I'd like a cat but I've never had one before. Help!

[KenAdams]

I'd like a cat but I've never had one before.

I'd like one that doesn't she'd too much, is good with children (DD is 4) and can be left alone during the day (9-4).

I'm thinking indoor if possible or is that cruel if it's left alone during the day?

I'm just at the beginning of my research so it won't be any time soon as I just don't know enough yet.

We've had 4 rescue cats over the last 15 years. It's a good way to rehome a cat that needs it and also most of the cats have their history noted next to them so you'll know whether they are good with kids etc. The 2 cats we have right now were 'house cats' when we got them. There's no way we'd keep a cat indoors full time (I accept the reasons some people do).We let them out after 4 weeks and they love it. We have a cat flap and litter tray, we keep them in at night. Cats don't mind being left alone during the day, they sleep most of the time anyway! However, I'd try to be around more when you first get one, especially if you do go for a kitten. Cats are amazing pets, you'll love it.

I have a cat that was rescued :) mine is an indoor cat though that was her choice as she hates going outside! If she did want to go out I would let her, but I am happy that she's indoors :) I've also heard cats are safer staying indoors (obviously)cats generally are good with children as long as they are very gentle and quiet lol. Cats like to sleep alot!!

Get an older cat. As in not a kitten - the rescue centre will have some idea of the personality.

Indoor doesn't suit some cats, I'd prefer mine to be hes always getting into scraps!! If they are indoor you'd need to think about getting things for them (like one of those tree things) to keep them entertained.

My parents have succeeded in allowing their (first) cat to rule the house. She regularly forces them off chairs so she can sit there, won't allow them to do anything in the house without getting involved and now won't even use her litter tray unless my mum stands next to her.

She cries loudly if they leave her and go out. Last week my sister was alone with her and had to call my mum and put the phone on loudspeaker so my mum could chat to the cat while she used her litter tray (otherwise she wouldn't go).

It's totally ridiculous round at their house but they wouldn't have it any other way. They're obsessed with their cat.

They do sleep a lot!! Recently mines be coming in at 2 and then sleeping till 6. Waking now and again to eat and drink.

We recently adopted a 1ish yr old cat from a rescue. Like you, I had never had a cat before. We can't believe our luck! She loves our 4yo, tolerates the 2yo and is so cuddly and snuggly. She likes to Potter about round the garden but doesn't go too far and I keep her in over night as we don't have a cat flap. She seems very happy and is very low maintenance, she shouts for her wet food when the dc sit down for their tea and then demands a lap to sit on once they're in bed.

I would definitely recommend an adult rescue cat. She moved in and has never had a toileting accident and was able to play out fairly soon. She is a bit more robust than a kitten and very capable of finding somewhere high to sit when the dc are playing

I've had lots of cats over the years. They've all been rescues and older cats. They are a delight to have and all very different personalities. I'd say go for it.

Some things to consider. A cat needs a visit to the vet at least once a year, as well as visits for any unforseens. As cats age, they are more prone to ailments and vet bills can be a regular occurence. You'll need litter trays, even if your cat goes out during the day, normally one tray per cat, plus an extra one, for them to use when they're indoors. They'll need regular worming and vaccinations, if you want to go that route. They'll need a microchip and endless amounts of safety collars, if you're going to put a collar on them, as they tend to lose them on a regular basis. Bedding, toys, scratch post, cat trees, grooming brush/combs. Cat box for vet visits and a bigger box for traveling longer distances. Cats do like to eat grass, and you can buy grass plants for them.

Hope I haven't put you off, but these are the standard things cat people have and some have much more. But you can accumulate things over time.

I hope you find the cat of your dreams. They're a great comfort.