Cat choice help

[Dirtystreetpie]

Hi, we are a family of 4, our children are 7 and 5. We have an enclosed back garden and live rurally but close to a main road. Neighbours have had outdoor cats and at least 3 have been lost to cars

We would really like to get a cat, ideally a rescue but with our children’s ages they just don’t come up for families.

Has anyone here had experience of Birmans or Ragdolls? These seem like they may be well suited to being an indoor/garden only cat and also good with children? Did you find them too high maintenance? We both work from home but are in and out daily with school runs, clubs, shopping etc

Any views appreciated. Thanks

Take a look at Katzecure fencing, it would solve your worries about being run over xx

Would a catio or cat proofing your garden be an option? I adopted a cat that had never been outside, I thought she was pretty happy until she made a dash for it. She is definitely happier being allowed outdoors.
www.purrfectfence.com/blogs/guides/cat-proof-fence-guide-different-options-effectiveness-ideas

www.4mypet.co.uk/catio-cat-lean-to-9ft-x-6ft-x-7.5ft-tall-with-lots-of-shelves-and-ladders?language=en&currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwyvaJBhBpEiwA8d38vJouGyK_7pY0nJMn8a2L-J9bPknpJxi8FSWyyCh7yIlz15gKcv6lxhoC8b8QAvD_BwE

We have a ragdoll and she is amazing! So cuddly and friendly - comes running when you call her.

She needs to be played with a few times a day to tire her out but that’s to be expected for any kitten.

Grooming wise pretty low maintenance - ragdoll fur doesn’t get very matted.

We take her in the garden sometimes on a harness and she likes that!

If you do get a ragdoll make sure the breeder is gccf registered :)

We have a rag doll - when we got her the breeder said to keep her inside as she would easily get out of the garden, but she has never tried so far (she is 9). She is very affectionate and vocal though doesn’t have the very laid back rag doll personality you read about. I often say our Persian is more rag doll as you can literally hold him like a baby and he just lays back and enjoys it 😊

I put of f getting a cat because I live near a fairly busy road. Then I discovered Persians. They don't jump so stay in my enclosed garden. They really aren't keen on the big wide world.

Persians are just the best cats ever. But that they behave like cats. My worktops are safe!

Are they good with kids and the family as a whole or only affection with their chosen favourite?

Our ragdoll is friendly with everyone! Even our cleaner commented that she followed her round even when she’s hoovering!

My short haired Persian adores people. She is also very soppy and vocal. Like ragdolls, they aren't the brightest!

Does anyone have any experience with a Birman cat? Thanks

Hi I have had a number of birmans and they are generally very loving and sweet natured and happy to be indoor or take a quick tour round the garden. Any questions, pm me.

A friend of mine has a Birman, he sleeps in the sink and thinks he's a dog apparently!

Just wanted to say hope you find your cat soon ! We are exactly same position, busy roads around so probably need an indoor cat. Same age kids too :)

I spend my days browsing local rescues online and have seen so many lovely cats I would adopt in a heartbeat if I didn't have a family !

Its a bit of a catch 22.

Super energetic cats that need to have large outdoor space to expend energy and hunt are usually pretty 'wired' (ie. in an edgy state) when out and about. Those are the ones which are pretty alert although you think they might be the ones more likely to be hit; usually they aren't.

The more docile cats are generally lackadaisical and don't have such a large hunting and roaming territory and aren't as bothered about getting out or being confined. However they are the ones more likely to carelessly waltz into a road.

So I would probably look at the breeds of cats the neighbours have which have been hit and the breeds which havent.