Rescue cat.. what do I need to know?

[DoIDareDisturbTheUniverse]

Grew up with cats but have never had my own as an adult. I have a young DS (4) and he loves going to grandma's to see the cats. I'd like to get us a pet cat but would prefer to rehome than buy a kitten.
Can anyone give any helpful tips, or things that I'd need to know beforehand? We're very excited :)

Well done for thinking of a rescue. Kittens can be a PITA as well.

What sort of home do you have? And have you a nearby shelter? (You might well have to have a 'home check' before adopting. )

PS - have a look at some of the pics on this thread.

We got our 11 week old kitten from a shelter. We went to two shelters looking for a cat but all the cats at that time were to be rehomed at "quiet homes" and "homes without children". We have 3 dds and they are good kids but home is chaos! It was the shelter that suggested a kitten. I'm glad we got a kitten in the end because she just joins in with the chaos now and nothing fazes her.

Rehoming/rescuing is absolutely the way to go. You are not only helping the cat you ultimately offer a home to, but freeing up a space for the charity to help another cat.

Kittens are amazing but so much work! An adult cat will at least have a known personality so will be easier to match with your family. Try not to concentrate on colour or looks, but more on personality which will make for a better long term match.

Get an adult cat - you'll be able to see their personality.

Go slow and quiet. If cat doesn't do "cat things" straight away don't worry. We got ours and she was semi feral. She stayed hidden behind a chair in the corner for 2 months only coming out for food and even then only when she was sure we weren't around.

Before Christmas she started hanging out with us, letting us pat her (on her terms) and wanting to spend time with us. Now when I'm in the house she is like my shadow. Follows me everywhere.

Be patient. Don't buy too much (we bought a scratch post she hates it!). Invest in a feliway diffuser.

As gorgeous as kittens are. At least you know what you're getting with an adult cat, and Theres no training involved

The local rescue centre will be best able to advise you on which cat is suitable for your home, within reason. Sometimes they have the history of the animal which helps e.g. has lived with children, other pets before in busy home or prefers to be the only pet etc.

They will also be able to tell you how well the animal has settled into the rescue centre, whether they like being handled, inquisitive or scaredy cats etc. It is so sad as you never truly see them as how they would be in a loving safe comfortable home. I was told mine was a hunter that spent most of time outdoors when I picked her up to go home (I'm irrationally terrified of mice and just smiled and nodded). I desperately wanted her and you know what, she spends most of her time indoors and has hardly caught anything So they can be proved wrong too.

Mostly cats are creatures of habit and consistency is key - so not moving their furniture around a lot, feeding at same times, same routine can help them settle more quickly into a new home.

You can get kittens from rescue centres they often have 'residents' in their maternity wards or consider perhaps a younger, lively and energetic cat if that is what you think would suit your home. Laid back temperament and an older cat who didn't mind being petted by DC could work too? I think you just need to think carefully about how much time and effort you have to invest in them as PP say kittens are initially hard work (but rewarding of course).

Good luck and hope you find a perfect pet for its forever home, lovely that you are considering a rescue first

Give them time. Depending on their background it may take them a long time to fully settle. My pair took a year.