should I agree to take on this cat?

[paddingtonbear1]

SIL moved in with her bf a while ago, they both have a cat. The cats are very different and don't get on at all, to the point where 1 of them is now very anxious and stressed. SIL is v upset but has come to the conclusion that it would be best to rehome one, but would prefer it to go to a family member. dh and I are the only candidates really! I like cats and dh doesn't mind, but I've never actually had one before. dd would love it, but I'm a bit concerned about my carpets and leather sofas (I'm not that houseproud btw) amd what we'd do when we went on holiday (neighbours aren't always around and my nearest friend is allergic to cats!)
I've said to SIL we'll think about it, but I'm in two minds really.

I personally would, but, then again, I am a massive cat lover.

I also have a friend who is allergic to cats, but, she comes in and feeds them whilst we are away and has no problems as long as she just feeds them and changes water and doesn't come into direct contact with them.

If the cats is already housetrained then I wouldn't worry too much about the carpets.

I would also buy a scratching post so it can use that (you can encourage it to use it by putting catnip on it) and, if it does decide to use the sofa have a squirty bottle with water in and give the cat a quick squirt (I did this with all mine to stop them going on worktops and they don't go near now)

BUT, if the cat is anxious now, it may take a while to settle, so bring a cover from it's old home and put it somewhere away from yourselves and DD so it can go to sleep undisturbed and leave it to make friends in its own time.

Good Luck!

Not sure re the sofas as they do love to scratch leather.

You may be able to do something involving lemons.

(cats hate the smell)

or sticky tape on the arms, that stops them scratching and you could take it off later.

Some cats do not scratch.

See if you like the cat first - I can't have one unless it is 'my' sort of cat and i feel an instant bond iyswim.

the cat is 2 and already housetrained. It's a loving and affectionate cat apparently but obv. rather nervous at the moment!
we thought we could perhaps use throws on the furniture esp. during the day when we're not around. Actually, the cat flap (already have one as previous house owner had 2 cats) is in the dining room extension so we could shut off the lounge during the day.
I'd feel bad if we said to SIL we'd try it and it didn't work out...