We want to get a cat (or maybe two)...

[GushiStuff]

What do I need to do / know / research?

You seem like a knowledgable lot!

Get four

I'd try to get older cats as the cat charities find them harder to rehome. Everyone wants cute fluffy kittens, but tend to overlook the older ones,

I couldn't be bothered with training kittens and the mess involved, so I got a 3 year old Tom who'd been abandoned. He is so sweet and I couldn't wish for a nicer cat.

Hmmm...the DC are set on fluffy kittens, to be honest. They have wanted a cat/s for years and I have finally been worn down (love cats, had them as a child, but was slow to take on the idea of more responsibility ).

I have no clue where to start, though. Am just googling cats now.

Get one, unless you have a big house/live in an area with very few cats.

Adult cats are a better bet. That way you know what their personality is.

Whatever you do go to a rescue, whether for adults or kittens. The people who work in the rescue are very knowledgeable and good at matching people and their situations with the cats/kittens in their care.

If you rescue you are helping to save the life of a cat or two. If you buy you are contributing to the welfare problem by encouraging yet more cats to be brought into a world with too few homes to go round.

Two cats are often better than one if you get a bonded pair. If you get small kittens you really should get two as small kittens get very distressed when removed from their mother and siblings. They like to have a sibling for comfort, to sleep with and to play with.

as cat neuterer said get in touch with your local rescue they will discuss with you which kittens or cats are best suited to your family and will know which of their resis are suitable for your family

We have just adopted a 2.5 year old male cat from the Blue Cross, and he is gorgeous, extremely playful and affectionate. We were impressed by how much time the Blue Cross spent with us asking abour our family, ages of children, type of house/garden we have, if we've owned a cat previously etc. They 'matched' us with our cat (bit like a dating agency!) and so far so good. We all love him although he's only been with us a little over two weeks. Our last cat lived until 17 and died a year ago, so it's been like a tonic for us all to have a lovely cat in the house again.