Need some help with getting an indoor cat

[Daisycat22]

I am interested in getting a cat, I've grown up with cats/kittens and really miss having one around.

I live in a flat (no access to outside except a balcony that is not secure) so the cat will have to be indoors all the time and I only work part-time so will have plenty of time to entertain the cat etc.

My dilemma is do I get a normal moggy kitten, working with the theory that if they grow up not knowing outside they won't miss it, or, do I get a certain breed of cat (like a Ragdoll) which I have heard are suitable for indoor living?

Any advise or own experiences greatly appreciated.

If I were you, I'd do for a mature rescue cat and ask the rescue for advice on this one - they'll have had a chance to assess the cats in their care/know their history and will have a pretty good idea what would suit. They may even have cats who might have a special need (tripods/blind or deaf cats/older cats etc) who specifically need an indoor home.

If in doubt, have a look first at the rescues near you on \link{http://www.catchat.org/adoption/index.html\this page.} Quite a lot of them have websites linked so you can see some (probably not all) of the cats who are needing homes.

*go

We tried to bring our first kittens up as house cats and it made them miserable so we let them out.

A rescue would have indoor by their own choice adults who won't go stir crazy and destroy the sofa out of frustration.

Thanks for your replies.

I will look into older cats at my local rescue centers and go from there.

That's great, kittens can be overrated. Cute to look at but hard work.

I have seen cats on rescue centre websites which have one of those feline diseases & have to be kept inside - the rescues pay for their ongoing medical treatment, but they can't be allowed out in case they transmit it to other cats (I think)

Look at the pedigree cat sites, they nearly all have pages of older cats looking for homes many of whom will only have ever been house cats as they are ex breeding queens etc.

Several ragdolls look for new indoor homes

www.tbrcc.co.uk/rehoming.htm

You could get a cat with feline HIV. They're not allowed outside for their own health as they have a poor immune system. Then you don't have to feel guilty about keeping it inside.

I adopted two FIV positive cats from cats protection league ten years ago. They were both about 3 years old. They can't go outside unsupervised because of their conditions.

They are really no different to other well cats, but more prone to skin conditions, teeth issues and can live for fewer years.

Cpl also pay for all their vet bills if related to their condition.

Please consider an FIV cat. So many shelters have them put down when they can live happy lives for years. Cpl are a great exception.

Having never had a dat before and not wanting the 'worry' of wondering where an outdoor cat was or was up to, I opted for a ragdoll girl. Best decision we ever made.

I contacted quite a few rescue centres and most didn't have any indoor only cats (and a lot haven't replied!)

Anyway I went to see a beautiful young male black cat at a small rescue centre. He is adorable (a bit shy at first but soon came out of his shell) and I fell in love immediately!

So I'm picking up him up tomorrow to bring him home with me....I'm SO excited!

I wanted to get a hooded cat litter tray and just wanted to know if any of you use them and did your cats take to using them quite easily?

That's brilliant, what's his name?.

His name is Sammy (but he doesn't answer to it)....he's such an adorable little thing. Can't wait to get him home, I'll post some pictures tomorrow

Ime cats don't mind covered trays. Have you got loads of toys for him & treats?

I just popped in to the supermarket this evening and got him food but I'll be going to pets at home tomorrow to buy his litter tray, litter, bowls and plenty of toys

Also just ordered him a large cat activity centre from Zoo Plus.....he's going to be one spoiled little kittie!!

You'll make the rest of us look bad, ours only has a scratch post & a squeaky mouse