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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.

Pet person

9 replies

Iggypupper · 14/07/2017 11:27

How do you know if your a "pet person"? I have had a serious want for a pet for while. Ideally would love a dog but have accepted thats not going to happen any time soon. We have small kids & I wouldn't trust a dog with a toddler. So I've come to think a cat might be a good idea. Ive been researching lots of different cats from rescue moggys to pedigree house cats , certain pedigree cats like persian seem to be more docile which might work well with kids. Ive also considered fostering some kittens to see how we get on before committing. But I just can't seem to decide! My main worries, the smell. The wee & poo in my house. I know cats are very clean & are usually great with litter training from early on. But what if you end up with a cat who decides to wee poo wherever it wants? Ive read a few posts on here from people saying as much. Cats will do as they want ultimately wont they? How do you deal with this especially if you have small kids? I admit Im a bit of a clean freak. Are pets just not for me? Or am I just focusing on the negative? We could give a cat a lovely home & lots of home. How do you know if your ready??

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Iggypupper · 14/07/2017 11:28

a lovely home and lots of love that should be!

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Iggypupper · 16/07/2017 09:46

Anyone?

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thecatneuterer · 16/07/2017 09:56

Firstly, just how small are your children? Very young children and cats aren't generally a good mix. If they're over toddler stage (I know nothing about children and don't know what age that would be) then it should be ok.

A rescue moggy is the way to go as rescues know the personality of their cats and can recommend a docile, child-proof cat. Kittens and young children are a very bad idea.

It's rare for a cat to piss or shit anywhere but outside or in the tray, but there is always a danger of this, particularly if your cat is stressed. Litter trays don't smell if you find the right litter and clean regularly.

However if you are very, very houseproud then I don't think pets are for you. They will probably scratch your furniture, will definitely shed fur all over the place and will track litter around the house.

Also what is your house like? Do you have a safe garden? Would you put in a cat flap? How is your financial situation? Can you afford £15 a month on insurance? Do you want a pet for you or for your children? If it's only for your children then I wouldn't do it. You need to really feel bonded to your pet to be able to put up with all the inconveniences.

Iggypupper · 16/07/2017 10:17

Thanks for your honest reply. My youngest is a toddler so yes thats probably my main concern. I actually want the pet for myself but maybe I am being selfish. I suppose in the back of my mind Im thinking that maybe a cat may not give back the affection I would really like that would make all the hard work worthwhile. Maybe I should just wait a few years & get a dog!

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thecatneuterer · 16/07/2017 10:31

It's not totally out of the question with a toddler, as long as you can be sure that the cat and toddler will never be together unsupervised. And as for a cat 'giving back' - you can make sure you get one of those cats. Rescues will know which cats are the most affectionate. You need a cat that is both very affectionate and very docile and unlikely to be stressed by children. The rescues will know which cat would fit the bill. As long as you are also not fussy about sex/age/colour then you should be able to find a suitable pet.

Start browsing here: www.catchat.org

Dogs are infinitely harder work - what are you thinking!

Iggypupper · 16/07/2017 10:34

True they are harder! I'll take a look at that website thanks

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Want2beme · 16/07/2017 11:08

Being a "pet person" is something you just are. It's an emotion. You just want to give good and loving homes to animals and you don't even think about the hard work that can be involved with their care, you're just happy to do it. I suppose having a pet is about you as well, but the real drive is that you love animals and want them in your life. Not everyone is in a position to have pets, as there can be many considerations involved. I hope it works out for you.

LifeWithMeaning · 17/07/2017 10:26

A lot of rescues won't adopt a kitty out to families with children under 5 years old, and you need a spare room to foster any (and of course no under 5's). Cat insurance is only £5 a month :)

Iggypupper · 17/07/2017 12:37

A bit different here ( Ireland) You can adopt or foster with kids under 5. We have already had homechecks. Also insurance is more like €15 per month :(

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