How old should my kid be before I get a cat?

[AriadneThread]

Hi all
I really want another cat (had to re-home the last one when I was pregnant as he was pretty neurotic and wouldn't have coped with baby) but am aware that DD (age 2) is too young at moment and would cause it no end of grief.
Roughly when do you think kids and cats can live alongside each other in harmony?
Thanks!

We had a cat prior to dd bring born and never had an issue - what problems are you forseeing?

We had our cat prior to our dc being born. The cat didn't love sharing his house with newborns but coped. After that it was fine.

As long as it's a cat and not a kitten then any age should be fine, as long as the child is supervised in any interaction with the cat and taught not to hit/chase/pull tail etc etc. The key will be to find a cat that's fine with young children. Rescues generally know which they would be.

Hi OP.
On the basis that you have previously rehomed a cat due to being pregnant, I hope you've got your hard hat on.

To answer your question we had cats before we had children, and our children grew up with cats without any problems.

You've rehomed one. I wouldn't recommend a second.

Ah well, yes, I was answering the general question really, not addressing whether someone who has already rehomed a cat for a not very convincing reason should get another. That does of course put a different slant on it.

DS is 3 and we have a cat, we have since he was born. It’s been fine.

We got kittens when dc were 4 and 2. 4 year old was absolutely fine, 2 year old needed A LOT of supervision! It was much easier when we started to let them out - the cats generally just stay out of younger child's way (He's always been physically gentle with them but is loud and just can't control his volume). I think a lot depends on the temperament if your dc - older child is naturally calm and quiet and i think would have been fine at any age.

Probably around 19 so they can feel you've replaced them when they leave home.

I found from conception was a good age. But without rehoming any in the interim between then and having older dc.

Generally I'd agree with thecat, plus how accustomed dc are to animals and how much supervising you're willing to do. But to be blunt I'm not in favour of people that have got rid of pets before taking them on again in future. (Obviously barring genuine reasons when every other avenue has been fully explored).

We had cats before kids. They went out during the day and had safe and quiet spots to sleep at night. Baby didn’t bother them. Would never let a child chase or pull or shout at a cat.
Not sure what went wrong in your case.
Don’t get kittens. That’s for sure.

The OP rehomed the cat because the cat wouldn't have coped with the baby. Some cats really can't cope .org babies. My parents cat really would t be able to cope with one.

My cat spent the first night dc came home howling on the stairs!!
He has no tolerance for adults but was always gentle with dc.
Cats have more tolerance for dc than you you might think.

Both of my children were born with multiple cats in the home. There were never any problems whatsoever.

Wondering how people know a cat wouldn't cope with a baby, unless they have a crystal ball that has actually happened in a previous home.
Another one unimpressed at rehoming.
The answer is really it depends on the kid and the cat, but don't get one if you're going to rehome it at the first sign of an issue instead of work on it.

I can't believe how I've just been judged for this by a while bunch of people who have absolutely no knowledge of the situation with my previous cat.
Mumsnet has become a really unpleasant place since I was last here. I think those that have been judgemental here need to ask why they feel the need to spoil what is meant to be a supportive environment. I'm leaving Mumsnet now so don't bother writing any cutting replies.

You need to calm down, no one was mean to you! But I guess that dramatic response means you do feel a bit guilty about it, which you should.
Yes there are different circumstances but the way you wrote your post is all “I had to re-home the last one”. You make it sound like cats are disposable.

Had three cats prior to having children. The cats have since passed away and we are getting three kittens tomorrow 😁

Not age is too young imo as long as your children learn to respect the kittens/cats. You must also worm your cats to prevent any issues but otherwise I do bot foresee a problem.