anyone got any advice on getting a family cat??

[AlpenCrazy]

we want to get a cat - have a 3yo and a 6yo so assume rescue one out and we'll be looking at a kitten. someone told me Spring is the best time but don't know where to start looking. not after a pedigree, a mog will do nicely but one preferably without health problems/fleas etc would be a good start. any advice????

Why not a rescue kitty? We have a lovely rescue cat from rspca. It really is worth giving them a ring, don't assume they will rule you out just case of dc's. They have kittens too.

If you're going for a mog, any kitten would do. I think cats respond well to being loved and well treated in the same way as any other animal.

I have two Maine Coons and they are the soppiest, most gentle cats you can imagine. They're 9 years old, DD is 2.4 and she gives them hell. She even bit one of them hard enough to make him howl and he still didn't scratch or bite her. The female (his sister) is equally placid. They're pedigree (although "pet quality") but I think they're fairly common now so probably there will be cross breed kittens about.

Where we are the RSPCA etc won't let you adopt a kitten if your youngest child is under 5 - but they were happy for us to have one about a year old. Think this varies on the area but something to think about.

If you get one a little older like we did you can see how good they are with the kids straight away and they do tend to be over the destructive stage and come toilet trained etc.