Short query: do you have an indoor-only cat, a cat that is allowed to free range, or something of a hybrid? Is it unfair to the cat to keep it almost entirely indoors?

My children are currently campaigning to obtain a pet. I had been very reluctant to agree to a cat, as we live near an area of native bush and have plenty of birds and other wildlife nearby. Someone suggested to me getting an indoor-only cat (or cats). I had always thought cats needed to roam and that it would be unfair to kitty to keep it inside all the time. However, having taken myself off to the internet, there seems to be plenty of articles advocating indoor-only cats. I also spoke briefly with a breeder who seemed aghast at the very thought of allowing one of his cats outside unsupervised; apparently it is very standard now that cats only live inside.

We'd obviously go for a kitten/very young cat and not something older and used to roaming. I've also read about the need for exercise and stimulation etc. and can manage that stuff.

But still wondering what others do? 

Any suggestions as to kid friendly/indoor suited breeds would be helpful too. Friends have a pair of Tonkinese that seem very sociable. Apparently you should really get two if you are keeping them indoors? I can be persuaded as to that easily enough.

And just to pre-empt the obvious joke, we're talking Felis catus here, not data cabling.