2006-07-23 17:28:47 · 16 answers · asked by gadawgfan 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
its actually best to get a mixed breed cat - because unless you are going to be showing it, having a pure bred isnt important and purebreds often have more problems due to some inbreeding (problems with urinary tract, diabetes, mental health)
I would suggest getting a cat from the animal shelter where you can have a large selection and can ask which cats are better with kids
NEVER Get a kitten with kids that age - kittens are very "claw agressive" and kids that age often do not hold them properly (they tend to squeeze them around the middles rather than supporting them from their bums) and an adult cat will be smart enough to leave if he or she doesnt want to be pestered by the kids - a kitten will come to hate the kids if bothered too much
SO I suggest a cat - and if you get one that is allready spayed or neutered that is even better!!!
DO NOT declaw - declawing often makes cats slightly more edgy/nervous/paraniod - often declawed cats become nervous biters.
so my main point is : Go to your local animal shelter (SPCA) and ADOPT and adult cat that you feel is relaxed and gentle enough for your family and do not let the kids maul the cat.
2006-07-23 18:03:32 · answer #1 · answered by CF_ 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I would reccommend a grey tabby or a calico. Both breeds tend to be pretty laid back, especially females who have had kittens before. This is not always true for every cat, so be sure to test a cat's personality before you adopt it and also find out if it has previous experience with kids. Kids and cats can get along just fine, as long as it is the right cat, and as long as you teach your kids how to handle them properly. I had my first cat when I was three, and we were best friends.
2006-07-23 17:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by celery_endaliel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe it has to due with the breed. If your cats get along with other cats then you can always start out with a kitten becuase they naturally love to be around with their brothers and sister's so I would say it depends on your cats not the breed.
2006-07-23 17:31:31 · answer #3 · answered by KJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a regular cat go to the vet see if they have any. A cat will let kids carry them around by the neck.. You don't need a pure breed unless you plan to turn it into a show cat..
2006-07-23 17:32:23 · answer #4 · answered by conundrum_dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really, any type of cat will probally work. Try a simple breed like a Brown Tabby: Very calm, wont bite, gentle, and lovable. Or, take your kids to your local pound and have them interact with the cats, to see which ones they like, which ones are super children-friendly (which most cats are), and which one (s) you might like in your household.
Good Luck!
2006-07-23 17:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by Shannon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tabbies and tuxedo domestic shorthair cats seem to be very mellow, not to mention very attractive cats. i do not reccommend getting them declawed, however, because cats can very easily get an infection in their feet from it. i think the best option for you is almost any cat breed except a siamese cat, or any other "wilder" breeds.......try visiting www.petsmart.com for better ideas.
2006-07-23 18:13:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Siamese and Persians are pretty temporamental. Don't look for a breed though. Look for a kitten that is laid back and sleeping despite being pounced by brothers and sisters but that is also playful when it's awake.
2006-07-23 17:37:01 · answer #7 · answered by rltouhe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think any breed is fine (maybe not a siamese), but get a kitten, older cats may not handle kids so well.
2006-07-23 17:34:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think male siomese cats are cool with toddlers cause I had this one siomese cat that i grew up with one since i was under a year old and kept it for 21 years untill it died of old age but me i would wrestle with it.His name was barny,I play around with it and it nevr hurt me when i was was a little kid.
2006-07-23 19:20:53 · answer #9 · answered by eric r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are their cats or are their you children?
if they are your children the best to do is to do is to go to your local shelter and tell the woman there you have two very young kids and you wish to adopt a cat, one that is gentle and won't be afraid from children.
i advice you to adopt an adult cat which personality is already known.
just know that since your kids are young most of the responsibility will full on yours and your wife hands, be sure your ready for it.
2006-07-24 10:04:19 · answer #10 · answered by hot_for_georgeclooney 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋