Adopt cat or kitten - young dc

[Cockblocktopus]

We want to adopt a cat. Dc are 5.5, 3.5 and 1.5. I've spoken to the cat rescue near us (it's the main cat rescue in our city) and they will adopt to us. I asked whether we should get a cat or kitten and she said it was up to us.

The house is suitable in terms of being able to give a cat space from the children. I'm well aware that the children shouldn't be left alone with the cat/play with her unsupervised etc. but I am hoping for a family pet that wants to spend time with the 5 year old and isn't just utterly frightened by the noise and movement of small children.

I've had a look at their foster cats online and there are a couple that look like they might be a good fit all round but I'm very aware of not wanting to upset a cat who would be better off in a different home.

Any advice would be welcome.

[VioletBam]

I honestly think your children are too young. My neighbour insisted on getting a kitten when her DD was 2 and the poor thing was hounded, picked up constantly, dropped, squashed etc until it just left.

Toddlers and kittens are not idea. I waited till my children were 7 and 6 before I got a cat.

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

I've tried to find a rescue that will let us adopt a cat but none of them will :( cats make a home! I do understand their reasons, and it's put me off getting a cat another way as well, but my parents had cats by the time they had kids, and loads of my friends with toddlers have cats. If we'd adopted one a couple of years ago they wouldn't have exactly taken it back when we had a kid
I'm going to have to wait at least a decade to get a cat, as we plan on having more babies. I wonder what age they deem appropriate? I do totally understand their reasons but it does suck :(

[readingrainbow]

We have young dc - the youngest is 2.5 - and recently adopted a kitten/mother pair. We've had them about three months now, and they've adapted very well to the family. They have scratched the toddler more than once (she tends to corner them whilst trying to stroke them), but aren't overly scared of her. I make certain she always offers them treats after an incident, and the cats haven't been permanently scarred by her antics. We have plenty of space for them to hide from her, and she is now settling down and doesn't go looking for them all the time.

I think the important factor has been that they've been rehomed together. They have each other to play with and depend upon, and the mother's personality is more laid-back than the kitten's, so the kitten takes her cues from mum. We're very happy with the cats and I'm very impressed with the lady who matched them with us!

[Toomanycats99]

We already had cats when I had my girls. They were fine. Some children can be a bit difficult with them though! We got our cats from a rescue at about 6-7 months old. That may be more suitable for little children than very small kittens.

[Cockblocktopus]

OP here :)

We had a cat until 6 months ago but sadly she passed from old age. The kids were fine with her but I have no intention of waiting 5+ years until we get a cat again. I miss having a warm body to cuddle with on the sofa :(

So maybe look for an older kitten or cat that has spent time with children?

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I don't agree your children are too young. We always had cats at home and I was taught to treat them with respect and we all got along fine.

I would definitely go for an older cat rather than a kitten though.

[RoastChickenDinner]

My DDs were 6 and 2.5 when we got PreciousPussGirl (then age 7), and it was fine. I would second going for an older cat as you will have a better idea of their temperament. Anyway, you'll know when you meet the right one - we definitely did

[thecatneuterer]

I would go for an adult cat that is very laid back and tolerant. Kittens are small and too vulnerable. I have known of a number of kittens to be killed by very young children/toddlers.

An adult that has been assessed as being suitable would be your best bet.

[FuzzyWizard]

I'd go for a laid back adult cat. There are plenty of them sitting in shelters, especially black toms for some reason. I've recently adopted a cat so have spent a lot of time browsing rescue websites in the last few weeks. I've seen a quite a few advertised as suitable for a home with children. We adopted from the blue cross in the end.

[SuperHeroesForKids]

I'd go for a laid back adult cat. Ime males are incredibly loving and more relaxed but if you go to any shelter, take your DC with you and see how the cat is with your DC.

Cats make a home imo but you'd need to find the right cat so that it doesn't end up unhappy or back in a shelter.

I wouldn't get a kitten. They're too Vunerable and are the perfect size for little fingers (our youngest liked putting kitty under his duvet with him and held on to kitten for dear life) so I wouldn't ever have a kitten again while our youngest is this young I'm sure he's the devil or an alien he's certainly not human!

[NarcyCow]

Definitely a calm older cat that has the sense to remove itself when the kids get too interested. We have two adult cats who have been brilliant with our kids. I wouldn't risk a kitten.

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

I might try some more rescues, this thread has given me hope! We have a few cats who come into our garden/house and DS is always sweet with them, he has never even tried to touch them! Just likes looking.

[Cockblocktopus]

this is the cat we are going to see on Monday. She's not that old - 5 months- but is used to a 5 year old. I've had a long chat with the fosterer are she sounds a good fit.

I'm quietly surprised that there hasn't been more help in making sure we get the right cat- and the right cat gets us! It was pretty much "just see what we have online."

[SuperHeroesForKids]

You have to keep that name!

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

Oh wowwww she looks so squishy and warm and a bit sassy! So exciting hope she's a good fit! :)

[coffeemaker5]

we got a rescue cat when DC were 5 & 8 (older DC has severe ASD so not a typical 8 year old).

We got an older cat (5 years old). we opted for a cat that had been a couple of weeks with the rspca cattery so they had some good idea about the temper. we have the most angelic tiger at home - brilliant with the kids.

I had cats before but wouldn't go for a kitten - you never know what kind of character you get. an older cat is a safer bet.

[Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost]

There's no denying kittens are gorgeous and raising them is a lovely experience.
But I do agree that kittens and toddlers don't mix well as they're always picking them up etc. Mind you I'm 40 and be that with a kitten always picking it up and squeeeeeeeezing it. .
On a serious note though at least you know what you're getting with an old boy or girl.