Anonymous wrote:And if you can, get a black cat. They are always the hardest to find homes for.

The black cats I’ve known have had great personalities.

Has your husband had cats?

Just remember don’t let your kids chase the cat. Cats don’t like being chased (unlike dogs). And you have to be super gentle with a cat to get it to like you. (No rough playing, like with a dog).

I always had girl cats. They are super nice.

Anonymous wrote:Since no one brought up breeds... 99% of the time I agree it doesn’t matter, but I brought in a savannah cat a couple of years ago from a family who “couldn’t handle her”. I told my husband, “whatever, she’s a cat!” Holy moly this cat is crazy. So, not that they’re easy to find, but if you stumble across an exotic of any kind, I would avoid it.

Is this what your cat looks like? That is what my cat looks like. She is tots tame now, it took years.

Anonymous wrote:Since no one brought up breeds... 99% of the time I agree it doesn’t matter, but I brought in a savannah cat a couple of years ago from a family who “couldn’t handle her”. I told my husband, “whatever, she’s a cat!” Holy moly this cat is crazy. So, not that they’re easy to find, but if you stumble across an exotic of any kind, I would avoid it.

My cat was a street cat from a huge African capital. Pretty much wild. She is aloof and only lets me hold her, pet her and she will now expose her belly to me to pet. Not to anyone else. How long have you had this wild cat? It took years for my cat to become tame.

I love, love my cat. I did not want this cat when we got her 12 years ago. Now, she is my bestie, sleeps with me, sits with me, she is more like a dog than that stupid golden.
I love her so much, I don't care about her ruining sofas. Which cats do.

Since no one brought up breeds... 99% of the time I agree it doesn’t matter, but I brought in a savannah cat a couple of years ago from a family who “couldn’t handle her”. I told my husband, “whatever, she’s a cat!” Holy moly this cat is crazy. So, not that they’re easy to find, but if you stumble across an exotic of any kind, I would avoid it.

Kittens are a bundle of energy and sooo cute. As long as you accept that you will be the cat caretaker for the next 18 or so years, you're good. Sounds like a fun addition to the family. Find the personality that you like and will fit in with your family. If you're lucky you'll get a mouser and you're home will be rodent and cricket free for the next 18 years.

You can foster with homeward trails. It’s an easy process and you can see if you like having a cat. No pressure to adopt it.

Little kittens are fairly scarce this time of year as it is not kitten season. Given the time of year, you might have to work to track some down.

Young cats are plentiful throughout the year and might be a good bet for new pet owners.

I agree with getting two if you can swing it.

Get two.

OP, my kittens are about 8 months old now. We brought them home when they were 2 or 3 months old.

The good: Insanely cute, cuddly, playful. One likes to curl up on my lap while I'm working. Far less work than dogs - ours litter-trained themselves in about an hour, and they can even be left alone for a night (not that we're going anywhere now, but hopefully some day...). They play together really well. Watching them chase each other around the house is hilarious, seeing them curl up together for a nap on the couch is adorable.

The annoying: The one who curls up on my lap also wants to play all night. If I leave the bedroom door open, she's jumping on my cheek at 2 am, licking my ear and batting at my eyelids. She gets in to EVERYthing. We had to remove our tablecloth from the dining room table, the dangling corners were too tempting for them to chase around. I make a point to keep my closet door closed so she doesn't start grabbing at the hanging clothes. It's a constant battle to keep them off the table/counters and from scratching the carpets & couches. If the litter box isn't cleaned out at least daily, you can smell it from the next room.

The rest: Vet visits and flea/tick medication add up. If we were to leave for more than a night, we would need a neighbor to come by and feed/water/clean the box. I'm nervous about getting our Christmas tree, I know I'll find this kitty climbing the branches as soon as my back is turned. Can't hang stockings from stocking holders on the mantle, they'll pull them right down and get a heavy stocking holder bonk on the head. I feel like we're toddler-proofing the house all over again.

Anonymous wrote:Cats are wonderful, wonderful pets. If you are in DC - PetMac on Wisconsin does rescue adoptions.

Definitely get 2 - much better then 1 and they will have each other to play with. Bonded litter mates are the best. I think boys are slightly more affectionate then girls but it depends on how you treat them. Make sure your kids give them attention but not too much of the wrong kind. Cats know what they like!

Christmas is a great time to get them - they love Christmas trees - to sleep under, to bat the low ornaments - make sure those are not breakable - and occasionally to climb.

Do it!!!

And how do you know this? I have all girls and they are VERY affectionate. Please keep your sexism to yourself.

Anonymous wrote:Christmas is no time to bring a kitten home. Give them a kitten certificate redeemable in 30 days. Adopt two litter mates. Boys are nicer than girls. Cats are awesome, but as PP’s have noted they’re not toys.

Np How can you judge ALL girl cats? . I have five girl cats (we are fostering two) and they are wonderful. We even have a girl dog and they all get along great.


I do agree that Christmas time is not a good time to get one. Get two kittens so they can have companionship. There might be littermates that can go together. Since you are new cat owners get a slightly older kitten and they can tell you its' personality.

And if you can, get a black cat. They are always the hardest to find homes for.