Getting a cat with a 4 year old?

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I have a very sensible 4 year old who listens really well, is very gentle and caring. I think she'd be good with a pet but the only thing I worry about is if she starts crying, she can be a bit loud and dramatic but that's her age. Not kicking, hitting, etc. it's only ever crying and we tend to be able to calm her down very quickly.

We have a 4 bedroom house so there is room for a cat to have its own space in my office and get away from her if that happens.

I've had cats in the past but never with a child, has anyone got any advice or experience in this area?

I think my younger sister was about four when we first had a cat, in a four bed house, and it was fine. The cat may in fact mean less of these episodes.

We have cats with the dc at that age. It is fine, just make sure the cats have a route of escape during any dramatic episodes.

I brought my DS up with multiple cats from babyhood and he has lots of cats as an adult. He loves them.
As long as they can run and hide they will be fine, they will let her know if she's going too far.

We got our rescue cat when DS2 was 3.5. He can be rather loud at times. If DS2 became too loud for her she would take herself off to another room. Now he's 5 she is used to him and ignores him mainly.

Are you planning on a kitten or older cat?

My kids are 8, 6 and 3 and our kitten joined us seven months ago. He has just slotted right in, has never known any different (came to us at 8 weeks). He is just part of the mess and choas and craziness of family life.

Adopting an older cat will be very different though.

We have 2 cats who are 12 & 5. DD is 16 months, the boys mostly just avoid her, unless she has food. They spend most of the day on our bed, then come out for cuddles with us once DD has gone to bed. Working well so far and no disasters, so much that we’re considering another cat when we move home!

No advice on the practicalities, but awwwww! Your 4 year old is going to be over the moon with excitement! Get your camera ready when you bring moggy home to capture the magic! 😊 will you be doing it as a surprise for her?

We got a kitten when I was three and we bonded for life, he was a wonderful cat and I can’t imagine my childhood without him, I absolutely adored him. I would definitely recommend it!