First time cat owners.

[IvyTheCat]

What do I need to know?

Two teenagers who are keen as is DH. DD has struggled with mental health issues and I think it would be good for her.

DH had cats growing up but that was a while ago and I didn’t. I wfh so will be around a lot.

Can anyone recommend some good reading.
Do we get kittens or a rescue?

just want to make absolutely sure that it’s the right decision and that we can give a cat a good life before we commit.

A rescue cat might come with some baggage but their personalities will be there. They will be quieter and more inclined to sleep.

Kittens can be crazy and fun, and then zonk out in your arms. If you get a moggie their personality as an adult is less determined although pedigrees are more reliable.

Regardless, be prepared for the cat to be The Boss in the house!

100% rescue! Even if you get a kitten I would get it from a rescue centre, we got our two cats from a rescue centre when they were about 5 months old.

They were so shy at first, and the rescue centre said one of them would never be a “lap cat” as she never left her bed. Safe to say three years later she’s loves to sleep on our laps or curl up on the sofa, seeing their personalities shine has been amazing!

We got 2 rescue kittens - prepare for damage to sofas and curtains

Find a local rescue where all the cats are fostered in volunteers’ homes. They’ll be able to tell you what the cats are like to live with & match you to the right one, & it also means the cats will be used to household noises like washing machines etc.

They’ll also have lots of kittens if that’s what you want, but I’d always go for a young adult. Still playful but a bit more sensible.

Having said that, I adopted my girl when she was 5 & she’s the best cat ever.