We would like to adopt a cat as a family pet, we've two children 6, and 4, both have some experience around animals.
I've registered with Cats Protection, Battersea etc but DH isn't keen - says you never know why they've ended up there. I've said they'd never place a cat with kids if it wasn't safe, but DH would rather adopt one locally so we can see where it's come from. The suitable cats at these places do tend to be much older too, and we would prefer a younger cat.
A kitten is kind of off the cards as we'd like one that won't scratch the house to shreds and where we can be sure of the suitability for children. We have a few weeks off work now but from mid Sept it's back to work, so I don't think we've time to settle and train a kitten.
I've found a cat via a local Facebook group. The owner is in a flat and has a 9 month old baby, she's sent pics of them on a playmat together. Very cute. She's going back to work and says it's unfair on the cat so she's looking to rehome it. Cat is litter trained and great with the baby.
The cat is 6 months old. She's not been vaccinated or neutered as she's been an indoor only pet (not sure that's a valid reason but it is what it is). We'd obviously sort all that out as a priority.
The owner has said we can go to see the cat with our DC, but I guess my main question is whether you think this cat could be suitable for us?
We'd eventually like it to go outdoors, we have a safe garden and would install a cat flap. I appreciate that'll take some training but I understand indoor cats do naturally want to explore so can be introduced to the outdoors.
Does the background raise alarm bells (no vaccines?) or would you be happy to go visit with a view to bringing her home (via the vets!)?
Many thanks!