Best cat breed with young children at home

Lisa Horton wrote:
Hi. I would like to adopt a kitten for a family house pet. We have
young children. What breeds are most suitable? I like Siamese,
Persians, and Manx. Any others to consider?

Thanks.

Lisa

Siamese and Persians are not cats for kids - too temperamental. How
old are the children? I do not recommend a kitten as a pet for any
child under 5 - they simply do not have the restraint needed to
interact appropriately.

Cats scratch. If you are afraid of having your children scratched,
don't get a kitten. If you haven't been scared off yet, the best
choice in kittens is a mixed breed from the local shelter - they are
generally more robust and healthy than inbred "purebreds". Siamese
breed alone has something like 19 known genetic defects.

-L.