getting a kitten

[WitchyWooWoo]

hi there :)

we're thinking of getting a kitten in october. Getting the house ready first (putting up shelves so the kitty has places to sit out of toddler reach etc) I have a 2 year old and due another dc in february so i was wondering if you lovely ladies could give me any advice on owning a cat with young children. is there any way i can prepare my son i.e petting the cat gently, not pestering him and do you have any tips on how to make my home perfect for the new arrival.

i live in a large 2 bed flat. was planning on putting litter tray/food in the kitchen. kitchen has a baby gate on it to prevent small people access. obviously ds's room will be off limits as will our bedroom for about 6 months so im planning on it being able to be outdoors as well. do you need a cat flap or is opening the door when it wants in/out ok?

im an experienced animal owner, but never had a cat. grown up with cats in the family but different circumstances, so trying to make sure i get everything spot on!

thanks in advance

I really really don't think you should get a kitten. I'm sorry, I know that isn't what you want to hear, but I've seen too many nervous, angsty, aggressive cats who've come from homes with small children. Most reputable shelters won't rehome a kitten with children younger than 5/6.

If you really want a cat, perhaps talk to your local shelter about an older, more placid cat who's had some experience around older children already. That way, you stand a much better chance of ending up with a happy cat and happy, cat-loving children.

Sorry - didn't mean to post that when I did. I was about to finish by saying that if I were you, I'd wait until things with your new baby are settled into a routine and then get a cat - much easier to fit the cat into your existing life than to coax it out of habits it's already formed.

i understand what you're saying attenborough. this is why im trying to gather as much information and prepare before we actually get one. i've spoken to my husband re: rehoming as i'm a firm advocate of rehoming animals, but he would like a kitten. i'm trying to work from both angles (we might end up with an older kitty)

if kitten is the way to go, i will be taking on a kitten that has been around very young children from birth, meeting the kitten in its home before we make any "taking home decisions" and i've heard a lot of success stories. my closest friend has a 1 yar old and rescued a very ill kitten and they are all doing very very well.

reading up, i know with the proper care and attention given it can be done which is why im posting. im not someone to enter into anything lightly and with a whole lot of research behind me.

:) dont worry. reading your other post on kitten and children, the covered bed was something i was considering getting. placing it in the room well before we got the cat and teaching my son its a no go area well before anything inhabits it.

I waited until my youngest was 2yrs old - it's just the whole thing about little ones crawling around and eating cat food/cat litter etc.
It's a MAJOR hassle handling cat poo when you're pregnant too (toxoplasmosis risks).
I have 3 young kids and 2 young cats and they all get on fine now, but make it easy on yourself and wait a while.
We had guinea pigs who lived outside which was a great interim pet for little people as you can control where they poo, and also when the kids have access to handle them.