We got our cat from the RSPCA when she was 16weeks old and DD1 was 2, she is so plased thing ever, she sits in doll prams and is happy to be dressed up and playied with... the kitten fromthe RSPCA are used to been handled as people come in all weekend and sit and cuddle them... I would always get a RSPCA cat again...

But that said a 12 mth old cat would be fine too, having worked in a pound older cats are never brought so are always put to sleep, so you really will be saving a life getting a older cat... either Cat or kitten it doesnt matter they both will take some time to used to your family, and might scrach sometimes, but its just a matter of training your children to see the signs of when the cat isnt happy....

Good luck and enjoy your new family member