Would we be suitable cat owners?

[HelloJackieYouLookNice]

We are a family of 4, two dds aged 6 and 10. We live in a suburb, on a road that gets busy during rush hour but with a speed limit of 30. The house is about 2 car lengths from the road, and we have a large garden to the rear of the house. No other pets apart from a lazy hamster enjoying his later years.

We have approached the RSPCA and Cat’s Protection and both said we are only suitable for an indoors cat and neither have any suitable. There is an independent rescue nearby who I can also look into. I had cats growing up, we lived on a small farm on a country road and lost several cats over the years to the road and would hate to have that happen but I worry about the practicalities of having a cat permanently shut in.

Wise cat owners, in my situation would you get a cat or stick to hamsters? And if we did get one would you let it out during the day when someone is at home (I work part time and only once a week for the full day), let it come and go as it pleases or keep it in completely?

I would prefer a young cat to a kitten but happy to follow advice if a kitten would be easier to keep as an inside cat from the start.

Thank you for reading

I don't have any toads nearby. Does that mean a cat would be safe?
My attempt at adopting a cat via a rescue centre didn't get very far. Have recently become catless. Any suggestions?
I want a neutered indoor/outdoor youngish streetwise cat not a kitten.
Any advice?
Sorry to hijack but couldn't resist the toad.

Thank for the link to Catchat Vinagar - I have found 2 little girls needing an indoor home about 45 minutes from us so I have messaged to see if they are still looking for a home

Hi op I Second flatcats they are fab at the windows. Still looking for something suitable for our patio doors though.

I have always has outdoor cats but now have an indoor cat, she needs a lot of play but is so loving. Good luck with your new masters.

Depends on the cat re indoor and outdoors. Personally I'm a big believer in the indoor cat. My cats started life as indoor only cats as I live in an apartment. Now they aren't bothered about going outside, I've tried encouraging them out a few times and they didn't want to go. Also outdoor cats are terrible for bird life.

In summer I do keep my windows open. But I would anyway for myself.

Re the roads. I agree with pp that a very busy road would probably be something they would avoid. Also this will be probably be a very unpopular opinion but there are so many cats in shelters, I think a cat would have a much better life in a happy home for 8-10 years before a quick death on the road, than in a shelter for 20 years.

And I'm not a cat hater, no one likes cats more than me. I have some and I volunteer with them, and I foster them.

The rescue don’t cover my area apparently so that’s a no go

Have a look on Preloved. Both my cats came from there, they were rescued by a lady that takes the cats that the RSPCA can’t fit in. I wouldn’t buy a pet from preloved, but there are plenty needing homes and being given away. ☹️

We have indoor cats! British shorthairs from a local pedigree rescue and we've had a pair and then one on their own in their later years. I would recommend getting two for indoor cats but honestly they're really happy, have lots of toys and generally enjoy life, the only downside is I'd recommend having someone around most of the time. There's almost always someone home with ours for a good chunk of the day and they love spending time wherever we are.

If you could give us a rough idea of area, we might be able to suggest somewhere? I know of a rescue in Kent for example, that re-homes cats to indoor only homes (where I got mine from).

South Wales Allergic.

Allergictoironing thanks for the flatcats link they look good

When I was with cats protection we had cats that were road aware I.e they are used to busy residential roads. So if you are considering an independent charity just ask them if the cat is road aware.

I live on a very busy res road but have a catio for my cats even though they are road aware.

You can also buy the fencing and put it up yourself which would be cheaper for you.

Any joy?

Have you tried FB? Maybe a friend of a friend would have. We almost adopted 2 via freagle (not really the done thing!) as a local family was moving to another rented house and landlord said no pets.

Nothing yet. None of the shelters I’ve tried have anything suitable for indoors or any young cats. My parents think they can probably get us kittens off a local farm if nothing turns up but I would rather rescue some so I’ll keep an eye on the local websites. I’m wary of Gumtree and Preloved so I won’t look there. It may just be a case of waiting for kitten season to kick in.

Last summer I had all the windows open as Fatty and Snorg would climb on the upstairs window ledges. However I've just discovered that Cheddar will. So o think I'll get some flat cats!

We’ve found our fur baby

She had just come into a local rescue and I was there at the right time before she got snapped up! She is an indoor cat called Jet, she’ll be ours after she is neutered and chipped this week.

We have been shopping and bought

Litter tray and wood litter (which is what she’s used to), we also bought some clumping litter with a view to hopefully slowly move over to that (if she agrees!)
Carrier
Bowls
Toys
Bed
Scratching post

We’ve bought Iams kitten food, is that a good one? And Dreamies of course!

I will register with the local vets (it’s both our closest and the one recommended by the shelter)

Do I need to do/buy anything else?

Obligatory pic!

We think she’ll be called Socks when she comes home!

Oh congratulations OP! She does look very cute and adorable , how old is she?

I'd check with the rescue which food she's on at the mo, as sudden changes in diet can make for really horrible poo.

She’s on Whiskas there but I didn’t think that was very good food?

Which insurance company would you recommend? And are monthly plans for vaccinations/flea treatment/worming worth it?

Thanks!

She’s 7 months, she was dumped there yesterday

Congratulations! She’s lovely. Petplan are the best insurance company really, they won’t increase your premiums if you claim either. I’d go for at least £7k cover on a lifetime policy knowing how quickly bills can rack up.

Awww she is too cute. I am with marks and sparks as they cover long term illnesses too. Just be sure whoever you choose covers everything, long termillness, specialists, rehabilitation. I can also recommend more than, no quible.

Awwww she is lovely, congrats. Also look at zooplus they are far better when it comes to pricing for all brands of food. I use animonda Carney plus a raw diet and purizon dry.

Go with Cats Protection's advice.
They must have valid reasons.

Just saw pic of cat. She's gorgeous

i love zooplus thats were i get my food much better prices for higher quality food just look at the meat content in the food try and give them the food with the most meat

www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/dry_cat_food/sanabelle/sanabelle_special_nutrition/313863

Thank you

Something that’s been running over in my mind overnight is that the rescue are chipping her to their address and told me that I need to keep her registered to them, in case we move and can’t be contacted. Is this normal? Dh isn’t happy about it, I can see where they are coming from but if she gets lost I want her to come straight home and we have no intention of moving. Plus what if the shelter closes or they lose paperwork?