New potential cat owner!

[Dancergirl]

After a long hard think about pets (have considered guinea pigs and hamsters), we have decided to get a cat from a rescue centre. I'm just feeling a bit nervous about the responsibility as we've never had pets before.

My children are 10, 8 and 4 and they all love cats. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for when choosing a cat? The rescue centres give some info which is helpful but for example, what sort of age should I look for? And boy/girl or doesn't it matter?

We have a cosy utility room for the cat to sleep/eat with a door out to the garden which we would put a cat flap into.

Dh isn't that keen though but he's agreed as long as he doesn't have to do anything! He is a bit concerned about scratching the furniture - is that common? Would a scratching post help?

Any other advice or tips for first time cat owners? Thanks.

Ooh how exciting! I love cats and we've always had them. I'm definitely not an expert but I have experience of acquiring both cats and kittens and would personally say I can't see any difference between which you get. You do have to bear in mind that an older cat may or may not experience health problems earlier but having said that I've usually only had cats that have turned out to be healthy so that's never been an issue. With an older cat you get more of an idea about what they are like - kittens can be more of an unknown. But also in a rescue centre situation both may not be quite how they are when with you due to the stress and other cats being around etc.

Cats do scratch sometimes - it depends on the cat. I have one cat now and she has a scratching post which does help but tbh she does have a go on the carpet now and again. You can get sprays I think although I've never tried them myself.
Have you looked at Cats Protection League website? They have fact sheets which might help.
With regards to boy/girl I don't think it matters at all. Cats are individuals and are all different in nature. The only thing I would say is have your cat neutered esp if it's a boy as this stops them going on the prowl and spraying etc.

Cats very much look after themselves - your children will be delighted and your Dh won't have to do anything!

Very excited for you. I have always had cats. The last 3 have been one year old (ish) from rescue centres. We have always had females as I believe their territory isn't as big as males.
The children also love cats but they wouldn't go anywhere near the litter tray (don't forget you will need to keep the cat in for a few weeks) and even now they refuse to feed her. They say the cat food smells too much

We have adopted 2 6 month old girls from cats protection. 5 weeks on - they are just lovely. We all adore them - even DH who was indifferent is smitten. We have the same set up - utility room for sleeping/eating plus cat flap and it works perfectly. Enjoy!

Cats protection are very good. They will only rehome cats which have been neutered and they do vaccinations too. We got our minx from there and she has been a joy. She was around 9-10 months so an independant cat but still plenty of fun. She is black and white and I have read that b/w are more affectionate than other colours? Our Cats Protection place was very clear about which cats they thought suitable for a young family so see what they suggest when you go to look round.

Apparently there's a problem rehoming black cats and black and white cats in our area. Thet aren't 'pretty' enough apparently.

Black cats are great, my cats best friend is a black cat. My cat has made it very clear I am not allowed to fuss it.

Tortieshells are bonkers. You need a confident cat if you have kids.

Get lots of toys for the first few weeks when it has to be kept in. Ping pong balls and fishing rod toys are good. Your children can play and bond with the cat. Don't be surprised if the new cat hides for a bit when it first arrives-it will come out from under the settee/bed eventually, usually for food.

I love ginger cats but there don't seem to be many of them around!