Total cat newbie - where do I start???

[GaryWilmottsTeeth]

We are starting to think about getting a cat, possibly this Christmas.

My DC have been asking for ages and I do like the idea of having one but I've been waiting until the kids are old enough (now 6 and 4). We have plenty of room, inside and out.
I have no idea where to start though. Can anyone recommend a good website/book for beginners so I can have a read up.
As for the actual cat/kitten itself, I have a friend who is a senior RSPCA vet so I'm hoping she can point me in the right direction.

Any basic starting advice would be gratefully received!!

Many rescue places suspend adoptions around Christmas. To stop them being given as Christmas presents and busy house holds are not good for settling in new pets.
Cats are amazing pets. But you will no longer be the boss in your own house. 2 cats are far better than just one.

I think you’ll struggle to adopt over Christmas & with a 4yo it’s a shit time to be a new cat in a family.

Thanks for the replies. Out of interest, what's a better age for the kids to be? If it makes a difference, DD is the 6yo, DS is 4. Their birthdays are close together in the Summer, would it be better to wait until they turn 7 and 5?

What about The Happy Cat Handbook pippamattinson.com/the-happy-cat-handbook/

The authors have a website too: www.thehappycatsite.com/

Another idea might be to look for cat care books for children. That will help the older one at least read up on what to do and will reinforce messages from you, like not trying to pick up a cat while it is sleeping. My library is open for limited visits and you can search the catalogue and click and collect so if you do eventually buy a book you have borrowed, it will be one you know is good.

Michael Rosen has just written a children's book about a cat - despite being in intensive care for weeks with COVID-19 - but it won't be published until 2022. By that time, with luck, you and your children will already be happy and experienced cat owners!

The kids' ages are not an issue as such, it comes down to their personalities though. Understanding cats have their own boundaries and will not always want to be touched or picked up etc.

More importantly though you just need to find the right cat and I would recommend an adult cat. Much easier than having a kitten and you can choose a cat that is confident, friendly and generally suitable for a home with younger children. It's worth finding your local smaller cat charities to talk to, as they tend to be much more flexible in pairing the right cats with the right homes (larger charities sometimes have blanket policies).

Christmas is generally not the best time as it's so busy for most families with people visiting in large groups and lots of noise and generally no normal routine. Mind you, this year may be a bit different with covid anyway...