best way to get a cat

8 replies

hativity · 02/12/2005 11:01

we've lost both our elderly cats this year. the 21 year old siamese had to be put to sleep last w/e. and the house feels WRONG. So I need a cat. But having never actively sought a cat before (we inherited the others) I'm not sure what the best way of going about it is. And how difficult are kittens? should we try to find adults? any tips.

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ScummyMummy · 02/12/2005 11:06

Blue Cross? Or a pet shop? Our now teenage (guess!) kitten came to us at 10 weeks or so and is very sweet. She's has been no more trouble than an adult cat. However, my partner works close to our home and has been able to pop home to say hi to her of a lunchtime. Apparently loneliness is a bit of a worry with single kittens, so you might need to think about getting two or an older cat used to being alone if there will be no one home during the day.

Original poster

hativity · 02/12/2005 11:25

I'd like to get 2. Also there is someone in the house 3 days a week and the other 2 there is someone there from lunchtime, so I don;t think loneliness will be a problem, but the someone is the nanny so can't expect her to be clearing up poo and rescuing them from the top of the curtains

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Original poster

hativity · 02/12/2005 11:25

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WigWamBahhumbug · 02/12/2005 11:26

I'm not much help, my cat came from Birmingham Dog's Home (which explains a lot about my barking cat). She was 5 months old, which was the earliest they were prepared to let their cats be rehomed.

Have you tried somewhere like Cat's Protection?

Simone3 · 02/12/2005 11:50

Once you've had a siamese it is difficult for any other cat to fill the void. Check out the ads in the paper for kittens (they aren't that much trouble and they are fabulous fun) then make sure you can see and play with at least the mother cat, even if you can't meet the father. You will find that even small kittens already have the germs of their personalities peeping through, and a good mother often makes for good kittens. They are like men... you will know when you have found the right one! Obviously, check that the mother is healthy and friendly. Also check that the kittens are up to date with their vaccinations, whether they have papers, whether the owners seem genuinely interested in their cats or if they are just breeding for money (grrrrr). If you can, get two at once so that they can grow up together and distract one another from tearing the furniture up . On that last point... it is easier to teach a kitten to stay still for claw-trimming than a full-grown cat!

Finally, if you get male siamese, de-sex them as soon as they are ready (check them from about 4 months on). A male siamese with a big dose of testosterone can be a terror, but they are wonderful companions when snipped.

I am sorry that your elderly cat died, but I think that if you genuinely like cats this is a lovely opportunity for you and whichever cat(s) you decide will adopt you.

Original poster

hativity · 02/12/2005 12:02

I think we might not have a Siamese again. She was a lovely cat, incredibly beautiful and very un-cat like, full of character, but she was very demanding and I'm embarrassed to say that I'm not sure we gave her all the attention she wanted. Until the last couple of months she was simply incapable of being on her own. You literally could not sit down without having her climb all over you. Which was fine when watching tv, not so great when eating dinner/ sewing name tapes / working. The other cat we had was a big very handsome moggy. Much more independent but affectionate when he saw a relaxed lap - but not bothered if he could see you were busy. So I think we'll look for a basic model. Kind of a shame cos I did love having a Siamese - she was very talkative and everyone would comment on how lovely she was but I don't think it would be fair to get another

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Simone3 · 02/12/2005 12:14

Yes, they can be demanding. We have two so that they keep each other occupied and it seems to have made this pair less clingy than our single Siamese used to be. But if you want proper cat kittens (also lovely, just different) the same generally applies.

I've just had a thought. Often people take unwanted kittens to vets. Vets are loathe to put them down, since your general vet went into the business because they love animals! If you spread the word amongst your local vets that you have a house which is cat-less you may find that your offer of a home is gratefully received.

georginars · 02/12/2005 12:28

Hope it wasn't too dreadful having her put down in the end. I'm sure you did the right thing for her.
2 cats together are lovely, they really keep each other company. About kittens - when I had my cat put down (on Christmas eve, sob) we couldn't get any kittens - as one pet shop put it 'gold dust mate' - as it's out of season. We didn't find any until nearly March. I don't think kittens are that much work, and it's only a few weeks when they're really dependent. I agree, ask the vet for advice and put feelers out. If you decide to get older cats, then the rescue places will have plenty. But it can be quite difficult getting some of them to 'approve' your home!

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