Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Talk to me about cats.

27 replies

FirstOnRecallDay · 16/10/2014 19:09

Hello! I'm due to be living on my own for the first time in a few weeks. I've always grown up in houses with dogs, but I find myself becoming more intrigued by cat videos on YouTube! Grin

I now am scouring battersea and local shelters 10 times a day looking at these beautiful creatures but I have a few questions!

Firstly, am I a suitable candidate? I work from 6:45-3:30. daily, is this too long for a cat to be left alone?

What's the verdict on the indoor vs outdoor cat debate? I would prefer an indoor as I would worry about safety, but if his/she gets agitated I would happily let them explore (How does the cat know how to get home? Cross roads etc? Blush)

I am happy to adopt an older cat but hear they can be rather set in their ways, if I happen to fall in love with a cat that has anger issues, would it be possibly to change that behaviour with patience and slow work?

I've done research on things such as flea and worm treatments, vaccines, common diseases etc aswell as insurance - I take pet ownership seriously. ð???

Thank you for reading!

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 16/10/2014 20:13

I don't think there is a verdict on the indoor/outdoor debate. It's up to the cat, some cats don't want to go out.

Sounds like you need an adult house cat.

Fluffycloudland77 · 16/10/2014 20:14

Ps they don't really come with anger ishoos.

Anger ishoos require effort.

Methe · 16/10/2014 20:16

My cat has anger issues and she's only ever been treated with kindness and respect. We've had her since 7 weeks old! She's just a vicious cow.

Scarletohello · 16/10/2014 20:17

Most cats are pretty independent so it's fine you are out so much. Maybe get a chilled out cat that belonged to an older person? You can also leave them out dried food that they can eat during the day. Have you asked for any recommendations from your local cat shelter?

Fluffycloudland77 · 16/10/2014 20:22

Methe Shock

Tortoiseshell?

Methe · 16/10/2014 20:22

She is and she's a little madam.

Fluffycloudland77 · 16/10/2014 20:25

Yeah thought so.

Op needs a nice black and white lap cat.

enriquetheringbearinglizard · 16/10/2014 20:26

I'm not over fussed about indoor versus outdoor. Cats have their own preferences.

I'm a totally dog person who has been adopted by a cat and has had to adapt to its requirements.
I saw a cushion today which declared Dogs have owners and Cats have servants.
I think that's on the nail.

If I were you OP what I'd do is think about what I'd like from the cat and then speak to a local rescue centre to see if they could match you with a cat that would suit i.e. would you like a lap cat who likes to be stroked? are you happy with a very independent cat who requires no more than feeding and watering?

It sounds like you're the perfect solution for an older cat who's been loved but left (for whatever reason) You sound suited to a gentle cat rather than a young miscreant.

Methe · 16/10/2014 20:29

I wish I had got something face and affectionate. My cat will only let my husband touch her when she want feeding and hates our children. She is seriously vicious!

Thankfully she actually likes me..mostly because I wont take any of this bitey shit from her and she knows it.

Black and white cats are nice you say?

Aliennation · 16/10/2014 20:34

Firstly you're an early riser so that's good coz so are cats Smile.

Ime cats mostly do like to go out, if not they need lots of stimulation/play, rolled up paper and string go down well here. They also only like to play in short bursts and then sleep for hours.

I work similar hours but even on my days off mine sleeps all afternoon. I let her out when I'm home but she stays in the garden until last night when I was out with a torch calling her like a loon.
Oh and they like to have a crazy half hour around midnight.

Saying all that they're definitely one of the easier pets to care for, I love their independent natures.

BuggersMuddle · 16/10/2014 21:02

We have an independent older moggy which works for us as we both work long hours.

Ours is an outdoor cat, but where you live can make a difference to that too. Stating the bleeding obvious probably, but a flat on a busy road is less likely to be suitable for a less-than-streetwise cat.

Oh and it doesn't need to be either or. Ours will never be a lap cap, but he's quite happy to sit for stroking / brushing / tummies on his terms Wink

enriquetheringbearinglizard · 16/10/2014 21:47

Ours is black and is extremely placid on its own terms. Won't be lifted or handled, will be brushed, stroked or spoken to entirely on its own terms.
By way of reciprocation doesn't get on furniture or steal food, which is a plus.

To be fair he's a nervous rescue cat and doesn't like noise or strangers. He doesn't volunteer much affection but isn't any bother and is clearly grateful and happy for a nice quiet life, so is undemanding and doesn't ever cause any damage.

Again the advice is spell out what kind of carer you are and what kind of characteristics fit in with your lifestyle and requirements. A rescue cat is available to fit any requirement from pedigrees which need a huge amount of attention and special conditions to moggies who just want food and a warm, safe haven in its simplest form.

Queenofknickers · 16/10/2014 21:59

Just popping in to recommend CHAT (Celia Hammond Animal Trust) if you are in/near London or Sussex - they are wonderful at giving advice on what cat would suit you and it have found them so supportive even 8 months later they will try and help if there's a problem. I have a pair of kittens and a puppy from them - they are wonderful and if I could I'd take about 10 more!

shaska · 17/10/2014 09:25

Second vote for CHAT- our two came from there and they were so patient and nice to us when we went to get them.

In terms of 'issues'- you'll be able to tell to some degree what kind of cat you're meeting when you're at the rescue. If you're new to cats, I would suggest spending a good amount of time talking to and touching the cats at the shelter. A playful nip is one thing but as a rule of thumb Id say a cat that hisses at you is likely to need work. 'Issues' can definitely be overcome and sometimes quite quickly, but it is equally always possible you'll end up with a cat who doesn't really want to be around you. Which is fine if that's what you're after- but for a 'starter cat' I'd recommend taking one that shows some friendly interest in you at the shelter.

That said, I always find that all sensible thoughts go a bit out the window when you actually get there, so yes, be prepared to come home with a hissing terror you fell in love with!

Your hours sound fine. I'm a fan of letting cats out if it's possible, but we have two indoors at the moment and they're fine. Would you consider two? They'll entertain eachother, and it's another cat who's not stuck in a shelter waiting for a home.

JubJubBirds · 17/10/2014 09:34

I had a great experience with the RSPCA; really knowledgeable cat man, took the time to match cats and owners properly, didn't rush the process and made people wait until the 'right cat' for them came in. Definitely go and have a visit and a chat with all your local shelters.

Regarding the indoor/outdoor debate: we've got an indoor cat, she's always been an indoor cat because of her nature and her past. A good shelter will visit your home and help you find out what kind of cat will suit you best.

MinimalistMommi · 17/10/2014 10:45

Get a rescue Ragdoll (or two if you're out a lot) she will lurve you and keep you really good company!

MinimalistMommi · 17/10/2014 10:45

...Ragdoll are like dogs but in cat form.

JubJubBirds · 17/10/2014 12:43

I've got a Ragdoll Smile Such a lovely breed. Mine follows me round the house and is super affectionate. But as you're out at work I agree to the suggestion of getting two, mine is very clingy loves company. You'll need two get two siblings though, or two cats that have always been together as there's a risk that two 'stranger' cats will stress each other out.

AndyWarholsOrange · 17/10/2014 13:29

I know this is anecdotal but I've had 4 black male cats over my lifetime (have one now from CHAT who we've had since he was a kitten) and they've all been incredibly affectionate and cuddly, much more so than other cats I've had. Black cats are the least likely to be adopted Sad

LadyWellian · 17/10/2014 13:39

AndyWarhols IME it's the gender more than the colour that matters. We have a ginger and white male who came to us from CHAT 7 years ago as an adolescent and he has never been anything but lovely. Same goes for all the male cats I have had. Females - another story entirely! I'd always have a (neutered) male cat given the choice.

AndyWarholsOrange · 17/10/2014 18:42

Lady yeah, you're probably right, it's just that every male cat I've had has been black. I'm just on a bit of a mission to get people to adopt black cats because I feel sorry for all the ones languishing in rescue centres because they're the 'wrong' colour.

Scarletohello · 17/10/2014 23:33

It's so sad that black or black and white cats aren't adopted just cos they don't look right. I've only ever had black or black and white cats and love them. What's wrong with people? Cats aren't a fashion accessory..!!

Scarletohello · 17/10/2014 23:34

I wonder why these cats are so unloved, any ideas..??

Wolfiefan · 17/10/2014 23:36

Don't know where you are but our two came from Katz Castle in Surrey. Do get an older cat and not a kitten. You have to have two!!

MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday · 18/10/2014 00:13

I work fairly long hours and the cats don't mind.. they are always up when I get up and pleased to have an early breakfast. I let them out for a quick garden run around for 45 mins and then tempt them in with Dreamies before I go to work.. another garden run when I get home and then in at night!

I have had many cats over the years and all are moderately affectionate..I recommend Maine Coons as a breed as they are fairly independent but very loving. My Torty girl however is, like Methes, a bit of a bugger! All on her terms and thinks nothing of biting me awake!!!!!