Cat as a first pet (for single adult household)...any advice please

[CarolNoE]

Hi, I am seriously considering a cat as my first pet and would be grateful for any advice or signposting to websites/books. I work partime but there can be the occassional long day or sleepover. I live in my own ground floor flat, nowhere to put a catflap so it would have to be a litter tray for when I am out. The last year or so I have been coming round to the idea of a cat, drawn to a rescue so looked at local RSPCA where £80 fee or £10 if over 10 years (not sure about the insurance aspect) in that case. What costs and other issues do you think i need to take into account? Grateful for any advice as no pets growing up so feel unsure. I was working last year for a boss who had 3 pedigrees but it was the fourth "moggy" who was on borrowed time and just left to her own devices that I really warmed to. It has come as a bit of a shock as I always thought I was a dog person but being in a flat and working shifts is not compatible. I think I would get a lot from a cat but want to make sure I can offer a good home in return. Cheers

Cats are great pets, personally I don't let mine out so I have no advice on that aspect but I currently have five cats, I buy in bulk on Amazon so it costs me around £40 a month for food, biscuits and litter (but this is for five cats so will be a lot less for only one) - they don't really care whether you're there or not they don't need constant supervision as long as they are fed and watered they seem to be happy, they sleep a lot and are great cuddle buddies. A lot of cats I've found are happy being on their own or in a group etc insurance isn't too expensive, think I pay £5-£7 a month for each cat. I've also found they can mimic your personality and usually adapt to your lifestyle - I much prefer my cats to my dogs (love them all ofc) cats are just more independent. I think it's a lovely idea, you should be able to find a perfect rescue :)

I've got indoor cats and they are happy being left while I'm on 12 hour shifts. They are great company and you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago!
I also buy in bulk online. But my two aren't picky with their dry food so it's ok. Some cats maybe more fussy.
Get the best insurance you can get!

We've recently adopted two cats from RSPCA. We don't have insurance but pay for a wellness programme through the vet which covers vaccinations, flea and worm treatments etc and gives discounts for treatment. We've found through having cats in the past that it works out better value for us. If you can I'd plan to be at home full time for at least a week so you and the cat can get used to each other and to help them settle in. Good luck!

Cats are amazing !

Yours sounds like an ideal home for an adult rescue cat. There are often cats who may need a quieter home (i.e. no small children or other cats or dogs) who find it harder to find a home when everyone wants a cute kitten... Go through a local charity who can match you up with a suitable cat.

In terms of costs, I would definitely recommend insurance - vet bills can be very costly especially if any out of hours/emergency treatment is needed and also as the cat gets older (some chronic conditions are very common in older cats). I would budget about £25-35 per month for a good insurance policy for a middle aged or older moggy (look for lifetime/covered for life type policies that will pay for a chronic condition for as long as needed - many of the cheaper ones only cover the first year of a condition).

Food and litter costs depend on what you choose to feed and can be anything from a few pounds a day to a few pounds a week, there really is a huge range of options available.

You will need a good quality cat carrier, some scratching posts/cat trees, a few toys, ceramic bowls for food and water, and a litter tray. Make a plan for holidays - will you have a cat sitter come in or use a cattery? Either way it works out to about £10-15 per day so not a huge cost.

Thanks for all the above replies. Very useful and confirms what I am thinking. Lockdown has made me rethink my lifestyle and looks like I will be at home more so maybe time to make some changes. I love the "cuddle buddy" phrase. Cheers all.

Don't over think it and let it out you off. Just do it, and it will be the best thing you ever do! You'll be a mad cat lady in no time. Speaks from experience.

@Toddlerteaplease

Don't over think it and let it out you off. Just do it, and it will be the best thing you ever do! You'll be a mad cat lady in no time. Speaks from experience.

Yes, that is the conclusion I have come to. I think I have grown into the profile of mad cat lady! Definitely too much overthinking and a "cuddle buddy" as previous poster put it is what I need to bring me down. Just want to get it right, not a lockdown 5minute wonder. Grateful for all info and tips x

Choose your cat VERY carefully. Most rescues grade cats as to who can be left alone for hours while you are at work and who cannot.
A very sociable cat will be miserable alone for hours, my current cat is very happy alone while I am at work and equally happy when I come home.
Its important to have lots to amuse them while you are gone, hide food around the place, you can get toys that you hide food in and they have to figure out how to get it out, doesn't have to be expensive, toilet rolls on wool are fun to play with.
They should also have access to a window to look out of with a little table they can sit on in front of it so its not just four walls.

We currently have five cats, all rescues with completely different personalities. Two bouncy kitten/young cats, two older gentlemen and one aloof girl cat. The two youngest are in and out for most of the day and need a lot of play and fuss. One older cat loves a chat but on his terms and isn't very cuddly. The other older cat has been there, done that and loves a cuddle and a Netflix binge. He doesn't go out much and sleeps a lot of the day. The girl cat is bonded with my DD, is either outside terrorising the neighbourhood or on DD's bed.

Older cats can be great companions, kittens may be cute but these days I'll take an older cat every time. Definitely get to know your local rescue.

In terms of actual care, be prepared to clean a litter tray often, online cat food is cheaper when bought in bulk. None of mine are particularly fussy eaters.

If you own your flat, you can put a cat flap through a wall. I think it would be difficult without one unless you get a very elderly one - but they can be expensive.

I’ve had my cat 19 years and she has been an unbelievable companion and seen me through a lot. Would totally recommend for a single person (and anyone !)

Cat rescues are usually looking to place cats in homes with access to a garden away from busy roads, although they'll sometimes have cats that were previously kept as indoor cats that will suit different situations, so it depends on your situation how easy it will be to find a good match.
If you have a garden and can find a way to put a cat flap in that would be ideal. Our first cat was left alone while we were at work and sometimes overnight and it was never a problem. They're definitely more suited to working people than dogs and are very easy to look after usually, so I'm sure you won't regret it.
Best of luck!

You'd be surprised where you can put a catflap! My friend put hers in her bathroom window and the cat would come in that way, jumping down from the window ledge and onto the floor. She put some old bins on the outside so he could jump up. Although that wouldn't be ideal once the cat gets older. Usually by then they are less inclined to venture outside.

I have only ever adopted older cats so I'm not sure what a kitten would be like. Older cats are already house trained and more calm. I think kittens would be fun but stressful!

I used to rent a first floor flat and my cats would go out the bathroom window and jump across the rooftops. Id never cope with that now but this was 15 years ago when I was young and didn’t worry !