Getting rescue kitten

[Onceuponatimethen]

My dc are 7 and 3 and both very kind and pretty sensible.

They are keen to get a kitten and I’m considering it in the summer when we’ve done our house move. My 3 year old will then be only 3 months off 4.

Will most rescues allow families with children to adopt kittens? Will there be kittens in August? I know kitten season stars in spring but guess there will still be some by then.

We have someone at home most of the day so the kitten would be well looked after.

[thecatneuterer]

There will be thousands of kittens in August. The only months when there aren't that many are November to March, and even then there are always some.

We home to families with children, although toddlers and kittens are not a good idea. We (Celia Hammonds) only home small kittens in pairs as they get very distressed without either their mother or a sibling, and they can entertain themselves if there are two of them. If you really want a small kitten I would strongly recommend getting two.

[Onceuponatimethen]

I think you are right cat neuterer - we could definitely get a pair and my parents had a pair of young semi feral s as rescues (just out of kitten stage). One became a total lap cat in the end, When they came they were shivering with fear though.

[Onceuponatimethen]

Meant to say thank you very much for the advice

[Onceuponatimethen]

Is there any way to see which kittens are likely to become affectionate cats? I’m sure they are too small to tell?

Is there a best age to go for if there are a number needing a home?

[TheLuminaries]

Both times I got a rescue kitten there were loads of kittens needing homes, so you don't need to worry about that. We have always had a single kitten (and single cat) and neither cat rescue questioned that - I am only on my second cat as the first kitten lived for 20 years (still miss her).

[Onceuponatimethen]

Thank you for the advice!

[shouldwestayorshouldwego]

Friends have taken on a mum and kitten before. I think lots of the mums are not far off kittenhood themselves (poor things). If you take a mum then she will (may) look after the kitten a bit and at least you might know her nature somewhat. I would say that we got our cats when they were around 1yr old and three years on they are still mellowing and becoming more affectionate.

[thecatneuterer]

No, with kittens you don't really know what sort of personalities they will end up having. If you want to be sure of very affectionate or laid back or whatever cat as an adult then you will need to adopt them as an adult.

A mother and kitten is a good idea. At least that way you will know the personality of one of them.

[Taffeta]

We got our cat as a rescue kitten when he was 9 weeks old. There were two kittens available (Battersea) and he chose us! Leapt down and started playing with the DC (who were 7 & 4). His sister ignored us!

He’s 8 next month and the light of our lives

[Faroutbrussel]

We went to choose a rescue kitten, DS was a lively excited 4 year old. Kittens were scared stiff, we decided he was too young and walked away. Then in the garden was a very young mum cat whose kittens had already been adopted. She went straight up to my son and husband winding her way round their legs and generally being a fusspot. We took her home, best decision we made, we already knew her personality, she could get away from DS if needed and as it happens they are best mates and we love her to bits.

[Lindy2]

We were looking to adopt a kitten but actually ended up adopting a lovely just turned 1 year old. She had been rescued by Battersea as a stray fending for herself and her 2 kittens.
We needed a cat that was gentle and happy to be around children. At around 1 year old the cat's personality and behaviour is more set and assessable. She is the most gentle, playful and loving cat I've ever met and so perfect for the children.
As a child we had a kitten who was sweet and playful but grew into a very grumpy cat who would only ever sit with my mum.

[Want2beme]

I like the sound of having a mother and kitten, if her other kittens have been homed and mum & kitty are left. The only kitten I ever had, from a neighbour, (all of my other cats have been adult rescues), took an instant shine to my lovely old boy, who was an absolute star and became her daddy. So much so that she had no interest in anyone or other adult cat in the household. He was such a lovely lad

[LadyPenelopeCantDance]

We rescued a mum and one of her seven kittens. Mum looked after the kitten in the early days and kept would tell the kitten off for bad behaviour. They are both great in their own ways. Definately don’t overlook an older than kitten cat, they can be just as playful!

[Wolfiefan]

I wouldn't want a kitten with a three year old. We got two kittens. They attacked moving hands or feet and had both kids in tears. A young cat (or two!) might be a better fit. Our first cats were a mum 2yrs and her 18 month old son. Very kittenish and yes. She actually had kittens at six months old.

[ButteredScone]

Consider a young cat. You will have a good idea of their personality. Cats really do vary in their outlook and friendliness and it is such an advantage to know a bit about them before you get stuck with them for years.

[bonzo77]

I’d def try for a juvenile rather than actual kitten. Maybe 6 months plus. Probably already neutered and vaccinated, young enough to be fun and adaptable, old enough to be fully house trained, safe to go outside once acclimatised. Robust enough to escape an irritating child. Cats are so variable, mine is 7 years old and only just out of the kittenish stage. Finally becoming a bit of a lap cat.