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The litter tray

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

Original poster

Thinking of getting a cat

29 replies

Jetcatisback · 09/08/2015 21:40

DD2 (8) has been obsessed with cats for as long as I can remember. We did have one prior to DD2 arriving but as a baby she was fairly allergic.

However, an elderly cat used to sneak in through an open window and snooze on her bed no matter how much we tried to put a stop to it, and I think she has now developed a tolerance.

My question is, what age, what kind etc. while kittens are undoubtedly cute, I think DD2 (and DD1 to be honest) are wanting a cat who they can stroke/curl up and cuddle with. Or does that sound like a daft idea for a pet?

Also I am rather worried about our house developing that unique cat smell, which my friends house has and is really bad but I don't think she notices anymore. How do you prevent it ?

OP posts:
Original poster
Jetcatisback · 09/08/2015 21:43

Forgot the most obvious question Blush

Where is best to find a cat? Our local RSPCA isn't that good tbh but I don't know of any other options other than small ads, which I don't really want to do.

OP posts:
acatcalledjohn · 09/08/2015 21:46

Go to the RSPCA or Cats Protection. You can meet the cats, get a feel for them, find out about their past, and thus find a perfect fit for your family.

And you'll be doing good by rehoming an abandoned animal.

Thing is: You have to share pics.

acatcalledjohn · 09/08/2015 21:49

Just to add: If the RSPCA is not that good, you still might find your perfect pet there. Don't discount them.

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/08/2015 22:02

Have you googled cat rescue centers in your area? there's usually a few and the older cats get overlooked in favor of kittens.

We've had a couple of black and white cats in our family and they've been snuggly lap cats.

Tortoiseshells are pretty but also full of attitude and feisty-ness so perhaps not what you want.

Ultimately the cat will choose you and it's best to get used to being under the paw.

cozietoesie · 09/08/2015 22:10

Maybe also have a look at the catchat website? They have a forum for cats needing homes but also have a 'Find a Shelter' page which should show details of rescues in your area, many of which will have their own websites with some of the cats for homing on them. (Note - not all of the cats needing homes will be up on the websites.)

Original poster
Jetcatisback · 09/08/2015 22:13

Acat - I'm familiar with the rule of pics having lurked in this section for a while Wink Will give the RSPCA another try.

Fluffy - that's a useful guide thanks, but obviously I realise that cats are pretty unique! Our previous cat was jet black and pretty feisty, not much of a cuddler. Elderly visitor cat was black and white, as is absolutely adorable cat from over the road - who comes running as fast as he can whenever he spots DD2 - he loves a strike and cuddle from her as well Smile

OP posts:
eddiemairswife · 09/08/2015 22:14

You have 2 children, you need 2 cats.

cozietoesie · 09/08/2015 22:15

Sounds as if they're obsessed with her as well! Smile

Wolfiefan · 09/08/2015 22:15

Where are you? (Vaguely of course!) I would go for two slightly older cats. They could still be young enough to play without the fear of kitten claws and climbing.

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/08/2015 22:18

There's a mumsnetter in Bournemouth trying to re-home her cat, she's been made homeless so has had to go into temporary accommodation and the cat is sleeping in the garden of the old house while she goes twice a day to feed it.

None of the local shelters have a vacancy for her at the moment.

MilesHuntsWig · 09/08/2015 22:21

We just got 2 kittens from a friend's sister whose cat had become pregnant before she'd managed to get her spayed.

We adopted 2 ginger toms which is prob not what you'd be advised to choose, and they are quite lively, but also do often come for a cuddle on our laps. They're still not quite ready to go out yet so they're getting quite boisterous in the house but they are fun and our DD (3) adores them.

Think through what you can cope with and go from there. Neither my DH not I had ever had cats before so have done a lot of reading/talking to friends who have!

kandykat · 09/08/2015 22:23

I would go for a British shorthair so that type of personality your after

A silver spotted or blue or maybe a chocolate colour point

I like bengals but they are not lap cats !!!

GoooRooo · 09/08/2015 22:27

I have a British Shorthair and a moggie. The BSH is very aloof and only comes for a stroke if she wants something. The moggie curls up with DS on his bed most nights - he is 3.4 - and they are best buds.

When I was growing up we had four cats - all ferals that we adopted. Two were cuddly lap cats and two were 'don't touch me unless you want to be scratched to bits' cats.

There's just no way of knowing what they will be like personality wise until you get them home for a bit!

I want kittens sigh

Original poster
Jetcatisback · 09/08/2015 23:01

2 kids = 2 cats ShockGrin

I had a look on the catchat site, oh they're all so lovely!

I'm north east england so I guess Bournemouth is a tad far Sad so I'll try the rescue centres etc.

Many thanks for all your kind helpful words, DD will be ever so excited as will I

OP posts:
PiperIsTerrysChoclateOrange · 09/08/2015 23:14

I urge you to do your homework. I have just got a lien who was too young to leave its mother although she is adorable I haven't slept much since having her.

Go to a rehoming centre.

It can take a while for a cat to become custom to its new home. You may have trouble with feeding and litter training.

All in all though a perfect pet.

Original poster
Jetcatisback · 09/08/2015 23:18

Piper, I've been reading your thread, and that is exactly why I didn't want to go through the small ads. Hope your little one is doing okSmile

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 09/08/2015 23:47

I had Twoago and Oneago from kittenhood but Seniorboy came to me when he was about 14 when my mother died. Older cats are great. Smile

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 10/08/2015 07:55

Definitely consider older cats as you can see their personalities Smile

Rollypoly100 · 10/08/2015 08:03

Definitely consider an older cat. Mine is 15 now (been with us since he was 13) and he is just wonderful. There's a beautiful half Siamese on Thanet CIC who has to be rehomed as he's fallen out with brother. I would love a second cat but my oldie is a non sharer.

Belleview · 10/08/2015 08:14

Just to say yy to the suggestion that you go for an older cat. You will be able to tell if the cat is a softie who loves cuddling and older cats that are sociable are a joy for children who want a cuddle friend, without the capriciousness of a young cat. You can ask about the cats temperament, it's a safer bet.
Good luck, looking forward to the pics!

PolterGoose · 10/08/2015 09:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

code · 10/08/2015 09:58

Re the smell. If you buy a quality food and don't leave it down all day there shouldn't be a smell. I only notice it in houses that leave down cat biscuits all day or festering wet food.

acatcalledjohn · 10/08/2015 18:51

We have two tabby moggies. They are generally speaking a friendly breed (ours are so friendly they are almost like dogs). Like someone stated upthread, torties can be a bit temperamental, especially young females.

NatalieQ · 13/08/2015 20:06

Hi Jetcatisblack! We are very sadly having to rehome our cat (after rescuing her 6 years ago) and we're looking for the perfect family for her. Would you be interested in chatting about whether she could be a good match for you and vice versa? She's extremely loving and loyal.

patienceisvirtuous · 13/08/2015 20:18

Oh, where in North East England are you? We have two fab independent charities in Sunderland, Pawz 4 Thought and Animal Krackers. Look them up, loads of gorgeous kitties up for rehoming...

I think a bonded pair would be great for you. Re wanting a lapcat, we chose a kitten who was sleepy, chilled and very purry when we visited the cattery. Such a good choice because she never changed and is a fab cuddler... Here she is, snuggled in as per!

Thinking of getting a cat