very unusual colours. They are like short haired persians. I dont like the pug nose/squashed face look at all and wouldn't have even considered one if they looked that way. They have amazing characters and put up with pretty much any treatment

[bodiddly]

I just googled exotics and was amazed at how ugly they are ... my boys are gorgeous though!

[Wafflepuss]

Second vote for Burmese here, brilliant with kids and great fun. Mine retrieve and play hide and seek. and let the baby pull them about without so much as unsheathing a claw.

[KittieCat]

We've got a shorthaired Selkirk Rex, he's an absolute teddy bear of a cat and utterly laid back and bomb proof. Ridiculously affectionate, very forgiving of 10 mo DS. No extra grooming needed and he's simply a joy. That said, I've also got a wondefully gorgeous moggy and I think you're best going for a rescue cat where the rescue centre can give you the accurate low down on the cats personality.

[pookiecat]

Get a rescue cat- have a lovely rescue boy , got him last year[he is now 2.]He is lovely and kind and doesnt mind my 2 yr old dd stoking him !

[RandomMess]

We have rehomed a moggie and then a single somali and now a sibling pair of somalis.

The somalis are "bomb proof" to quote MIL who has bread ragdolls, persians and now mainecoons. They are so chilled it's quite unbelievable.

I would always recommend rehoming an adult. Kittens are hard work and too vulnerable if you have young children. My somalis have come from the breed society - it's possible to get pedigrees that way. £50 donation and they are up to date with vaccs and spayed.

[RandomMess]

Kittie, I want a Rex

[RandomMess]

How come my MIL managed to get such a stuck up grumpy female Ragdoll, she terrorised all the other cats and the visitors

Please rehome and adult cat, so many need homes.