CMs - Anyone got a kitten whilst Childminding?

[looneytune]

We lost our cat a few weeks ago and we all miss him dearly, even the mindees are asking after him Dh and I were talking last night and thinking about MAYBE getting a kitten? We'd decided not to get another cat as we thought it would be unfair on a cat to come into our home with so many children around - our cat had been with me and dh for 4 yrs before we had ds1 then he had a couple of years before I started childminding then ds2 came along so it was all gradual and he was fine. We thought it would be a shock for another cat but that was when we were thinking of doing what we did before and go via a rescue centre. BUT, last night we wondered whether a kitten would be ok as it would grow up in this environment from pretty much the off?

This is just us mulling it over, we'd ask parents how they felt first but I'm just trying to get some advice about whether or not this would be fair on a kitten? Would they adapt ok and be happy?

So, if anyone has got a kitten whilst being a childminder, please can you let me know how it was?

TIA

Yes I got one in september ! She adapted really, she is not bothered by the children. The children (smallest one) want to pull her tail or bother her but she is quicker that them ! If she doesnt want to interact with them she goes for a nap somewhere the childen cant reach her !!

Get a kitten !!!

Awwww, thanks so much for the positive story, that's encouraging

What did you do about risk assessments etc? I've never had a kitten (well, our parents cat had kittens and I saw a bit of that but I'd just moved out around then so never dealt with much myself).

I presume to settle them in you kept them in a certain area where they were away from the children? Or did you not need to do this? And how long would you say you need a litter tray for? I'm trying to think of what mess there could be and how to avoid it? (can you tell that this is a very recent thought and I have a lot more to think about!! )

For the risk assessement, I have dates when the cat is fleaed (sp), wormed, injection. What do I do if the cat scratch one of the children ? Desinfect..write in accident book..

I have all the plans in place in case of the cat will do something...I'm sorry I'm bad at explaining !

For 2 weeks, she has hided herself as she was terrified then she came when she felt like it !

Keep the litter tray until the cat is neutered and ready to go outside ! I have one which is covered. The children tried to put their hand in it but I always caught them on time. Then they got bored of it !

I'm so happy I have got her, we got her because we had mice. Ever since she arrived, I didnt see a single mouse !

I would consider getting 2 as they keep each other entertained much more (chasing about etc) and will curl up together to keep warm/security etc and gain confidence more quickly too... just a thought!

Thanks guys. Change of plan..........we're decided to get another rescue cat afterall. Just one we know is ok around children

Sounds a good plan!!

Agree with fairimum, I wish I got 2 cats in the first place ! Rescuing a cat in a great idea !!!

Maybe 2 rescue cats who have lived together??

Nope, it'll have to be one cat I'm afraid. Our other 2 were rescue cats and we're happy about doing this again Just waiting for a home visit to be arranged.