were thinking about getting a cat?

Question

my husband and i are thinking about getting a cat. weve never had one before. is it best to get a kitten, or an older cat?
we also have a 2 yr old daughter....what would be best for our situation?
thnks!!

we would be getting a rescue pet- either from the humane society or from a petstore that does rescue adoptions

Answer 1

I would look into a kitten. It will grow up with your little girl and an older cat may not tolerate her as well. Wouldn't want to see her get scratched. My 2 year old Loves cats. Well she loves anything with 4 legs and fur, but my mother's cats run and hide when she is there.

Answer 2

Yer thats a fab idea, cats are lovely! Personally, i would look up in your paper and look around for people advertising kittens. It's great adopting older cats and giving them a good home, but considering that you have a two year old daughter you would'nt be able to change an older cat to what it was used to and alot of older cats (adopted) are spitefull especially if they have been mistreated in the past. And also if you are very house-proud then a ktten would be best.

Having a kitten- you would be able to teach the kitten to how you live your life, such as i know my mum never used to like her cat going up stairs so when it was younger, it was taught not to go upstairs and she never did go up there, this is probly best so that cat knows whats right and wrong in your house. And also having a younger daughter, the cat would know how to act around her (if you know what i mean).

But Good Luck on whatever you decide to do!

Hope you get a kitten xxx


Cameron

Answer 3

A kitten would be your best bet but not a new-born. Look for a 3 to 6 month old kitten. They will be old enough to handle the sometimes rough treatment that a 2 year old will unintentionally dish out. Make sure to get all the proper supplies for the kitten and once you have one be sure to teach your daughter that when the kitten is eating or using the litter box she is not to be touched. You might also want to have somewhere for the kitten to go and hide when she needs a nap or a break from your daughter. Good luck and have fun with your new friend.

Answer 4

As an adoption counselor for ten years I would definitely advise you NOT to get a kitten. Shelters or humane societies have volunteer people who are trained to help select the right cat for your home.

A one or two or five year old cat who may have come from a family with young children would be a great choice and you will still have to train your two-year old to sense when the cat does not want her attentions.

Kittens are not good with young children - the child wants to hold and cuddle it - the kitten struggles to get away - the child squeezes tight to restrain it. So the kitten learns to avoid the child at all costs - usually hiding under a bed or something where no one can reach it. Then the kitten grows up to be a very undersocialized cat that no one enjoys having in the house.

An older cat can easily jump up out of the way of the "marauding" child when it wants to nap or whatnot. Older cats still want to play - I have fourteen year old cats who cannot resist a cat dancer or feather toy. Your little girl can be trained to play with the cat this way and not get hurt and have fun with the cat.

I have a picture of my forty year old son (when he was about 18 months old) sitting in a chair with his pacifier in his hand trying to keep it away from the cat! The cat was about two, three years old. The cat was his "Ga-gee" (he couldn't say George) and slept in his bedroom at night.

Answer 5

You should definitely get a kitten. It will be better able to deal with a rambunctious 2yr old. Keep in mind that although cats tend to be self sufficient when they get older, they still need lots of attention & care. This is not a short commitment. We had a cat that lived 21yrs. They are wonderful pets & adorable when they are kittens. Just remember that they will grow up & not always be so adorable. Be sure you are ready for the commitment that pet owner ship requires. It would be unfair to both the cat & you guys if you ended up giving it away or worse having it euthanized.

Answer 6

Human Society- They Will Sit Down With You And Help You Diside. There Are So Many Animals That Need Homes. And Needed To Be Loved==========good luck===mks=7-15-02

Answer 7

I have had a cat all my life. It would be best for you to get a kitten because of your daughter so that she and the kitten can have that bond and you and your husband as well. With an older cat it may tend to run and be afraid of your daughter because babies like to grab and hold and run after. Also let your daughter pick out the kitten she might appreciate it more

Answer 8

I would look for a cat. Go to a shelter and you can let your daughter meet the cats and see which ones are friendly to her. A lot of cats abandoned at shelters are even declawed.

A kitten will have lots of energy and not know when to avoid scratching/biting. That's how kittens play. Two year olds and kittens tend to not mix for other reasons, as well. One step on fall in the wrong direction, by your daughter, will leave you with a broken, expensive to fix, kitten. Kittens are fragile and not as quick to get out of the way as adults are.

Answer 9

It best to get a kitten. Because then you cat teach the new cat the way you want to teach it. Older cat may or may not like kids, so it you got a kitten it well grow up with your daugther and they will be the bestest of friends. And don't wear to munch about litter training it easy all your have to is show the kitten the litter box a coulp times and that it. There a great animal to have. Best of lucky.

Answer 10

You should wait until your daughter is older. Every 2 yr old I've seen coming in contact with my cats has kicked them, pinched them, and tried to pick them up. Its innocent play, of course, but the cats don't like it and the kids always end up getting scratched. That can make them afraid of/dislike cats forever. One little boy nearly killed a kitten, simply because he was too rough- and telling him not to be didn't seem to matter.

Unless you're going to be able to keep a CONSTANT eye on your child when the cat is around, don't get one yet. If you do, make it a kitten... less dangerous. Much cuter.