I want a cat

[Flute56]

I need some advice. I live in a flat. I hae no balcony. I want a cat. Would it be wise? I want to know how much do cats cost to buy? I would like a ginger one

Anything for £65 to ££££
www.pets4homes.co.uk/search/?type_id=2&advert_type=1&keyword=Ginger&results=20&sort=datenew

Factor in the cost of neutering, because there is no guarantee they won’t escape, vaccinations and flea/wormer -because even if it’s an indoor cat, you could take something back to them-and food (mine has average 60 pouches of food a month plus biscuits) so probably £20-25 per month to feed. Insurance costs, because if they need any treatment it will be ££££’s and the ridiculous amount of cat litter you go through (more expensive than food). You would have to put netting or something up so the balcony is secure too.

You could think about adopting? Cats protection/rspca will have already healthchecked and neutered their cats.

You will also spend a stupid amount on toys to entertain your new fur ball

Hi OP. Please put your colour preference aside. If you don't have outside space then please don't buy a young healthy cat, it's cruel to keep them inside without any access to fresh air if they needn't be.

Approach your local rescue centres instead, they often have cats that must be kept indoors because they're deaf, very timid, have FIV or are elderly.

There is a lot to consider. Have you had a cat before? What do you know about how to properly care for cats? As you will have to do a lot of extra care in an apartment. Who else lives there with you? Do you own it? (Because you will need to make lost of adjustments). How many hours might you leave you cat alone for each day (not just in Covid times but for the next 10+ years).

Some people do manage to create an environment in an apartment that allows for a happy healthy cat but they are rare. It takes someone who is genuinely interested in cat behaviour not someone who sees cats as an easy and cute pet. Have a look at advice from Jackson Galaxy before you do anything.

Sorry, I see you say no balcony rather than you have a balcony.
Some cats are perfectly happy as indoor cats, some wouldn’t be happy at all. I’ve had one of each and the one not happy to stay in Yowled constantly until allowed out after he was neutered.

My Dd lives in a flat and has recently got a cat, and he's ginger!
She's experienced in cat ownership though as we had four when she was growing up, and although I was the main one responsible for them of course, she knew exactly how to look after them.

Hi Op, We've had our kitten now for 3 weeks. To give you an idea of costs: Insurance £15per month, £11 per month for flea/worm/vet jabs/vet club, toys £10 outlay, food £25 per month, litter £30 per month. So approx £100 a month.
Then set up costs, litter tray, cat tower, bed, scratching posts, bowls, collar came to £150.
obviously, you can get some of these items second hand but I just wanted you to be aware of how expensive they are!

@HowFastIsTooFast

Hi OP. Please put your colour preference aside. If you don't have outside space then please don't buy a young healthy cat, it's cruel to keep them inside without any access to fresh air if they needn't be.

Approach your local rescue centres instead, they often have cats that must be kept indoors because they're deaf, very timid, have FIV or are elderly.

This ^

You should not consider getting an animal unless you can put their welfare first.

Would like to add that my comment comes as the owner of an indoor cat in a flat without outdoor space. He's fine indoors as he's extremely timid (adopted as a feral kitten) and he can in fact access a wide window-ledge and flat roof for sunshine and air, but has never ventured further than just sunbathing right outside the window.

Sorry; didn't have time to add that this morning.

An older cat from a rescue that needs to live an indoor life would be your best choice.

Many cats are looking for indoor homes due to be FIV+ or having other health needs.

Many pedigree breeders specify indoor homes, and lots of breeds are suited to being in flats.

I rehomed my maine coon girl as an ex breeding queen. If you join the group 'neutered pedigree cats rehome' on Facebook there are lots of older cats available for a snip of what you'd pay for a kitten.

I’d recommend looking at battersea they are excellent