Toddler and stray cat ??

[flannelettepyjamas]

I have a 14 month old DD and a stray cat that seems to have adopted us over the last week or so.
It hung around for a few days then I relented and fed it (the cat, not the toddler).
Of course it thinks it lives here now.
It's a lovely cat with a very affectionate and patient nature. And we have been considering getting a cat anyway.
The problem is that DD tries to smother it to the point that it eventually gets completely fed up and gives her a warning scratch.
I obviously don't want to put DD in any danger for the sake of a stray cat.
Plenty of people have cats and toddlers and I just wondered how other people manage with the affectionate toddler/cat mix.

If you're going to adopt the cat, take it to the vets for a check over, have it vaccinated and neutered.
As for cats and toddlers, they will give warning scratches, cats can't really be trained as dogs can.
I've always had a cat and have let the cat warn dd within reason. DD will learn as will the cat!
They'll either learn to avoid each other or will learn what is acceptable

Thanks Airy
Any more advice??

I think airy has just abouut summed it up. We have two cats, one likes being "mauled", within reason, and the other is always at least a room away. DD is much gentler with the one she can reach now. Neither cats would scratch, but we always tell DD that other ones may, and she isnt to stroke a cat that's "wagging" its tail

We have always had cats and each child as a toddler has had warning scratches, the kids learn to be a bit more gentle (hopefully) and the cats learn to RUN

If you do decide to make the cat a permanent member of the family you can always clip it's claws to minimise scaratches. They soon get used to having it done. It will protect your furniture too. Just be sure to avoid the quick (pink bit at base of the nail) as it will hurt puss and bleed a lot.xx

DS pokes our cat and she scratches him - he comes moaning and I tell him off because I know he has been poking her or doing something else she doesn;t like.

Of course a bit different because my cat pre-dates DS and tbh she stays out of his way as much as possible.

I kind of see them on a par - they have learned how to live with each other.

I would probably be a little more hesitant with an animal I didn't know. Definitely would get chekced over by a vet.

Also , ask the vet to check for a microchip as cat may well not really be a stray.

Thanks ladies, very helpful advice.
I'll certainly get the cat checked over.