Should we get a cat??

[loveverona]

So, 2008 has arrived and I'm thinking I fancy getting a cat! DH mentioned it the other day when we went to a friend's house and our kids, DD 4.5yrs and DS 20months, loved it. But not just that - I really like the idea of having an animal in the house to cosy up to. I know it's a big commitment and not one that we'd take lightly (I had dogs from 5yrs old to when I left home at 18), but having never had a cat, could some of you experienced guys let me know if it's a good idea?! We have enough room and live in a quiet village, but are the kids too young? There's an animal shelter up the road so we'd probably get one from there...... Advice pleeease!

yes! get two (optimum number apparently). I have 2 neutered boys (Cats, i hasten to add, not children!) and they are soppy and gorgeous, but still feisty.

no no no don't get 2 get 16 become a proper crazy lady.

I do agree to an extent that too many animals are allowed to breed thus resulting in far too many of them ending up in rescue centres.

I think it's irresponsible not to have animals newtered, and that too many people allow their animals to breed because "puppies/kittens are so cute" or even "I want her to know what it's like to be a mum" without having homes lined up for the resulting offspring.

I'd recommend getting two cats - they can keep each other company/drive each other nuts rather than just you. The cat shelter will probably have two cats that have grown up together and need to be homed together.

I'd never get a cat that needed to use a litter tray especially if there are children in the house.

Insurance is a must: both my cats needed dental care last year, which cost over £1,000

a litter tray will be essential if cats have been in rescue shelter as that's what they'll be used to.

plus they need to be kept in for a period, especially if unvaxinated so litter tray required then also.

Litter tray can be moved slowly towards the back door, then left outside next to catflap. It can be a gradual process. Also you can buy litter trays with lids, like a little house with a cat flap on the front, handly for people who have a flat or no garden, or for older frail cats.

Haven't read the whole thread so I may be repeating what others have said, but definitely get insurance and if you are getting an older cat get one under 8. Insurers tend to refuse to take on new cats that are 8 or over.

Make sure you get all the vaccinations too. Mine has it against FIV and feline entiritis.

Blimey, what a lot to take in! Thanks everyone for your advice, mostly positive! I have to say the bringing dead/half dead things in bothers me slightly.....do they all do this? Or am I just being a bit precious.....

When they bring in a dead mouse they are bringing you a gift.

Sorry to go against things here but beware, cat wee is the most evil thing in the world. once it is on something it is near on impossible to get shot of-we ended up having to rip up all the carpets downstairs because of our ever increasing in age cat. I cant bring myself to get rid of her, as she was a rescue in the first place so now she lives outside and just comes in for supervised cuddles. Cat wee really is awful, so beware.

they all bring in dead things.

and "half dead" can have two meanings .

Oh, now I don't know what to do! A tricky one.....maybe we shouldn't then....if we're not sure I mean...

Get that cat got!

i love my cat so much
she is 11 and has always been great with my girls...
she is grey and i love grey cats

we have a cat flap and no other cats have come in, - but we may just be lucky

i would say yes get one

loveverona, my cat only ever brought one dead thing into the house. A tiny mouse which he left on the living room floor for me to find. I was heavily pregnant at the time so wonder if he was starting to nest!

we got a new kitten in september, it was the best thing ever, our previous two cats died when dd was a baby.

she's a big baby - my dd adores her, bosses her about and gets cross with her (she can be naughty). The cat copes with being chased by DD and her friends and appears to treat it as a game. my dd has really grown in confidence regarding animals and it has also taught to treat them with respect.

We got a Maine Coon as they are big gentle giants, and we got a girl re the weeing!!! I've had boys previously and they were very loving.

This little girl loves cuddles and company. Catsa are expensive to fix - so get insurance.

Thanks so much everyone. And what a great place MN is - never posted about a non-parenting issue before and it feels rather refreshing! We may just go for this cat thang afterall! So watch out for me here again soon, when I'm back asking for more advice.... x

Thats fab loveverona, good luck.

How much do flu jabs cost please ??

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