considering getting a cat

[popperdoodles]

we are seriously considering getting a cat. we have had cats many years ago, last one died 10 yrs ago. he got run over and we were so heartbroken we said never again but youngest d's age 7 has been asking and it's got us thinking about it again.
my concerns are......
we have a dog. she is getting on a bit and very placid but no idea how she would react. how should I introduce?
I am guessing you feed cat and dog separate. our dog would definitely try and eat the cat food too.
I am worried about them getting run over. is it possible to encourage a cat to stay close and not roam too far?
finally kitten or older cat? baring in mind we have 3 ds (aged 14,11 &7) and a dog?
any advice gratefully received.

A dog will likely know its place adjust just fine - but you could go for a more mature cat (eg from a rescue) and they might well know its history and/or have been able to assess its character for suitability with other animals and children.

Kittens are great fun but they can be hard work.

As you have a dog and you lost your previous cat to the road, then I think your only option will be an adult cat from a good rescue. I would go for age 5 or above.

The rescue should be able to find a cat for you that has been tested with dogs or has previously lived with dogs, and also one that has come from the street or a place with access to busy roads and so has a certain amount of road sense, or is a cat which is known to have very little inclination to wander far and is more of a lap cat.

How dangerous is your location? Is there very easy access to a busy road? If so then I think you need an older cat still - with very little inclination to wander. With so many children and a dog I don't think you would be any good for an indoor only home as you would find it difficult to keep the cat inside. Regardless you should aim to keep any cat in at night at least.

Another option would be to cat-proof your garden so that the cat could go into the garden but not be able to get out. A poster linked to cat-proof fencing recently which looked good.

thank you for the replies. behind our house backs on to fields but the road at the front is fairly busy, residential area, not a 60mph Rd but plenty of cars, not a quiet current cul de sac. our cat who got knocked down was black and it was evening time it happened. we got complacent about calling him in at night and the worst happened

Some cats don't want to go out, you could probably find a cat like that in a rescue.

Or even a pair