Leaving cat alone all day?

[crummyusername]

Hi - DSs (13 and 10) are absolutely desperate for a cat. I know nothing at all about cat ownership. Obviously I'll do some research but one thing I'd like to know before I even start is whether a cat could be left all day + evening? Once my office reopens I may well have 1-2 days a week when I'm out 7.30am till 11pm or so. I also tend to go out for several hours at the weekend. (Separated from exDH so he lives separatly and kids will be with him the days I'm out). Is this at all workable? I'm thinking slightly older rescue cat rather than kitten.

I wish you lived near me. There's so many strays in need of homes 😔

Honestly my cat hates it when I dare cross the threshold into her home. You can literally see the disappointment in her eyes when we come in from school and work to spoil her peace and quiet.

I think it would be fine. A rescue cast will come microchipped then you can get a cat flap that only lets your cat in which I would definitely recommend

Our cat at the moment is the most needy cat we’ve ever had. She hates being alone during the day. She’s out all night. Our previous cat could be left for two weeks when we were on holiday with a neighbour feeding him. He was absolutely fine.
Depends on the cat and what they are used to. Speak to the rescue and get one which is independent . I think male cats are less needy than female cats in general. You do need a cat flap.

My cat is literally in and out all day. I leave the door open for her. If I'm out I worry she will be sat crying to be let in. She is in all night. I think it depends on the cat.

I've had cats all my life and they're pretty easy really, my cat jumps up on to a chair in the morning and is still there when I get home from work the lazy furry git! She actually looks at me in disgust because I've disturbed her! I've also had a selection of male/female cats and from my own experience the females are the better hunters, we've had more rodents and birds bought home than any male cat we've owned, but as I say that was just my experience.

@OutComeTheWolves mine comes running to the door to find me. I left him for an hour the other day and he was fuming and demanded cuddles

I have two cats that's I've left overnight plenty of times. They have three clean litter trays, a water fountain and a few bowls of dry food. I was worried the first time so we got a couple of cameras and it turns out they pretty much sleep on our bed/ the sofa until we're back and only go out for an hour morning and night. It helps that they don't hunt so we don't have to worry about finding presents.

@crummyusername

If it wasn't for the kids, I wouldn't be considering it. I do like cats and had one growing up though, and feel sad for my kids they're not getting the experience of having a pet. It's not something I'll enter into lightly.

Part of the thought behind an adult cat was that I don't want the 20 year commitment, so an older cat would avoid that.

In this case, I would probably say don’t get one. If YOU dint really want one, then don’t do it just for your kids. You will be the one who is responsible for all of its care, so no point unless you really want one.

Sorry, that sounds harsher in writing than how I mean it to be!

Would you be willing to get a dog? Probably not. I think too many people go for a cat because they think they’re “easier/independent/etc”. My view is, unless it’s YOU who really wants the pet then don’t do it.

Don't get one just for your kids. A cat is a commitment. How would you feel if it ended up having health or behavioural problems? It will still be your responsibility, will you still be happy to take care of it?

This is from the government's website

You must give notice to your neighbour between 2 months and a year before you plan to start building works. Include what you plan on doing

You can speak to your neighbour to explain the work you want to carry out, before giving notice in writing

Find letter templates and more information on giving notice in the party wall explanatory booklet

Any agreement you reach should be in writing