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Original poster

Do I want a cat??

72 replies

lucysmam · 17/02/2024 19:53

The answer is, of course, yes.

But, it's been a looooong old time since I had a cat, as a child. So, can any of you recommend somewhere I can do some research/learning about our feline friends, before I 100% commit please?

And tell me anything you think I might need to know. I need to consider my decision properly before I get over excited and just say yes!

Thanks 🐈

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
DrunkenElephant · 17/02/2024 19:54

Yes you do!

Do you have a particular breed in mind? Would you consider rescuing?

Original poster
lucysmam · 17/02/2024 19:57

@DrunkenElephant one of dd1's friend's parents has taken in a pregnant rescue so it would be one of her kittens when they're old enough as they have 2 more cats so haven't the room to keep them.

OP posts:
Snowpaw · 17/02/2024 19:59

I have had a lovely cat since November. I'd say it adds about....15 minutes of jobs to my day (cat litter / feeding) most days but the odd day if he is sick or does a hairball it adds another 15 minutes of cleaning. The amount of hoovering I have had to do has increased too as he is long haired.

I really really love the atmosphere he has brought to the house. Having a lovely fluffy cat relaxing on a chair makes everyone feel relaxed. I really enjoy what he has added to our lives.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Cats
EmpressaurusOfTheScathingTinsel · 17/02/2024 20:03

lucysmam · 17/02/2024 19:57

@DrunkenElephant one of dd1's friend's parents has taken in a pregnant rescue so it would be one of her kittens when they're old enough as they have 2 more cats so haven't the room to keep them.

If you have 2 kittens they’ll entertain each other. Get them vaccinated & neutered, don’t assume that anything is out of reach, and stock up on cardboard boxes. Also make sure your kids know how to behave around them.

TheGriffle · 17/02/2024 20:05

You don’t need one kitten at all, you need two! Endless love, fun and mischief.

SwedishEdith · 17/02/2024 20:06

We acquired a kitten during lockdown. I love him but he has trashed our settee and isn't particularly affectionate. Doesn't sit on anyone's lap. He's not really hard work and doesn't even have a litter tray so the house doesn't stink. But consider what you'll do if you'd like to go on holiday.

DaisyCat33 · 17/02/2024 20:06

Yes! Cats are wonderful! I have two that I've had since kittens, they're from the same litter. They are lovely, affectionate little things and I adore them.

I suppose my advice would be - always keep up to date with flea treatments! We had a flea infestation a few years ago and it was awful and a nightmare to sort.

Maybe invest in a good hoover as your house will always be covered in cat hair.

Autumn1990 · 17/02/2024 20:09

Make sure you pick one of the friendlier kittens from the litter.
They really are the easiest pets to keep.
First 6 months can be tough though when they are house wreckers

Flippingflamingo · 17/02/2024 20:09

I’m not a cat person but my DH convinced me to get 2 kittens as our DD loved them.

They are such easy pets. Mostly do their own thing, need feeding once a day. We have litter tray in the garage but they prefer to just go outside.

Ours are both lovely. They like a cuddle, are happy to be carried round the house by my 4 year old and are really easy going.

Missingmyusername · 17/02/2024 20:09

Research vet bills if you get two and make sure it’s affordable. My friend rescued a cat and he has a medical condition which is expensive to treat and hard to monitor.

I had cats as a child, they were easy, never cost much at all and very loving.

Yepidid · 17/02/2024 20:20

Check you can afford insurance and regular vaccinations, and flea treatments.
Check you can afford to neuter.
Research good quality food.
Than go ahead.
Cat personality does make a difference. I have very very affectionate cuddly cats because I was very careful about selection and bonding from kitten.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 17/02/2024 20:23

Adopt, don't shop.

Doyouthinktheyknow · 17/02/2024 20:27

We adopted a rescue cat 2.5 years ago. DH didn’t want a cat, I really did. She is the best addition ever to our home and we all adore her. She adds so much, my adult dses love her too.

We were first time cat owners late in life but it hasn’t been difficult.

Dcat is completely bonkers and makes us smile so often, really couldn’t imagine life without her.

We got her aged 4 so I know we won’t have her forever but she has enhanced our lives so much.

My advice is go for it!

Original poster
lucysmam · 17/02/2024 20:39

@Yepidid I've been looking at associated costs, thank you. They shouldn't be a problem.

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 17/02/2024 20:57

Yes you do want a cat. Being a cat slave is my destiny!

FizzyStream · 17/02/2024 20:57

Of course you want a cat! Who wouldn't 😻

Mines a grumpy old baggage but I wouldn't be without her and if I had my way I'd have ALL THE CATS but DH is mean and said we'd upset current cat if we got any more at the moment so we need to wait for her to depart this mortal coil then I'm going kitty collecting from all the local rescues. DCat is a rescue. She was the last one because she's black. Pic because.....cat.

Do I want a cat??
MadeForThis · 17/02/2024 21:43

Are certain breeds more friendly than others. DD's are 8&6 and would LOVE a cat. But I'd be worried they can be too indifferent and aloof.

minipie · 17/02/2024 22:06

lucysmam · 17/02/2024 19:57

@DrunkenElephant one of dd1's friend's parents has taken in a pregnant rescue so it would be one of her kittens when they're old enough as they have 2 more cats so haven't the room to keep them.

Do you mean they are fostering a pregnant cat for a rescue? If so you’d probably need to go via the rescue, the fosterers won’t get to decide on who gets kittens but can put a helpful word in of course. Apols if you know this or I’ve misunderstood.

Of course you need a cat! They offer by far the best ratio of reward to effort of any pet.

MadeForThis some breeds are very friendly (eg Burmese) but can go too far the other way and be very needy to the point where you feel guilty if you aren’t constantly there to give attention. More like having a dog. Also many of these friendly breeds are recommended to be indoor cats (which personally I wouldn’t like) as they have no sense of danger and get run over or lost more easily.
We wanted to rescue so picked a friendly adult moggy from a rescue. She is friendly, likes being around us, chin strokes and an occasional lap, but she’s not as friendly as a Burmese. But she is also less needy and vocal ! Depends what you are after.

Toddlerteaplease · 17/02/2024 22:07

Come over to the litter tray for advice and cat chat OP.

TheShellBeach · 17/02/2024 22:07

Linney says yes

Do I want a cat??
MarnieMarnie · 17/02/2024 22:08

No, you don't need a cat. They kill songbirds and small furries, shit in other peoples gardens, their piss stinks (and it will piss in your house), and scratch the shit out of your furniture.

AstorianPlease · 17/02/2024 22:08

Yes.

I didn't read past the title, sorry.

TheShellBeach · 17/02/2024 22:09

MarnieMarnie · 17/02/2024 22:08

No, you don't need a cat. They kill songbirds and small furries, shit in other peoples gardens, their piss stinks (and it will piss in your house), and scratch the shit out of your furniture.

Their urine doesn't stink and they don't pass it all over the house!

Toddlerteaplease · 17/02/2024 22:09

MadeForThis · 17/02/2024 21:43

Are certain breeds more friendly than others. DD's are 8&6 and would LOVE a cat. But I'd be worried they can be too indifferent and aloof.

You need to meet Cheddar. She is the friendliest, cuddliest cat you can imagine. Absolutely no concept of personal space. 😂

Do I want a cat??
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