Thinking of getting a cat or kitten

[HufftheHedgehog]

DS (5) and DD (3) have been asking for a pet for a long time. I'm really keen to get a cat or kitten, as we had cats when I was growing up (feral ones really that got a little bit tame....), and DS and DD found a ginger cat on holiday that they were fascinated with :)

So I have a few questions. I want to get a cat from a rescue place, and thought either the local Cat Rescue or Cat Protection league, but I'm not sure if one would be better than the other?

Also, although I love the idea of maybe getting 2 kittens, I'm not sure if it would be better to get a slightly older cat as it will be larger and more able to look after itself? What would others recommend?

Sorry forgot to add that I work at home, so the cat/kitten would have company during the day, and we live on the outskirts of a small-ish town so not busy roads and we have a garden but no cat-flap yet!

With DC that young I'd go for an older cat, lots of rescues have 1yo's so still playful/not set in their ways but even older might give you less of a headache due to excitability.

Look at all your local rescues, ask them lots of questions eg do they offer long term support/advice, neutering, what/where for vets insurance.

A 3yo might need more adjustment to "playing" with said kitty so ask friends with cats of varying ages if you can "dry run" your DC.

2 Cats would be better than 1 imo.

I got 2 kittens when my youngest DC was 2.
The kittens soon got used to having a 2 yr old around them. Not sure if the kittens were more boisterous or my 2 yr old.
Consequently my cats are now fab with kids & very sociable. An older cat may not necessarily be good with children, or the children might frighten a cat who is maybe timid. Sometimes cats are re-homed because a new baby arrives, I have known of someone re home specifically because the cat was jealous of the baby.
If a child is a bit rough with a Kitten, the kitten will move ....Fast......
I have had cats for all of my 40+ years & have loved each one.
Good luck....have fun!

Tiny kittens are quite hard work and it's hard to judge what their personality is going to be like - though of course they're awfy cute...

With an older kitten or young adult cat it'll be much easier to tell what they're like and you miss all the mad climby attacky stage.

To be honest I'd just go and see what they have and see if there are any that will suit what you want

Hmm lots to think about! I know that there might not be that much choice anyway, but I suppose I wanted to have a think about what I'd prefer because I know if I go with DCs they'll fall in love with one or two and that will be it... especially if there are little kittens there :)

I think I'd prefer to get something 6 months - 1 or 2 years, but one that has been brought up with children about. I saw a lovely ginger cat that was a year old on the local cat rescue website, it said that she'd been brought up around children but had to be re-homed when it turned out her owner's child was allergic.

...not much choice.....??

Rescues are groaning with cats for rehoming at the moment!

Best of luck with getting one.

I hadn't realised it was that bad at the rescues :( I'll phone my local one and see if we can go in for a chat and a look round and take it from there...

If you can go without the DC first and make a short list, they could help you pick from that, rather than them wanting to take home 25 cats, lol

Are you in Manchester? There is a mum and kittens looking for a home on another thread.

Good idea tabulahrasa.

I would fine it very difficult to go to a rescue myself. Seeing all those little faces left behind in their cages - forbye one face was going home with you.

I couldnt go to a rescue either, I'd want them all.

I'd say get an adult cat too, then you know the personality of the cat.

Our cat is nothing like he was when we first met him at 17 weeks. He isnt trying to shag his sister for one thing.