We're thinking about getting a cat. What do we need to know?

[Wrybread]

Ds2 has always been scared of cats, but last week we met a relative's shorthaired exotic cat (shorthaired version of a Persian) and not only wasn't he scared, he said he'd like us to have one. (For extra info, he used to be scared of dogs but his dad got a dog and he's much better with that breed of dog now)

This type of cat is naturally quiet, friendly and doesn't tend to hunt or pounce etc

We're not going to get one straight away, we're thinking sometime after Easter.

But as I've never had a cat, I don't know what we need to know. Is it a good idea to get the same breed? And is there anything I need to know about caring for a shorthaired exotic cat?

And is it better to get a kitten or an older cat?

Get a rescue.

Ime better to get 2 dkittens.
They can use needle claws and teeth on each other instead of your soft furnishings and your arms...
And company when you aren't in!!

Get 2 kittens and please get rescue ones rather than from a breeder

Agree that cats are better in pairs.

Agree in advance if they will be indoor cats or outdoor cats. Also, who is responsible for changing the cat litter.

I love my British Shorthair boy to bits (loves company but not a lap cat, never bit, scratched or hissed, nosey as anything and thick as mince ), but if I was going to do the whole thing again, I'd get an older cat I think. Kittens are adorable but they'll probably scratch your stuff a bit at first, whereas an older one would be less likely I think. Also, with an older cat, you'll be able to ask the rescue what it's personality is like, particularly useful if your DS2 might be a bit wary at first. Good luck!!!

You can get breed rescues if you particularly want that breed, the breed will have it’s own society/club with breeder lists & welfare pages.

Burmese and Siamese are really loving and friendly IME - perfect for children - If you find a breed based rescue you can find an adult cat which can be assessed for your family fit. Siamese do like company though. Best someone home a lot or get 2!

Bear in mind that kittens naturally scratch and bite as part of their playing - either with a companion or by pouncing on your toes if you think that will make him nervous then best to get an older one.

I would lean towards an older one
Mine is a rescue, never scratches, doesn't hunt and loves bear hugs
Often found being carted about by neighbours small child while he blinks adoringly at her (he hates being picked up but children are allowed) she calls him Lolly and smothers him with kisses. You literally cannot give him enough fuss, he laps it up

Agree with op - get a rescue.

And work out how much you’ll be paying in insurance, flea and worm treatments, vaccinations, boarding for when you go away. Also, who’s going to be feeding, cleaning out the litter tray, administering medication etc.

Then you’re good to go!

Oh in terms of what to know

• cats are awesome
• pretty low maintenance
• they sleep so much it’s unfair
• they will sleep in boxes, on your newspaper, freshly washed clothes, but not the beautiful beds you buy them!
• you can feed mix of wet and dry food.
• they take a while to settle in to home especially if an older cat.
• kittens can be hard work and bit scratchy and bitey but very funny!
• adult rescue cat would allow you to see the cats developed personality - bonus! Get a rescue :)

Downsides

• they will scare you a lot when they don’t come home occasionally 😞
• they will claw carpet and furniture. Usually bottom step on stairs and edge of sofas and beds in my experience.
• litter trays aren’t fun (careful if pregnant), but better than pooing in your neighbours garden and then hating you perhaps?

@Toddlerteaplease has an exotic shorthair called Cheddar. She often frequents the Litter Tray. She got her from a rescue in the North.

I'd agree with forming a relationship with a rescue. They can guide you as to the type of cat that'll suit you. Older cats tend to be more settled in their personalities. DS and you can visit the rescue and find the car that picks you!

Definitely rescue. Local ones will match you with the right cat if you tell them what you've told us.

Could be old, young, pedigree, moggy...they will also advise on what you need for a cat.

Pretty much, food bowl, water bowl, litter tray if indoors. The best pet insurance you can afford.

That really is about it.

Donate any Amazon delivery boxes to the cat and they'll be happy as can be,

I'm either a very experienced cat owner, or a very lazy one.

Sorry I meant rescue dkittens....
Bet there will be loads post Xmas...

OP, this is the beast they @thelongrider mentioned. She's from At Francis Persian Rescue in North Yorkshire. But they also have a branch in Hitchen and Richmond, I think.

She's the most friendly and gentle cat I've ever met. Not once had she used her claws in anger. She loves to be picked up and cuddled and talks a lot! She doesn't have breathing issues, though her eyes get a bit runny occasionally. But nothing to bad. She likes her enclosed garden, but really isn't bothered about going out. She plays a bit, but would rather sleep and be cuddled.
You do need to be aware of health issues that come with Persians. But they are amazing lovely cats.
I also have a long haired Persian, who's pretty similar in personality. As was her late sister.
If you search true litter tray for the 'toddler girls' you'll learn more about cheddar!

This is all great advice, keep it coming!

Well we were thinking of getting a kitten from a breeder, but I think we're going to look into getting a rescue....not sure about getting a kitten or an older one though.

Ps. They are not real cats at all. They do t climb, are not interested in boxes and are extremely well behaved. (Well mine are!)

@Toddlerteaplease She's beautiful! That's exactly the type of cat we're looking out for

How old are your kids?

I got a kitten when my DD was 10 and they have grown up together and are inseparable.

We got a cat from the rescue 8 years ago. We needed a cat that was chilled out and didn't mind living with 3 noisy kids. The rescue came to see us and the house and recommended a couple of cats they currently had. The second we saw this one, we knew. He was good with children and has been completely unphased by the jumping, shouting, nerf- gunning play- wrestling little humans that live here. He was about 2 years old then and the rescue were able to identify exactly what cat would suit our home. I would definitely recommend a rescue as they can really make sure they place the right cat with the right family.

I've had mostly rescues and a few pedigree cats.
Kittens are great fun, but can be a bit scratchy and destructive. A slightly older cat gives you the advantage of seeing their personality.
One of my rescues I got as a kitten and I love her very much, but she isn't the easiest cat. Very skittish and shy but also very sweet and loveable.

I much prefer adults, Magic & Maia were five when I adopted them and Cheddar was 6. So ok ew exactly what I was getting. Take a look at St Francis. They occasionally have exotics.
My friend also has an exotic, but she's a chinchilla and is a bit more grumpy and hates being touched. Though we think she's been mistreated at some time.

Op, if you are in the vicinity of the East Midlands. Cheddar would be happy to meet you!

Id have a look at ragdolls, they are really good with kids and very laid back. I have a rag x Norwegian forest cat and she adores my DS

The only fault I can find in Cheddar is the amount of poo she produces. I don't understand how such a tiny cat can produce so much. And the smell is horrendous!