Dog person- tell me about cats please

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So I've always had dogs. Soppy daft fun ones- labs and spaniels. Unfortunately I can't have another as I work 3 long days a week.

Cats seem to like me in that if I visit someone with a cat it will sit with me / on my lap. DH's family have cats so he grew up with them. I would love a house pet.

I think we're ready for a cat, we have a gaggle of rabbits in the garden but they're in secure hutches/runs and well used to the neighbour's cats. An elderly hamster only inside the house. DD is 9 and very calm / quiet / good with animals.

Please tell me- this might be a daft question- but are there specific cat breeds who are a bit similar to dogs in bonding to humans and being affectionate? It would be a bit disappointing to have an aloof cat (of course I would love and care for it though). Male or female? Happy to do grooming, etc as we have long haired rabbits.

If so please recommend and guide me to how I can find out more. How do you find a good breeder? Thanks!

You asked about house training cats. Normally kittens are trained by their mums, and know to go either in the tray or outside. Anything other than the occasional accident is unusual in most kittens. An adult cat who goes in inappropriate places when there are enough appropriate places provided will usually have a bladder infection or be very unhappy about something.

With other training.... Bit variable. IME they can be trained into routines for feeding etc, and to come when called, at least for practical purposes like getting them in at night. Keeping them off furniture etc. not so much!

My current cat has never destroyed anything. The previous one ripped a massive hole in the fitted carpet and tore all the raffia seat on a chair. Again, bit variable and you can't tell till after you've fallen in love with them!

I've only ever had moggies. Anecdotally, based on my experience, black and white tuxedo cats tend to be sociable, self sufficient when required and physically robust.

It's a tricky one. I've had breeds and moggies and I would say it's mostly luck of the draw. There are upsides/downsides to cat personalities whether outgoing or not.

For example - I had a moggy who was a lap cat but would drive me bonkers trying to sit on my lap, even when I was crouching down to do something! I had a Siamese who just never got the hang of using a litter tray and would have accidents all the time.

The cat I had previous to my current cat (both moggies), was amazing and known by all the neighbourhood. He would just stroll into people's homes and was well known at the local sorting office where he'd hang out, I'd often have to pick him up from there on my way home! Super friendly, intelligent, adventurous and very playful. But I always knew he was too cocky for his own good, several times I rescued him from sticky situations and sadly he was run over, only a year old.

In comparison, my current cat is a scaredy cat, very cautious, not as adventurous or playful and a bit dim . But he is a sweetheart, much more loyal and hardly ever goes out - which means we'll hopefully have him for many years.

I think the only way to guarantee a cat's personality is to get an older cat from a rescue centre. What you see is what you get.

I think the poster who said they can be so very different is spot on. We have 3, all moggies, 2 are related, and all their own "people". All lovely but they have completely trained us in how to behave around them different personalities.

If you want a particular type of character I think you might be better getting an adult rescue? We had 2 from kittens and although there was a hint of their character, you wouldn't have known how extremely fussy and demanding the female was going to become which is nothing to do with how spoiled she is

You won't regret it. Dogs are ace too, but cats are just....cats.

Moggies for sure. I think where they come from matters though. A cat from a friendly family handling the kitten often are more likely to be 'nice' cats.

Cats are fine being left at home as long as you have a catflap.

Cats can be lovely :) but they're all very different.

Burmese are very affectionate and interactive cats, they have a reputation for being like dogs. One of ours used to bring his favorite toy to you in his mouth so you would play with him. The one we have now is quite old but she sits watching you walk round and the minute you sit down she launches herself on your lap like a missile. We have had four all together and all have been really friendly and not at all aloof.

Tonkinese are a very doglike breed.

Our cat has never really been playful, we chose him because he was a cuddly kitten, just wanted to sit on your lap and get fussed over, he has scratched the dd's a couple times, mainly when he's led in the stairs and they step over him ( a foot dangling in your face is too tempting ). If you can I would chose the quiet cuddly kitten of the litter rather than the very playful one but tbh this is quite hard as most kittens are playful. We are thinking of getting another but I'm worried about upsetting my cat, he is rather spoilt by me and the dogs and I think he likes being the only cat.

A moggy, I've got 2 bengals and wouldn't recommend them for a first time owner they're very loud and don't really like other cats. They also have to be the centre of attention, they're pretty much like wild cats that are obsessed with water.

The advantage of getting a slightly older rescue cat - say one year old - is that they're settled with basics like litter trays, using cat flaps and so-on, not needing the sort of constant attention of small kittens so okay with you going out to work and leaving them at home, but they're still very playful and adaptable, and particularly that their personality will have come out. So you're more likely to have the advice from the shelter or fosterer as to whether the cat you're looking at is shy and retiring or bold and outgoing, timid and recommended to be rehomed alone or bomb-proof with children and other animals. Unfortunately plenty of people buy kittens and change their minds once the cat gets a bit older, or stray kittens are taken in and not adopted when they're small (for example because they're all-black) so shelters quite often have a fair few cats of that sort of age looking for homes.

Just a two-cents worth that have you considered adopting a pair of cats? That way you get twice the fun, and they have a friend around to keep them company when you aren't there. If so ideally you look for siblings or cats that have lived together before, because not all cats would get on with that sort of set-up. Some of the cutest moments with my pair is watching them wrestle and play tag in the garden, or cuddle up to sleep in a chair together.

Thanks everyone- really kind of you. I think on consideration it won't be a Bengal as we have cats either side and I don't want to fall out with the neighbours! Have been reading up about Burmese and they sound like they might be right for us. I have this big crazy garden with big hedges which will be difficult (not impossible) to escape proof. Is that essential with this breed or are they ok to roam? Some breeder websites say they will only home to be inside cat. Of course this is their prerogative but I would personally find it sad to keep a cat inside the house when we have a great garden. Does this rule out a Burmese? Keep the thoughts coming, am really keen we choose 'right'. Anyone recommendations of where to look for reputable breeders also appreciated (pm me if you wish), thank you

You want a Bombay. They are the most dog like in temperament and the best with kids,

Have sent you a PM.

Thanks RaisingSteam, have replied.

thanks DrCaroline, they are beautiful too. Didn't realise there was so many breeds.

We've just got 2 Burmese after a lifetime of moggies and they are definitely more dog-like. Incredibly affectionate, follow us around, come when they are called, and very intelligent (can open cupboards, extract packets of cat treats and shred the plastic packaging!).

It's true all cats have their own personality. You might get lucky with a moggy or you might not. But if I were you I would think about a Burmese.

thanks TuttiFrutti I think so too. Can I ask if you let yours out? What are the advantages/disadvantages of getting 2 rather than 1?

I'm getting a Ragdoll soon, they're considered to be the cat alternative to puppies (follow you around etc). I can't wait, I have about six weeks to wait!

Not yet Code but we've only had them a couple of weeks. Thinking about it.

The advantage of getting two is that they are company for each other when I am out. They are very devoted and sleep in the same bed.

thanks TuttiFruitti any downsides to having 2? What is best sex combination?
boy/girl
girl/girl
boy/boy?

Another recommendation for getting 2 here. We adopted 11 month old sisters last year, and they have each other to play with and for company when we're out at work.

Both moggies - 1 tabby and 1 tortoiseshell. Both affectionate and loving. Both 'dog like' - they play fetch and if im leaving the house on foot have to lock the cat flap or the tortoiseshell follows me to the main road and gets scared (big fluffy tail) til I walk her back home (god only knows what the neighbours must think

Also I think rescue centres find it quite difficult to place cats in pairs. They wanted to keep ours together cos the tabby was very timid and reliant on her sister (in the shelter - not any more! )

HTH

Can I add a plea to consider moggies? The cat rescues are chock-full of lovely cats who would be thrilled to come and be your pet. If you adopt a cat or cats who have been fostered in someone's home, the fosterer will know exactly what kind of temperament the cat has, and you can be matched up with the perfect cat for you.

Thanks, it's nice to hear some stories about friendly moggies, I am keeping an open mind and will visit a few places.

To be fair, I know other people who have nice cuddly, friendly moggies...just mine isn't, lol.

That's why I'd go for an adult if that's what you're after.

I'm not a cat person - really. I grew up with dogs but work won't allow for one. We have 2 cats, one Savannah and one Bengal mix. The Bengal-mix is more 'cat-like' and has some habits that annoy me once in a while, also quite detached. The Savannah however is as dog like as it gets without being a canine, he follows me everywhere, is vocal, will wait for me at the door to come back from work, doesn't go out much and prefers to hang out with me instead. If he goes out however, he brings back squirrels.
My vote would go for a Savannah.

Was going to post almost exactly the same as bluestocking you sound like an ideal owner for a rescue kitten or cat!!

Please go and have a look round a few places, I have had cats my whole life and have never had a cat that wasn't affectionate or didn't want cuddles - all moggies. As long as the cat/ kitten has been used to being handled from a young age they will be fine.

If you go to a rescue place they will be able to give you an idea of their temperament.

I have 2 moggies, a 4yo boy who is very independent likes to be outdoors but will always come in every evening for some sofa time and a 5 month old girl kitten who at first was a little bit stand offish but is now the soppiest cat ever and currently lying across dd.

My main point being cats are cats posh or not, please seriously consider doing a cat a huge favour and saving one or two from a rescue centre.

Oh golly definitely a moggie.I am dog lover through and through and last yr took in a stray 6 wk old kitten and 5 months later a 2 yr old tabby who wandered into the garden and never left.They are sooo different to dogs but I love them to bits and am so glad we have them.They have definitely enhanced the family.Completely different characters though dogs are still number one in my heart