Kitten for son

[Anotheroneofthese]

Hi All

I would lover your advice on the following:

My nearly 6 year old would really love a cat and we have agreed to get him one.

Growing up we had pets - cats, dogs, etc. I am not keen on pets because they require a lot of time and attention and dealing with their poo and their dirty paws really puts me off. I am however very compassionate towards animal. My husband loves pets especially cats.

What sort of cat should we get for my son? How do I keep the cat's paw clean or how do I prevent it from coming into the house with dirty paws and fur?

Cats keep themselves clean. I've had 4 cats now, and I've never had to clean up after them, except maybe to brush their stray fur off a cushion.

They're the opposite of dogs! Cats groom/clean themselves as often as they can every day, and hate getting their paws wet or dirty.

I don't want to appear harsh Op but I really don't think you should even be considering getting a cat if you can't put up with muddy paws and fur! I am very house proud but have had to accept muddy footprints on my carpets where my two cats come in through the cat flap dripping wet. They are both fluffy ginger cats so often come downstairs to a carpet covered in ginger fluff - especially if they have been rolling around trying to dry themselves when they are wet!!

Are you prepared for the live, semi-alive and, worse still, entrails of some poor creature they have sneaked into your house?

Ice Queen, honestly I'm not but if a cat is a plus to my husband and son, then I hope that I can put up with the mess. I imagine myself bathing the cat everyday, wiping it's paws when it comes in and generally restricting it's access into the house when it's been out wandering (until I have cleaned its paws and fur.

I am filled with dread.

If you are filled with dread at the prospect, do not get a cat. I love my cats dearly but I have fur on everything and cat litter tracked through the house if they haven't been outside digging in mud, or, this evening's alternative, covered in car oil. It is never ending.

If you can't face it, it is not worth doing!

I would have thought it unlikely you would be bathing a cat every day. Cats hate water and will let you know it. I once had to bath a cat that had fallen into a pond and it took 3 of us to keep it in there. You either need to accept a small amount of mess or not get a pet. Maybe fish?

Maybe keeping it as a house cat would help with the cleanliness issue. But ime even outdoor cats aren't particularly messy.

I would recommend an american ragdoll. They are very calm and cuddly so great for young kids and look absolutely gorgeous.
However the are expensive from reputable breeders and will need brushed regularly.

Op I have had to bath my cats on two occasions. My arms were literally shredded on both occasions! Cats are not like dogs and will only tolerate so much!

Op here is a photo of the state of one of my cat's paws recently. We think he had been digging in an old bonfire over in the fields near us. Tried to wash his paws off but my arms were shredded and bleeding by the end of it - and he's a lovely natured cat!

Cats are pretty clean, I've had loads pedigree and domestic and never had dirty paws a bit of hair from my fluffy girl but I brush her regularly and hoover - the dog is messier. Not a fan of litter trays but you can make that someone else's job and get one with a lid - mine don't have one anymore

My girl cat jess is my 7 year olds best friend she loves him and he loves her there is such a bond there it's sweet she's only just a year old. Lovely cat and great for my son
Cats arent really hard work, they are fairly independent obs require appropriate health care flea treatments vaccs and worming but mine are lovely company, but then I love cats and dogs so may be a bit bias