New Cat person

hello I was pointed to this forum...I am looking at getting a cat for my daughter who will be turning 9 and am wondering what type of cat I should get for her..It would need to be a docile cat...one that doesnt shed much, so I guess short hair would be good...what about the claws..I worry that with children the cat will get angry and use its nails..I sometimes worry that they will scratch children in the face, eyes..and how do you prevent that from happening...
the old do you clip the nails...do you de-claw...Ive been told not to de-claw so that is fine..but what are alternatives to that...and what should I be looking at when getting a cat..age...gender..type..pretty much everything..any guidance would be appreciated..thanks in advance..wish me luck

guaca

Hi guaca,

Welcome to the boards! Has your daughter specifically asked for a cat? Is she prepared to be somewhat responsible for the care of this cat? If you go to shelters near you, there is a strong possibility that there will already be a declawed kitty somewhere in the cages-BUT before you decide to take a declawed cat home, understand that something landed that cat in the shelter to be surrendered, and that was more than likely negative behavior that results from cats being subjected to having their claws yanked out and their toes amputated. Sorry, but I make no pretense to being completely anti de-claw! So chances are good, especially if all four paws have been declawed that this cat is a biter- as it is the only defense it has been left with.

Getting a child a cat or kitten is not always a great idea. The child should be responsible and willing to do everything they can for this cat. If you want a cat who doesn't scratch, all cats scratch, it is a mechanism they are born with. Even short hair cats shed, so you would have to look at the hairless breeds like the Sphynx but then you are talking about a great deal of money, and a cat who is high maintenance.

If you are sure you want to get a cat for your daughter, then I would suggest and older cat who has been at a local shelter for quite some time. They stand less a chance of getting adopted out, and the older cats after they settle down in their new place, are usually so grateful to be out of the cage, they are your friend for life.

I would make your selection carefully, and again, I would not get a kitten, I would go with about a 4-5 year old.

Best of luck!

Hissy you are so great . I do agree with you 100% . A older cat would be much better guaca , remember that you also would save a life if you do . And WELCOME guaca , hope you have a lot of fun

Welcome!!!! MA's Great, it's best ya listen to her

Sam.

Hi, guaca!

Me 3, Hissy has good advice!

You may also want to visit the shelter a few times to see how your daughter likes the cats, too, and to see that she is not allergic.

An adult cat (barring one with behavior problems) will not usually scratch a child's face unless provoked. Make sure your daughter understands how to handle a cat gently, and that cats don't usually like loud noises and sudden movements. The shelter may also be able to steer you toward a cat that's used to being around children; lots of times there will be perfectly sweet cats there that were surrendered to to the owner's allergies.

As for furniture scratching, the behavior forum has GREAT hints!

Welcome to the site! Although a pet may be a "gift" for a child, be sure that YOU are willing to take over the responsibility for caring for the cat. Realistically, most kids can't/won't do it. They have homework, sports, other after-school activities, and it is way too easy for them to forget about scooping the litter or changing the water. An animal is not a tool to teach a child about responsibility (not saying you, personally, would, but I have seen parents let an animal go neglected to "teach their children a lesson").

I agree with the others, too. Check out your local shelters/rescue orgs. Make sure to tell them that you have children and want a cat that would be good with children. It is still very important to teach your kids the right way to pick up, carry and treat the cat but some cats are just naturally more mellow than others.

HELLO!

Welcome! I hope you're still around! We'd love to get to know you.

Hello!! Welcome to the board!

Welcome-welcome-welcome!