Genuinely think our cats would be happier elsewhere

[ImNoClownIWontBackDown]

Don't flame me for this. We got 2 rescue cats getting on for 3 months ago now, I had my doubts from the start that they were not right for us and said as much on here and got a right roasting! One of them is basically fine with us, the other a little skittish and won't be stroked but basically ok. The problem is that neither of them will allow the children near them. One was getting a bit better until a few weeks ago until ds3 startled her and since then she goes under the bed whenever any of the children come near. The dcs have been really patient and gentle (dc3 only 2.5 but has done his best!) but are obviously disappointed that they aren't getting anywhere with them. I feel awful about it but do you think cats protection will have them back? I still feel a bit cross with them for misleading me about the cats' ages and background (they are much younger than I wanted and not from the same litter as I was initially told) and aren't they supposed to find a good match between cat and owner? Plus they have never made a follow up call to see how they are settling in, which I was told they would do after a few weeks. Am I being unreasonable??

[Buttholelane]

If you can't help them over their fear then yes I'd return them tbh.
Most rescues insist on them coming back if it goes wrong, would be disgusted if a rescue as big as cats protection wouldn't have them back.

It's not fair on the cats who are scared and it's not fair on the kids who obviously want a pet they can interact with.

Take the kids with you next time so you can get a good idea of a cats temperament around kids.

[thecatneuterer]

You're being unreasonable about expecting a follow-up call. In an ideal world that would of course be a good thing - but charities are so over-stretched that such things are generally not really possible.

About the rest though I tend to agree with you. Those cats obviously aren't the right fit for your family. Whether anyone is 'to blame' is neither here nor there really, but I think I would ask CP to take them back. There is no reason that they shouldn't be willing and able to find you more 'child proof' cats though to take their place.

[ImNoClownIWontBackDown]

Thank you. Incidentally, I did take the children when we visited them and they were wary then but perhaps young enough to be curious still. They were 8 months old when I got them according to their papers, although I was told they were over a year, which is more what I wanted. I think I will wait until dc3 is a bit older and then proceed very cautiously!

[ImNoClownIWontBackDown]

I meant I would wait before getting another cat - sorry, not very clear!