When is the best time to adopt?

Question

I'm currently 7 months pregnant and I really want to adopt a kitten or cat. Should I adopt before or after baby is here? I've grown up with cats my whole life and I want my baby to have to same experience of growing up with a cat around. Just trying to decide if I should do it now or wait until after baby is here.

Answer

i would wait until the baby is born, just so you’re sure you won’t end up being overwhelmed and then have to rehome a kitten.

Answer

Wait till baby is born. Kittens are a lot of work (though not as time involved as puppies). But also while pregnant you need to stay away from cat poop; they have a parasite that can be dangerous while pregnant. 
After baby is here it’ll be safe again (you can still get the parasite but then you can take the meds).

Answer

I wouldnt get a kitten!  Im all for pets when kids are growing up but a kitten and a baby who doesnt know yet not to grab or that kittens want to play is a recipe for scratches and bites. Id get alittle bit older cat! Especially i find older cats when adopted n have been in shelter for a long time are soooooo much more loving because theyve been alone so long!  And then after that cat passes away get a kitten since your kid will be older. My parents just got two kittens my daughter is five years old and even though she has a dog n cat at home she carries the kittens usually properly but a lot of time by the neck accidentally or chases them around doesnt let them sleep pretty much torments them with love! Like i constantly have to be watching her that they dont bite her when she over does it or to make sure she holds them properly and gives them breaks to eat n drink lol.  And she has literally always had a cat n dog but i swear bring jn a little tiny kitten and kids just get way to excited to be safe lol

Answer

Depends. How young is the kitten? Do you have someone to help you take care of it? Specifically, do you have someone who can change the litter box (you should NOT be changing or scooping cat litter while pregnant)? What is their temperament like?
I’ve had cats my whole life and their personality makes a big difference. I’ve had kittens who were very mellow, easy to take care of, very low maintenance and would have no problem taking care of if I’d had a baby at the same time. But I’ve also had kittens who were extremely energetic, got into EVERYTHING, required constant supervision and attention, and would have been very difficult to take care of at the same time as an infant. 
So out of caution, I would recommend waiting until baby is at least 1-2 years old or older before getting a kitten. If you were adopting an older cat with an easy temperament, then I’d say that’s different and you could adopt whenever you feel comfortable. But be sure in your choice before committing to an animal.

Answer

I had my cat prior to pregnancy and I found it so challenging, especially the first 3 months being post partum. But I would never leave an animal unattended with a small child under any circumstances. Even if the said pet is usually "well behaved." Kittens require a lot of work and TLC. Some people can manage but it depends on the temperament of your cat. For example my cat requires constant attention, wants to be pet non-step, super jealous of everything, runs to the door to greet us and streams non-stop for pettings...when I try to breastfeed she wants to sit on my lap. 
My cat is very needy and honestly sometimes I feel like she requires more care and attention than the little man. If you will get a cat, I would recommend prior or when baby is a little older. The newborn stage is challenging enough, adding a kitten is extra work.

Answer

I’d wait. Ur priority will be your newborn and honestly a new pet my just feel like a burden for a while until u adjust to life with a baby. U could wait until ur child is 4 and she would still grow up with the animal🤷‍♀️

Answer

Whenever you want

When is the best time to adopt?

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