Hi, just wanted some advice and guidance.
I’ve never had a cat before and used to be really scared of them when I was younger. However in recent years have become friends with some cats and can appreciate what wonderful pets they are and would love to have one of my own. I am waiting til my kids are a bit olderDS4 DD2 and a bigger home. Following are some questions that have been going through my mind.
What breeds are best for first time owners? Ideally I just want a sweet natured friendly sociable type, not pouncy feisty aloof killer type . I have been quite intrigued by Ragdolls , Maine coons and Birmans.
I’m not sure I want a kitten , I think I’d rather get a cat whose personality is known . I know you can get retired studs and queens . Also rescue centres. When you go to breeders and rescue centres do you get to spend time with the cats and see if you have a connection with an animal or do you have to pay deposit to secure it first ? I don’t think I could choose a pet from a picture alone . I’d like to see how we get on first?
Also the going outside thing. As I’ve never had a cat I’m not sure how important it is to their wellbeing . I really don’t think I’d be brave enough to let them roam. There are so many dangers out there and tbh it gives me the fear. I’d be happy to harness train them or build a catio .
Is it better to get a pair or individual cat?
The whole reputable breeder thing. I wouldn’t have a clue as to the paperwork etc and all the jargon . Is there anywhere to go to get help with making sure all is tickety boo?
I have said I’d probs prefer a cat to a kitten but is it better to have them from when they are kittens ?
I’m totally up for going to rescue centres too.
I’d be happy to hear all experiences and advice positive and negative. As I’ve said it’s not imminent but I really like to have lots of info before making a decision.
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The litter tray
General cat question.
Quackersandcheese3 · 07/06/2020 17:01
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@Toddlerteaplease - I love Cheddar but my gods she is the spitting image of MIL's best friend 
Probably . I showed her pic to MIL & she said
'Bloody hell - she looks like X'.
Quackers You'd probably be better off looking at an adult cat rather than kittens for your first. They tend to have their personalities evident whereas with kittens you just don't know what you'll end up with, plus I know you're talking about the future (I love people who plan ) you need to be more careful with kittens with younger children about as a) they are very delicate and can be injured more with any rough handling and b) they are likely to scratch. Kittens are also likely to damage your furnishings more as well 
.
Once Covid is over & done with, or at least things are more settled, any cat rescue centre who didn't want you to meet the cat would be off my list right away. When I got my pair, I was interviewed first by the owner then introduced to cats that she knew would fit me and my needs, and just as importantly cats where I would fulfil THEIR needs.
Regarding indoor vs outdoor, there are mixed views on this. Mine are indoor only and that was a condition of adoption in their case. Many cats in rescues have to be indoor for various reasons e.g conditions like FIV, physical problems (DSiL has one who is blind in one eye & has luxating patellas), or that's all they've ever known in a previous household so aren't very aware of dangers. I would love to have a cat proofed garden, and have plans to build a catio when I have my back garden done after lockdown (person doing it has a shielding partner).
We've adopted adult cats and had cats from kitten-hood. We currently have three - a 5yo, a 4yo and a 10 week old.
My advice would be: if you get a kitten, get a pair. They keep each other entertained and it means they have company when you go out. Our current kitten was a solo but we do have older cats so he's not on his own at night or if we leave during the day.
Be aware that adult cats can come with issues. Our 5yo came from a neglectful home when he was three and for the first six months he hid in a corner and hissed. If you came within a foot of him he would growl and swipe. I didn't hear him purring for over a year. But we stuck with him and now he's fantastic. Loves a cuddle, purrs like a motor engine, demands fuss when you come down in the morning and adores being carried around so he can snuggle into your neck! So as you have DC I would remember that not all adult cats are interested in children and nor do they like being picked up and cuddled or played with. They will scratch and/or bite when they're scared.
Saying that, my adult cats are great with my niece who has just turned 10 - it's like they know she's only a child. But I don't know what they'd be like with younger children in the home - the 4yo would probably be okay but I do think the older one would avoid them completely
If you do get kittens just remember they scratch and climb and will destroy things. They're not destructive as such but they like to explore. Mine uses the dining table as a climbing frame, likes to climb up kitchen towels to get on the work-surfaces, will jump up on high surfaces and thens struggle to get down, and he will scratch you when he plays - he's not aggressive but they can't control their claws!
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