really don't want to keep cat anymore-not sure what to do

[violeteyes]

we have had our moggie cat since he was a kitten, now must be about 6-7yrs. he is very beautiful black and white, quite sleek and has a high voice, i think might well have some siamese.
i grew up with family cats, and feel i have reaaly tried with this one.
however, he has always been very nippy, not easy to get close to as he tolerates a little petting then turns.also sheds a great deal of fur everywhere which drives me mad.

we now have 2 children, 3.8 and 21 months and i am about to have a 3rd any day. the main problem is that the cat scares the children if he gets close as he has scratched them when they try to touch-though i know he has not used his full force on them.
i do not feel he is suitable to live with a young family, and dread having once again to see a child of mine learn to wary of their own family pet.
i know i am responsible for this animals life and well being but would it not be best all round if cat could live with just adults? i couldn't honestly recomend him as a pet though as he is just the cat who walked by himself, but wants to sleep on your bed all the time

could i take him to a shelter?

He might also be happier in a home with adults only - not all animals are able to tolerate children. Please don't feel bad, you are only trying to do the right thing by your family and also your cat (which I think is lovely)
we had to take one of our cats to the cat protection league when we were expecting our 2nd dd for similar reasons. she went to live with an elderly lady and was very happy - I believe the noise and bustle in our house bothered her greatly.
I think sometimes we have to follow our gut instincts and listen to what our heart is telling us

of course you could, if you are sure you can't train the children to leave the cat alone and you are honest with them about the cat. If it makes you feel guilty set up a standing order to support them in their work or adopt another cat, they will know which of their rescue animals are suitable to live with children.

Don't feel guilty - it sounds like your cat is as unhappy as you are, and a quieter home will suit him much better. Contact your local cats protection branch and ask them if they would be able to take him - many are jam packed at the moment so there could be a waiting list, but equally they may have a foster home she could go straight into. Don't use the RSPCA (or SSPCA if you are in Scotland) as they do euthanase of animals, many within a week of being signed over to them (less if they deem him too difficult to rehome). Also steer clear of advertising on preloved or any of the other 'freecyle' type websites - CPL will check out his potential home thoroughly and will accept him back if his new owners can't keep him - with a private rehome, you have no idea what will happen in the future. There may be some independant rescues in your area, but be sure to check their policies regarding euthanasia carefully, and visit them before doing anything. With CPL at least you know he'll be well looked after - why not visit your local branch to see what they do and how the cats are kept? They will ask for a donation when they take him, and it would be helpful if you can make sure he is up to date with his vaccinations, worming and flea treatments before taking him in.

euthanase animals, not euthanase of animals

thank you, i was worried i'd get totally flamed. the children don't bother the cat at all as they are so wary of him, but i do feel he gets a raw deal as he is never gets any attention and i just want him out of my bedroom when i have a new born sleeping in there with me and that just pushes him further on the outs.

will ring CPL.