dreaming about getting a cat, is it really as difficult as it's made out to be?

[openallthetime]

Ok, I've never had a cat. I'm not a neglectful type, so not one of those pets for xmas kind of people. I love animals. I'm just dreaming at the moment. so not very likely to go ahead any time soon if ever. But I wonder would I get the joy out of it that others seem to get? or would I find it annoying and a huge responsibility? Would the joy offset the responsibility?

Cats are extremely low maintenance and pretty cheap if you are lucky. I have had cats all my life, 50 years. Always outdoor cats. Never experienced bad behaviour, destruction or toilet accidents. The odd pile of sick and lots and lots of dead animals though. Eat everything, inc off cuts and scrapings of all human food. Love bolognaise, inc. pasta.

Never had insurance until this cat (Bengal cross) and never had large vet bills, even for the oldies, they never got ill. The only thing we pay for is flea and worm treatments from the vet, which are expensive, but a worth it, and annual jabs.

As I say, we have probably been lucky, but have generally had farm kittens, so good robust genes 😊

I think cats are usually the most low maintenance of pets. My cats 14 I've had her since she was a kitten, other than being spayed she's only been to the vets once for a urine infection it cost about £50 to be treated. She only needed a litter tray when she was a kitten and couldn't leave the house until she was spayed. I also had cats growing up and none had any problems, cost next to nothing and were easy to look after.
On the other hand we decided to adopt a rescue cat he was guessed to be between 1-2 years old and we have constant problems with him, he constantly got in fights and his wounds kept getting infected. He then got really ill and had to be put down, the vet believed he had an underlying health condition and that's why his wounds kept getting infected.

Nobody has mentioned cat hair.
Cat is self grooming but while his coat is shiny my clothes are covered in cat hair.

You will need a scratching post, litter tray, bowl but don't bother with a cat bed. Cats usually sleep where they like and choose a different spot after a few days.

We also hesitated for about ten years after our old cat died but got adopted by a kitten (presumably abandoned) while abroad back in September. With the difficulties we had getting him back to the UK, it took three months, he must be one of the most expensive moggies in the world.

He is not fussy with food, scratches where he is supposed to, and has heaps of personality. He had never used a litter tray until we decided to keep him and now we are allowing him back outside, he is using it less and less so we will gradually ween him off it again.

Not sure about insurance. We have never bought it for previous cats and never wished we had.

Such hard work...

My female cat is very easy and undemanding. She keeps mice and spiders away.

I have had male and female cats and find the females easier to care for, just my experience.

There's not a lot to it really. Food and water, some attention and affection, occasional trip to the vets if needed.

Holidays are the only niggle. Luckily my neighbour has a kitty so we feed theirs when they go away and they ours.

@TicTac80 I think you may be paying over the odds for your Royal Canin dry food - I get 10kg bags for around £45 (sometimes with a bonus 2kg free) and the 2kg bags are only £15 - try shopping at somewhere like Zooplus maybe?

openallthetime when it comes to cat maintenance time that is so dependent on the individual cat, and slave. I am expected to be at the beck and call of my furry overlords, especially Girlcat who is very imperious, and tbh I'm besotted enough with them so I indulge them. At least 4 hours a day doing petting/cuddling in different locations between the 2 of them, though that's partly due to Boycat's "issues" and separation anxiety. My Dsis had less demanding cats, and they probably took about 10-15 minutes a day total.

• 1. very rough cost of maintenance (food, vet bills etc) on a monthly basis averaged?

2. time per day doing cat stuff (feed, water, change litter, sort cat stuff) on an average day *

1. £15 to £20 per month. That's not the cheapie cat food either (my cat likes the Hills stuff), with flea/ worming stuff as required.
2. 2 mins. Putting food down is hardly anything. (Then an optional 15 mins petting her on my lap in the evening if she wants)

[quote Allergictoironing]**@TicTac80 I think you may be paying over the odds for your Royal Canin dry food - I get 10kg bags for around £45 (sometimes with a bonus 2kg free) and the 2kg bags are only £15 - try shopping at somewhere like Zooplus maybe?

openallthetime when it comes to cat maintenance time that is so dependent on the individual cat, and slave. I am expected to be at the beck and call of my furry overlords, especially Girlcat who is very imperious, and tbh I'm besotted enough with them so I indulge them. At least 4 hours a day doing petting/cuddling in different locations between the 2 of them, though that's partly due to Boycat's "issues" and separation anxiety. My Dsis had less demanding cats, and they probably took about 10-15 minutes a day total.[/quote]
Aha, I will have a look, thank you! :D Stupidly, I've used Zooplus for other things!!

I think your main issue is the prospect of vet bills if they get sick. I have had my cat for a year and a half. He has had two vet visits that have cost me about 60.00 each. I have insurance but that doesn't cover things under a 100. That said, he is very easy to look after. He requires feeding twice a day plus biscuit top ups. He usually goes out at night in reasonable weather. He doesn't use the litter tray which is a bonus and he likes a bit of fuss especially in the morning. We mainly got him for our dd who wanted a pet, but I don't regret it. He is a rescue cat which also makes me feel good that I have given him a good life.

Echo above. Very easy to look after a cat. We have a wee scarey cat who doesn't like the cold or rain so she uses a litter tray mostly and I don't find it horrible to clean. Poos are mostly hard (unless ill) and after 2 kids I can deal with that no bother. My little girl eats 1 pouch a day and a bowl of dry food which is topped up before bed. We have a water fountain for her because she is a princess and doesn't drink from bowls. She prefers to drink straight from the tap and just tells us when she wants it but when we are out we switch on her fountain.

She has several little hidey places throughout the house that she has claimed so I wouldn't bother with a bed... She or he will find their own.

I would urge you to get a rescue. Our wee kitty had been pretty badly treated before she came to us but she is the sweetest wee doll.

Its not the cats that are the problem. Its the live gifts that they think you would like. To date we have had
Mice
Rats
Birds (escaped cage birds; wild birds; racing pigeons)
Toads
Frogs
Koi
Voles
Squirrels

I've had cats most of my adult life, and adopting an older, neutered, housetrained one from a rescue centre is by far the best option. My current one is now 6 and fitted right in from Day 1. He has his own bed he sleeps in at night (although he's pretty much nocturnal) but commandeers sofas/beds/any part of DH that stays still long enough during the day. Hair when he is moulting is an issue, as are various body parts left as presents, and he does sometimes 'mistake' my lovely stair carpet for his scratching post, but generally he is laid back and lovely. He's not interested in playing much so might be seen as boring but it suits the old gimmers in this house just fine! He cost £75 originally from CPL I pay £6 per month insurance, annual check up and jabs cost about £90, and three-monthly flea and worm treatment about £40. He's happy to eat Sainsburys pouches supplemented with biscuits and a few treats (plus various small mammals) We luffs him

Its the live gifts that they think you would like.

Mine is currently sizing up a pheasant through the patio doors.

If you've been thinking about it for a while I don't think you'll regret it.

When I was pregnant I had a dream I gave birth to kittens. I was quite disappointed in the morning that this wouldn't be the case.

I have never had a cat (parents hate them, we always had dogs and other small pets) but quite fancy getting one. A friend had Siamese who were very affectionate, always jumped on my lap for cuddles. So I'm thinking about getting a cat as well but then I keep seeing videos online of cats going mental and destroying things in their homes and making a huge mess! So that puts me off. But I'd love a quiet, affectionate, non-crazy cat as a companion I think.

I did once look after a friend's cat in my own home for a few weeks and perhaps it was the unfamiliar surroundings and him feeling a bit anxious but he did scratch my furniture and break a few things. He also coughed up a hairball on my living room floor which was fun to clear up. So I think back to that time and wonder if it would be a good idea. But I really miss having a pet. Maybe could get a dog but I fancy a cat as well. Hmm!

The poop is the main thing, having to clear it up from the litter tray or garden. I have a dog so I'm used to it but it's easier to find and clear away from the garden every morning and no indoor smells. I think if I had another cat I would get a catio or have a litter tray outside under cover somewhere so I knew where it was!

I've never not had a cat. I think the longest I have been without one is about 3 days.

I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't get me wrong, they're utter gits! But even a non-lap cat is there with you.

I have one lap cat, always nearby and wanting fuss. One who isn't but sleeps in my bed.

Of course there are downsides, litter trays (liners are a must), some can be quite sicky, making sure you remember them when making plans - I've often found that dog owners think you can just leave your cat to fend for itself.

If you do get one I agree an adult cat would be good. You can't really tell what the personality of a kitten will be. I had one Blue Persian kitten after the most amazing BP I had passed away and although it was very socialised it was never very friendly. Another kitten was also not friendly and lived under the piano for the first two weeks! He never did get friendly and used to rake our ankles with his claws. Rescues that I've had have been so loving. So if I could get over the litter tray aspect I would go for a rescue next time.

They make amazing pets but I think you have to set ground rules and stick with then really early on or they can end up being a bit annoying otherwise. We adopted a male Bengal at 6 months who has quite a few bad habits and it’s really hard to break them as he’s very very persistent! He has a very loud grating miaow. I’ve heard Siamese are very yowly too, He’s also incredibly greedy and will yowl on and on for food even if he’s been fed relatively recently. He also loves going up to higher surfaces so is forever jumping on kitchen surfaces to get up on the units. We have to ultra careful about leaving things like the butter dish out.
Additionally we have to shut him downstairs at night as he’ll nip your toes for food / attention under the duvet all night if he’s allowed to come upstairs. But on the plus side he’s a proper character and absolutely brilliant with the kids!

@AlwaysLatte I've got rescue Persians. Win win.

I always had dogs but shortly after my last one passed I was asked if I could take in a 6 month old cat (very genuine reason). Best thing I ever did. Never knew how affectionate and funny cats could be. I adore my little shadow 💕

I didn’t think it would be a bit deal at all. To be honest I did feel a bit overwhelmed for the first week or two as they were kittens and hid under the sofa all the time and kept pooing and weeing outside the litter tray. I persisted and after that was resolved it was easy!

Regarding if you ever need anyone to look after them, cat in a flat is good for finding sitters.

Mine are low maintenance. Nothing in comparison to getting a dog. Easy.

@WTF0ver

I have never had a cat (parents hate them, we always had dogs and other small pets) but quite fancy getting one. A friend had Siamese who were very affectionate, always jumped on my lap for cuddles. So I'm thinking about getting a cat as well but then I keep seeing videos online of cats going mental and destroying things in their homes and making a huge mess! So that puts me off. But I'd love a quiet, affectionate, non-crazy cat as a companion I think.

I did once look after a friend's cat in my own home for a few weeks and perhaps it was the unfamiliar surroundings and him feeling a bit anxious but he did scratch my furniture and break a few things. He also coughed up a hairball on my living room floor which was fun to clear up. So I think back to that time and wonder if it would be a good idea. But I really miss having a pet. Maybe could get a dog but I fancy a cat as well. Hmm!

If you're looking for a quiet non crazy cat, don't get a Siamese! Ime they're far from quiet and definitely crazy. My old siamese spends hours shouting at the door to be let out in the evening and as soon as I open it he runs into the living room, glaring at me because I made it cold outside! Then five minutes later he's asking to go out again ...

He'll only sleep under the duvet, must lie on my lap all day, preferably under a blanket .. he makes this very clear by pawing at me until I cover him with the blanket. Very full on all the time. I love him, but I don't think I'll have another siamese after him.