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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.

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Original poster

Talk to me about why you got a cat

50 replies

BoysRule · 15/03/2016 14:05

We are currently a pet-less family - two DCs (3 and 6). We feel like we have a pet sized hole in our lives. We are busy - I work 2 days a week but I am in and out a lot quite a bit on the other days and we are in and out at weekends.

A kitten wouldn't suit us for the above reasons but we are seriously considering a rescue cat. We are registered with a rehoming place and they have several that suit us in terms of ability to live with children. Our neighbours have a cat and we love it when she comes over for a cuddle.

I just don't want to make a mistake. DH and I had a cat years ago who was very unaffectionate and brought home a lot of birds/mice/anything that moved. We still enjoyed his company though. I'm just a bit nervous about disturbing our happy equilibrium in the house.

Do you think it's right for us?

OP posts:

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WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 16/03/2016 07:17

We got ours because the DCs and DH really wanted to, I agreed but would happily have remained pet-free indefinitely. They have fitted in very easily and are no real trouble but if I'm honest I wouldn't want to replace them if the worst happened, two years in and it still feels a bit strange having animals around the house.

OTheHugeManatee · 16/03/2016 07:21

DH and I were arguing about whether to move into my place (London apartment) or his place (country, with garden) and he won by pointing out that we could get cats if we lived together in the country.

We're both cat idiots anyway and are now settled in the country with two ridiculously demanding and indulged rescue cats.

OTheHugeManatee · 16/03/2016 07:23

Re adopting, it sounds like you're around plenty to make a nice home for a cat or cats. Rescue centres often adopt in pairs - if you're worried about not being there enough, get two cats and they can entertain each other

cozietoesie · 16/03/2016 08:06

I have my suspicions, Jean. After all, there's nothing to say that cats have to leave the remains of their prey around.

The Lodger doesn't.

voluptuagoodshag · 16/03/2016 08:10

Wanted to give an old timer a forever home so adopted our ten year old mog from a local cat rescue place. At first he was timid and didn't bother with us much but now he is very much part of the family and I love him. He doesn't scratch anything, doesn't bring home beasties, is very affectionate and even my DH is won over with him.

cozietoesie · 16/03/2016 08:20

When my mother died, it was just sort of assumed by the family that he'd move in with me because I had a vacancy at the time. They all thought it would only be for a few weeks, I reckon.

Pancakeflipper · 16/03/2016 08:26

We moved into a house and discovered it came with a cat.
Not a big cat lover but he grew on me. Devastated when he died.

A year later we decided that although not cat crazy we could offer a cat in need a home with food, garden, beds, cuddles, care.

He's now 9yrs old. The children adore him. I go bonkers at his cheese eating habit. He always senses whom in the house needs a cuddle and we love him.

cozietoesie · 16/03/2016 08:40

Hah! Don't ever buy nets of Babybel then, Pancake.

LastInTheQueue · 20/03/2016 17:01

We have two cats and can't imagine life without them.
Cat One adopted us about 2 years ago, and the second one we adopted after my gorgeous 17yr ginger was PTS last year. We did ponder whether getting a second cat was a good idea, but cat1 was looking lonely, and this new cat (ragdoll) really needed a good, cat friendly home, and we could offer that. She is MUCH harder work than either I or DH expected, and the settling in period was soooo tiring, but we're one big family one now and the two cats get along well.

Is a cat a good idea for you and your family? I think your kids are good age for pets, you seem to have use lives but are home often enough, I'd say yes, cats would be ideal. I'd suggest maybe an older pair from a rehoming centre would be ideal.

Roseberrry · 20/03/2016 17:14

Well i got my oldest when I was 11, can't remember why.
We got a kitten 6 years ago for no reason really, he just looked cute and we thought why not. They've both had their moments of being shitbags and we've almost made cat curry a few times but they just plod along happily now.

Sounds as if you are in a good position to get a cat, you should go for it. The only thing I would say is make sure to find one that suits your personality. I couldn't bare a cat that needs lots of attention and has to stay indoors. I like mine to be independent and ignorant with occasional cuddle times.

hollinhurst84 · 20/03/2016 17:17

Because I seem to be the cat Pied Piper with everyone's cats following me, coming into my house, attaching themselves to me
Decided if I couldn't solve it, I may as well get myself one
Mine has never hunted more than a crisp packet and tends to spend his life asleep on me or here

Original poster

BoysRule · 20/03/2016 19:11

Thank you everyone - you convinced me. We are now the very happy owners of a beautiful 4 year old tabby. She's is incredibly affectionate already and is currently on my son's bed with him whilst he should be sleeping!

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Vinorosso74 · 20/03/2016 19:48

Congratulations on your new family member. You've missed one thing though.... photos please!

Roseberrry · 20/03/2016 20:38

She sounds great! I will need to see a photo of how cute she is though

pilates · 21/03/2016 08:53

Great news
I love tabby cats.

Original poster

BoysRule · 21/03/2016 14:25

Here she is....

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cozietoesie · 21/03/2016 15:06

Oh she is so dainty!

pilates · 21/03/2016 16:37

She is so beautiful, I bet you are chuffed

Vinorosso74 · 21/03/2016 17:19

She's a very pretty kitty.

Original poster

BoysRule · 21/03/2016 17:53

Thanks, we are chuffed. Just need her to come out from under the bed now!

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 21/03/2016 18:11

Click a camera and tell her she's only got 5 minutes to ready herself for her public.

(Sorry - it's the positions of those paws. She looks like a bit of a 'starlet'. )

tippytap · 21/03/2016 18:53

Aw, lovely xx

gingerboy1912 · 22/03/2016 18:50

We got one as a 'second choice ' because my youngest is afraid of dogs, I work almost full time and the kids wanted a pet. But we absolutely adore him. He's brilliant and we are now definitely 'cat people'. I think I miss him more than the kids when I'm at work

LastInTheQueue · 22/03/2016 21:32

Awwww... Look at the pretty kitty!!! Congratulations on the new family member

6cats3gingerkittens · 24/03/2016 18:13

Boys, she's very pretty. I have a soft spot for tabbies and have always thought that they are super friendly cats. Enjoy her.

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