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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Getting a kitten

87 replies

GreenVoyage · 12/04/2018 18:43

Sorry posting for traffic..

We're thinking about getting either a kitten or two together. We've not had cats before we'd provide a loving home!

What do we need to know beforehand? Any top tips? Are there any specific breeds which are more difficult to others etc?

TIA

OP posts:
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8
NotUmbongoUnchained · 12/04/2018 18:44

THe great thing about cats is they pretty much look after themselves. Just remember to feed it.

bryheresse · 12/04/2018 18:46

With kittens, you can't let them out until they're 6 months old (when they're spayed), so that would mean having your doors and accessible windows shut throughout the summer.

From that perspective, I would only get a kitten in October/November. If you want a cat now, I would recommend an adult cat.

thethoughtfox · 12/04/2018 18:47

If you are lazy sofa snuggler, I highly recommend a Persian. They are chilled out, lazy, lap cats who don't hound you for attention. don't like heights so don't climb up the curtains but are always receptive to patting and cuddles. You just have to put in 10 minutes or so grooming a day and giving their eyes a wipe with a damp cotton pad every day or so.

bryheresse · 12/04/2018 18:48

And personally, I'd only get one cat. Cats don't naturally like each other, and you can end up with one dominant cat and one bullied cat.

My cat would be furious if I brought home another to live with us.

If you do get two, make sure they have their own beds, bowls, cushions, litter trays and private spaces. They need their own individual things.

cardibach · 12/04/2018 18:49

Rescue or unwanted kittens. Two is good as they entertain each other, but it’s best if they are from the same litter, not random ones. They are time wasters - you’ll get nothing done!

TheZeppo · 12/04/2018 18:50

Get your wires out of the way! Mine chewed through several when they were tiny Confused

1ndig0 · 12/04/2018 18:56

First of all, all kittens are amazing and you will never look back!

If you can get two together, I would recommend it. They are company for each other if you're out or in holiday. Plus, getting two together from the same litter is easier than introducing a second cat at a later stage.

Do you want a cat that goes out a lot or more of an indoor "pet" type cat?

We have 2 Persians who are very docile and don't really go beyond the back garden. Very laid back cats. We also have a Ragdoll cat who I can only describe as more like a dog. Follows me everywhere, sits in my knee if I even half sit down, "helps" with all homework and ironing (ie. sits on it) and is generally in your face. Very "human orientated" and intelligent cat. All these cats were expensive though - over £500 each. A moggy from a rescue centre can be just as gorgeous.

When you visit kittens, just sit quietly and let them come to you. Always ask to see the parents if possible (obviously not if at a rescue centre).

Do you live near a main road? If so, maybe consider an indoor breed?

Be VERY careful on "Pets for Homes" and similar websites because there are many scammers who ask for deposits for kittens that don't exist.

Good luck!!

GardenGeek · 12/04/2018 18:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Catspaws · 12/04/2018 19:00

Only get 2 if they already come as a pair - cats are solitary and don't need companionship from other cats. Unless they are a bonded pair or introduced very early they can be very adversarial.

Different breeds have different characteristics. Siamese are very affectionate and people focused but very destructive if not adequately occupied.

Shelters are overflowing with kittens, including pure Breda- please consider this rather than buying from a breeder!

Catspaws · 12/04/2018 19:00

Should say pure-breds!

Piffle11 · 12/04/2018 19:01

I would try and make sure (not always possible, I know) that you're not allergic. I am a little allergic, and very allergic to some breeds (the really silky, short haired cats are terrible for me). We have a rescue cat that I thought I was ok with, but have had mild chest problems pretty much since he moved in. GP is convinced it's the cat.

GardenGeek · 12/04/2018 19:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GreenVoyage · 12/04/2018 19:03

We live in a large village with some main roads and quiet roads. We also work so would two for company would be good.

OP posts:
isseywithcats · 12/04/2018 19:04

go over to litter tray on here and ask the same question you wiill get loads of good solid advice and if siblings two are much better than one as they will have each other for company , and yes rescues will soon be up to their necks in kittens and generally kittens fro rescues come, flead, wormed, neutered, vaccinated

HesterShaw · 12/04/2018 19:05

Go for a rescue moggy.

If you get two make sure they are siblings.

Some breeds have a reputation for being grumpy and bitey e.g. Bengals

Good luck. I can't imagine my home without a cat!

DontGoIntoTheLongGrass · 12/04/2018 19:06

I love cats. I have a big old boy cat who is a big softie and follows me everywhere at night. He doesn't have a meow so he chirps. I have a cat flap which makes it easier for them to go out if we're out.

Sister just got a maine coon. Pic attached for the cat lovers to fawn over.

Getting a kitten
Getting a kitten
Tigerpit · 12/04/2018 19:07

I had two kittens, siblings, and whilst they did keep each other occupied for hours at a time, they also liked time alone, with us. Not just cuddles either, they enjoyed active playtime.

Toy recommendations...our two loved things attached to strings for them to chase, a pingpong ball (thry that with them in a dry bath....hilarious), a cardboard box with holes in it and interesting things inside for them to "find", and a champagne cork that they could ping about themselves. There's loads of expensive stuff you can buy them, but ours preferred the simple stuff. A cat nip mouse never went amiss, either.

Kittens are utter vandals when they're tiny - one even perfected the art of climbing wallpaper, so be prepared for scratches and damage to fabrics and precious things. Don't wear your best cashmere jumpers.

Once they're spayed and allowed outside, they calm down inside, as they come in mainly to relax, sleep and eat. The carnage happens outside. Have a "live trap" or two in the house as they're going to bring in live rodents at some point. They all do....

Have them microchipped as soon as you get them. If you plan on using a catflap, you can get ones now that are programmable to only work with your cats chips, meaning no uninvited visitors.

HumptyD93 · 12/04/2018 19:08

We got a cat from a rescue...she is the best cat ever. Its like they chose the best cat for our family (which had a young child and a dog). I would def try and get one from a rescue centre before a breeder.

It may seem like theyre trying to make money by making you pay for them, but we paid £75 for ours and she had her first injections, neutered and chipped so it worked out cheaper than had we actually paid for it all seperately on a kitten we bought.

bryheresse · 12/04/2018 19:12

Cats really don't need company. They're solitary creatures. My cat was a rescue, and her sister was at the same shelter. they hated each other so much that the shelter had had to put them in separate enclosures and put up a piece of card so they couldn't see each other.

So just because they know each other from birth doesn't mean they'll get on.

GardenGeek · 12/04/2018 19:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Vinorosso74 · 12/04/2018 19:14

You will get the best advice in The Litter Tray section.
Do not buy online e.g.. Gumtree/Facebook etc these are generally dodgy breeders in it for the money and don't care about the animlas. Think #adoptsontshop and get rescue kittens or cats.
Rescues will soon have lots of kittens for rehoming but not always on their website. They will have been vet checked, flead, wormed, chipped, vaccinated and neutered (if old enough).

Kittens are hard work, we adopted our new lad in January-he's about a year old and is very energetic. I was used to a chilled out old cat!
If you want a young cat often the mums of those kittens in rescues are young cats themselves and they need rehoming.
Have a look on charity websites for info e.g.. Cats Protection, RSPCA, Blue Cross. The website catchat can give you local rehoming centres.

BlondeB83 · 12/04/2018 19:21

Rescue a couple! Cats are the best! They will provide endless entertainment but are really easy to look after!

wtffgs · 12/04/2018 19:24

Another vote for #adoptdontshop!

I've had lots of rescues over the years and they've all been wonderful in their own way. Cats Protection or Celia Hammond Trust can both be relied on to give you an honest history of the cat (any past abuse, illnesses or other needs) plus they come with vaccinations and recent vet checks. ALSO you are saving other cats' lives by freeing up shelter places.

Ahem! Here endeth the sermon Blush

Go rescue - you'll never look back GrinGrin

Pinkvoid · 12/04/2018 19:25

I got a kitten a year and half ago. I’d had cats as a child but it was my first pet as an adult. He is a house cat, I’ve never let him outside (partially to conserve wildlife and partially because I worry about him getting injured). You MUST have them neutered/spayed and it can be done from 4 months. Don’t delay in getting it done as when they reach 8/9 months they start to spray and it fucking stinks. Try getting kittens that are already litter trained, just gives you one less job. My cat is very laid back and lazy actually... he isn’t overly playful and is afraid of strangers. I don’t think he would appreciate another cat and many cats are like this. Hell, my nan’s cat hated and used to bully the dog! So if you’re getting two, get them together.

Pinkvoid · 12/04/2018 19:26

Oh yeah and definitely adopt. Preferably black cats as they’re often left behind and are absolutely lovely. Mine is a black cat and he’s gorgeous not biased Grin