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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Kittens and toddlers?

33 replies

PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 29/06/2017 11:46

I've had cats since I was 10. My most recent lovely boy (pictured) sadly passed away after a stroke in January aged 14. He was never particularly happy after DS arrived 2 years ago, though, he was a grumpy old man and didn't like sharing the attention!

We've got to the point now where we're really missing feline company and are considering getting two new kitteh additions to the family. But I have no experience of kittens + toddlers. Is it a good idea?

We are off on holiday in late September, though, so it would be after that. Open to rescue kittens or private sale. Only shorthair mogs, though, not into fancy or expensive breeds. I work from home so am here all day. Both sets of neighbours would be available for cat-sitting should we be away in the future. We have a garden, live on a quiet cul-de-sac and could put in a cat flap if necessary. Vet is just round the corner.

DS is pretty good at following orders, he knows to not be overly friendly to cats on the street, asks me before stroking them, is quite gentle and will leave them alone if they're not into humans/him. He does love them though! So WWYD?

OP posts:
Allergictoironing · 29/06/2017 12:25

Kittens & toddlers don't usually mix that well, better an adult rescue that's used to children. Toddlers tend to be a bit grabby & rough, which can lead to both scared kittens & scratched toddlers. And kittens can be so fragile, an accident (more likely with very small children) can really hurt them.

roofio87 · 29/06/2017 14:23

We just got a rescue (of sorts, re-homed from a friend of a friend) 2 year old cat and have a 3 yo ds. The cat is very gentle and placid and used to children so it has worked well both ways. My friend has just gotten a kitten and ds is really not keen, she is very jumpy and scratchy as kittens are and he doesn't like being around her much. Maybe try a rescue for a slightly older cat?

Original poster
PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 29/06/2017 15:03

Yes, I was wondering about maybe a pair of 1 year old cats - but I don't think we'll have an awful lot of luck finding them. I really want more than one so they can keep each other company.

Do you often find adult pairs in rescues? I've had a look at the local websites but there doesn't seem to be much information - appreciate they're working on a budget.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 29/06/2017 15:23

I'd ring around and ask. You never know what's out there.

Allergictoironing · 29/06/2017 15:52

Mine are a pair - litter brother & sister (as far as the rescue could tell) from a feral colony. They had at least 2 other pairs of cats there that had recently come in, both from elderly people who could no longer keep cats (I think one may have died Sad )

Some rescues, especially smaller ones, do keep cats in pairs or small groups, so they know who does & doesn't get on.

Wolfiefan · 29/06/2017 15:54

Pinky we got two kittens last September. End of the kitten season! Both kids were brought to tears by the biting and scratching. Moving feet were a favourite target.
Our first two were a mum 2 yrs and son 18 months. (Yes you read that right. SadAngry 6 months age difference!) They were young enough to be playful but old enough to have manners. We had her until she was 19.

Good luck with your search. Perhaps a hint as to vague area could help people on here recommend a rescue.

Original poster
PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 29/06/2017 16:09

I'm in south Manchester. I don't want to ring round just now as we're not ready for them yet, but I will in a few months.

My previous little friends were all private sale. My only experience of rescue cats were a couple my friend had - she never saw them, they were traumatised and constantly hiding under furniture, poor souls. Much as I feel for them, this kind of cat wouldn't fit into our home, which I why I thought kittens might be the way to go. Plus it's what I know.

You're all right though - I remember looking like I'd been dragged through a thorny bush when handsome up there was teeny! Not a good look on a toddler, really.

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stressystressy · 29/06/2017 16:25

Please, please, please don't be guided by the experience of your friend. I foster for several rescues, and some cats just walk confidently out of the carrier within minutes of arrival - as if they've been there forever! Take time finding the right cat(s) for your family.

Wolfiefan · 29/06/2017 16:33

Our rescue mum and son pair were happy and confident from day one. Made themselves right at home!

isseywithcats · 29/06/2017 17:20

you shouldnt have any trouble finding a pair of young cats, at our centre our hardest to rehome are pairs as not everyone wants two cats at the same time , whichever rescue you decide on look at thier website, get in touch with the rescue , and make sure you go for confident cats who like children, it may mean you wait a little while longer, but all rescues have waiting lists of cats waiting to come in, i would say cats around 4 months to 1 year would be robust enough to cope with a toddler and as you say hes gentle with your neighbours cat

Original poster
PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 29/06/2017 18:59

I think you've helped me make up my mind, thank you!

I'll give it until after our holiday then call round the local rescue centres and ask for a pair of young adults.

Anyone know what a home visit entails? Anything that would disqualify us?

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Wolfiefan · 29/06/2017 20:56

They may look to see how busy the road is. (If they will be outdoor cats.) Worth thinking where cats will have access to. (Ours aren't allowed in kids' bedrooms.) where will food and litter trays go? If LO is very young how will you keep cat safe? Vets? Arrangements for holidays? Beds? (Like they will use them?!)
Good luck.

FoxSticks · 29/06/2017 21:04

Just to add to experiences, both rescue cats that I have had as an adult have been absolutely wonderful. Confident, good with the kids and real lapcats. The one kitten we've had was a bloody nightmare. All the biting and flying around drove me mad! I've sworn off kittens for life.

Original poster
PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 29/06/2017 21:49

Last cat was a downstairs (no bedrooms) and an outside cat. Litter tray in the utility room, food in the kitchen. Keeping cat safe from DS - in my experience cats can take care of themselves Grin He'll soon learn anyway.

Glad to know rescue cats are lovely too! I did have a bit of a worry.

The road parallel to this one is a bus route, but not a major thoroughfare or anything - is that likely to be OK?

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Wolfiefan · 29/06/2017 21:51

Cats can unfortunately be lost on any road. Sure road should be fine. Keep cat in at night.
Sorry if I sounded like I was suggesting DS was a menace. I really wasn't! Just a new cat may want high spaces to escape and be able to get away from a small child who may try and pick it up or cuddle it.

ChinaRose · 29/06/2017 21:54

Get an adult female rescue. They don't venture far and a little feline deciplinw won't harm your toddler too much. My ds (2) has well and truly learnt his lesson now. She only swipes at him when she's had enough.

Vinorosso74 · 29/06/2017 22:45

Yes to an adult (or two) who are child friendly. A rescue will want the while family to meet the cats.
If you can adopt two do. The rescue I'm at find it takes longer to home pairs than singles.

timtam23 · 29/06/2017 23:58

If you are in south Manchester, and looking at rescues, try Rescue Kitties Manchester (Levenshulme based, they are on Facebook) they rescue stray kittens and pregnant females, foster them + the litters then re-home. Obviously mostly kittens but the mum cats are up for rehoming as well. Also posting on that Facebook page are a number of people who foster/re-home other adult cats so there's often a lot more choice than just kittens.
Millstream animal sanctuary (Droylsden area) also comes highly recommended in that S Manchester-ish area and there is the Society for Abandoned Animals in Sale. As well as the local RSPCA/CPL

Original poster
PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 30/06/2017 09:02

Oo, super thank you timtam, I'll have a look at them. We definitely want two, maybe three if I can persuade DH!

Are girls much different to boys once spayed? I've only ever had boys.

I dreamed about cats last night!! I so miss having them around.

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Original poster
PlinkyTheFairyWitch · 05/01/2018 22:08

I thought you guys might like a little update and to meet our new baby panthers!

We took your advice and adopted these beauties from the local RSPCA a month ago. They've now settled in nicely and are very much enjoying their new home. The poor mites were in the cattery for about 2 months before we rescued them and going a bit stir crazy. 2yo litter siblings as far as we can tell, soft as butter but very energetic and the most scavengey cats I've ever met!

So thank you all for encouraging us to adopt, it was absolutely the right decision Flowers

Kittens and toddlers?
OP posts:
Hs2Issue · 05/01/2018 22:15

They are very gorgeous cats. Hope they are training you all well.

Vinorosso74 · 05/01/2018 22:24

Beautiful cats! I like how one is keeping watch while the other sleeps.
So pleased you adopted from a rescue.

KittyLover91 · 05/01/2018 22:26

I have a Maine coon who will be 2 in June and he is wonderful and so patient with my niece and nephew who are 3 and 5.

We were especially worried about my niece who is the youngest and animal mad but when he's had enough of her he just gives her a little smack (with no claws) to let her know!

He really is a gentle giant 😊

thecatneuterer · 05/01/2018 22:43

What a lovely update. Enjoy your new family members.

Athaliah · 05/01/2018 22:46

Get in touch with a local cat rescue centre. You can visit and they can advise you.