Getting a cat. Any tips?

[LyraSilvertinsel]

We're thinking of getting a cat. I've had one before I had children but she got run over
It's been a while and I can't quite remember what its like having one. Will he/she shred my leather sofas and woolen rugs? I can handle a bit of poo and wee (washable) but I don't want the furniture ruined beyond repair. Any tips? I have two DSs aged 3 and 5.

Get rid of any blown vinyl. Otherwise you will have cats climbing up the walls and dangling at the ceiling.

(I hasten to add ours was inherited from previous house owner - the vinyl, not the cats)

dont do it!

Why not?

Lol at the blown vinyl.

Mine all scratched the leather sofas. sigh.

And they will get under your feet and squawk like mad when trodden on.

They will get stuck in trees, not come home at night.

Cost you a fortune in vets bills.

Your children will love you forever.

I heart cats

Are you still in the same house where the first got run over? If so, is a good possibility the new one will. Is not worth it.

Fish are much easier, and you don't end up in your pj's at the back door, when it's minus 2 degrees calling them in , before you can go to bed!

I second the vinyl. Also if your wallpaper isn't GLUED down on every inch the cats will find that part and start pulling on it.

We've got leather sofas and they're ruined so get some covers and make sure that you're cat doesn't pee on them - it's a pain to make sure they don't scratch the leather while tear-arsing and no covers!

Sorry prob shouldnt say that - I have a terrible fear of cats. My dads baby brother was smothered by a cat at a very young age

Oh yeh, forgot about that Little Elf - 1am I was shouting my 2 and they're normally not allowed out after 6pm but managed to run past DP as he went to work! lol

yelnats, you have a very good reason for being afraid

So I should get a goldfish instead? Boys would probably be just as happy with that.

Absolutely. I LOVED my cats but life is easier without them. No worrying about having them looked after if we go away. No litter trays. No walls/couches/carpets shredded.

We have guinea pigs now - they are fantastic pets.

Go buy yourself a 'Nemo' . They are cheap to feed, no crap to clear up or wee to step in, and no standing at the back door freezing your norks off late at night

I agree, Goldfish sooo much easier.

OR try gerbils, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs... something like that. (Rats are great for kids by the way - I loved mine)

If you can encourage your cat to sleep on the sofa they are less likely to pee there, but more likely to scratch it

As for litter my cat has had no accidents with the pellity (whatever it's called) litter, and my friend's cat has had accidents and she has the paper litter. I don't know if its a coincidence, but prob worth thinking about.