Looking at Rescue Cats tomorrow, what should we ask/do?

[laweaselmys]

We're not getting a kitten, as we have a toddler.

I got some books from the library but I'm still feeling clueless.

How can we work out how DD friendly they are if she has a shy moment and doesn't want to engage with the cats?

There will be a lot of information on the cats and to be honest you will just get a feeling about the cat as you meet them.

I have had three rescue cats - the last time I managed to find two tabby 9 month old 'kittens' we took our children and one of the kittens was really 'chatty' and interested in them so it was an easy choice. They are absolutely lovely.

Good Luck - I hope you find someone.

If the cat is really friendly to you then chances are she will be with your dd as well. We got our cat from Cats protection last January. She was 10 months old and has already had a litter of kittens. She was delighted to meet us and has remained extremely friendly ever since. You do just get a feeling that's the cat for you

You're allowed to handle the cats in the cages if the cats in questions are up for that so that will give you a good indication. Don't rule out kittens on the basis of having a toddler. If they have been with their siblings they'll be used to a bit of argy bargy and can actually be really friendly and more tolerant than you might think.

I am typing this with one of my 14 week old rescue snoozing in my lap. The 4 month old is hiding under a bed upstairs.

I like a challenge.

Dont dismiss the older cats either. I got a pair from cats protection 6 years ago aged 9 and 13. the eldest died last year and the youngest still going strong. The eldest was the sofest lovliest cat i have ever met.

They were more chilled being older i think.

Also i think you do just have an affinity with certain cats on the day. A bit vague though sorry.

Ask the shelter questions about how they came in, what they know about where they'd lived before, how they behaved at their vet check (the shelter will have done one before they come to you). Ideally, you (with a toddler) should be looking for a cat who doesn't have a history of being badly treated, as they're the cats who will react badly to loud noises, flailing toddlers etc. Doesn't mean they aren't lovely cats, but just not right for your family right now.

We foster cats and have lots of toddler visitors to our house and more of our cats than not have been fine with little children. One was really afraid of them and hid under our sofa or behind me the whole time that our visitors were here, but you'd have picked that up from taking the toddler to see him in a shelter. Watch their behaviour - remember that a wagging tail in a cat is a stress sign, not the thumbs-up that it is in a dog. A cat who'll walk towards your LO and even headbut him/her would be perfect - headbutting is basically a cat cuddle.

We've just come back and the staff were great. Cut it down to four cats they thought would be good for us.

There was actually only one much older cat there, and the rest were kittens or 6mths-a yearish.

We've put our name down for an 8mth boy whose recovering from being hit by a car. Super friendly and came up to DD - who was very happy too!

Very excited! Just have to have a home check now. Anyone know what they are looking for?

They'll be checking to see how close you are to any busy roads, what the outdoor space is like, and possibly if you have a catflap. If you don't already have a catflap, plan to have one as they make your life and your cat's life much better!

Absolutely. They'll also give you advice on feeding, when to let the cat out and so on.

Our landlord is a big cat person, so there is helpfully a cat flap already! (Also he doesn't mind us having a pet which is nice.)

Technically I know everything should be fine, but just feeling nervous all the same.