Hi

Our beloved cat passed away a few months ago when I was about 30 weeks pregnant. I miss her terribly, as does my 5 year old child, and while I could never 'replace her' as such, we have been yearning for another furry friend in the household ever since.

Anyway, as I was pregnant at the time we decided to wait until after the baby was born before contemplating another puss in the household. I had my baby a few weeks ago and all has gone well so far.

With kitten season approaching, I still have that yearning for a cat, which we would obtain as a kitten from a shelter.

What do people think? - Am I realistic wanting a new kitten, with a new baby at home also? Or should I wait a bit longer and if so, how long? Honest advice / options please (DH is happy to go along with what I decide)

Thanks in advance
*flower*

Honestly .. I think it's up to you, are you ready for a little needy kitten lol. YOu have a 5yo so I think kitten will be already entertained.

I got an 8wk old puppy when Eve was 3mths old and it was challenging but kittens are so different and are independent. They don't need to be shown the toilet or anything .. just a few rules about bub and the babys bedroom.

if you get a kitten think about adopting one from a shelter, they r vet checked, desexed, m/ chipped, vacc, wormed and flea treated-$ 110. you r also saving a life and not contributing to the cat problem, also as a busy new mum youll have less time to organise vet app for desexing ect so this way its already done. kittens around 12 weeks are nice and sturdy - important when you have a little one who will want to play dress up kitty ect. younger ones are a little fragile. also at that age you can really see thier personality and they can control thier claws a little better. pick a nice confident kitten and maybe try a few visits to get to know what you want and make sure the new baby is not allergic. maybe 2 kittens would be nice if you r busy then they can play 2gether when your busy.

good luck, good on you for thinking it through.

just another view...

my friend got a kitten when her bub was tiny and the kitten got into the bassinette trying to get the milk.

and also when i was tiny my parents had a cat and a dog they both wouldnt sleep outside when i came home they had to be near me. the cat slept on the top of the cane bassinette and the dog underneath and they would go wake mum and dad up when i cried they never hurt me at all. (i miss them two )

really its up to you. i agree with jennie*melb adopting a cats a great idea theres so many that need homes.

hi - thanks for your replies - yes, my previous cat was from a shelter and this one will be too - i most likely will go ahead when kitten season starts again (sept i think), i figure if I obtain my new furry friend as a kitten (but not too young and fragile - so at about 12 weeks as jenny*melb suggested), then i can teach it some 'rules' about baby and baby's room as Anna-nt suggested, and it means baby and kitten will grow up together as mates - thanks again for your opinions they have helped alot!!
*flower*