I try not to leave pins, needles, and thread unattended at my house. My big cat can't be trusted around them. He also loves to chew on ribbons and bows, especially thin curling ribbon. Gifts at our house look kind of naked because we no longer use ribbons. (A friend jokingly said we should let him eat the ribbons because it makes the litter box look so festive!)
That's good of you to consider adopting an older cat. Both of mine were adopted as kittens, but if I should ever get another cat, I'd probably look for an older one.
Hope you enjoy your new cat(s). They can be a lot of fun and good company. I'm betting your cat will be happy to have you as a mom.