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Is a kitten safe with a baby? What cat breed is best for toddlers?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Thinking of getting a kitten. Outdoors garden also available. We have a 15 month old and live in London. Are there any contraindications given that we have a baby? And what type of cat will be better?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2016

It should be fine getting a kitten with having a toddler in the house, but you will have to work with the baby on gentle touch with the kitten. I personally would recommend getting a ragdoll. They are laid back cats, and from my own experience, very good with kids. I have a young son, and when he was learning gentle touch with animals, the ragdoll never once swiped or hissed at him. They are also very loving cats. Living in London, I would not recommend allowing the cat outside. There would be too many chances the kitten could be hit by a car, taken by another family, or attacked by another cat. It's also recommended that ragdolls be inside only cats due to their gentle nature. If you do decide to let the kitten outdoors, I would make sure to be with it outside especially when it's young so that it doesn't wander off.

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