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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Do cats love you? And breed advice please

127 replies

Blossomworld · 29/05/2021 20:08

Do cats actually care about people? I really want a companion for me and the kids but I don’t want a cat that’s stand offish and attacks us.
I love the sound of ragdolls (and they’re the cutest things ever) but don’t know if I’m cut out for a long haired cat.
Does anyone have experience of ragdolls or British shorthair?
Or what are my chances of getting a moggy kitten that ends up friendly and cuddly?
No rescue suggestions as I live in a flat so wouldn’t be suitable.

OP posts:

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LongPauseNoAnswer · 29/05/2021 20:11

What do you mean by your flat being unsuitable for a rescue?

Anyway adopt an older cat that has a proven temperament and give it a good home.

Original poster

Blossomworld · 29/05/2021 20:17

Just that most rescue centres won’t rehome to flats even though I know absolutely loads of people with content cats in flats

OP posts:

Toddlerteaplease · 29/05/2021 20:19

I've got rescue Persians. They are itv very affectionate. cheddar demands to be picked up and cuddled. And they both snuggle up at night.

wineandcheeseplease · 29/05/2021 20:20

Siamese! The most peopley cats I have ever owned. Ours sleep under the duvet cuddled up to us

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 29/05/2021 20:23

Burmese, they're like dogs but smell nicer

Flackattack · 29/05/2021 20:28

Ragdolls are so loveable and the friendliest breed I’ve ever had - they make great companions but if you are keeping them inside they need a lot of stimulation and ideally space.

VettiyaIruken · 29/05/2021 20:31

Depends on the cat. Their personalities are as individual as humans.

The cat I have now loves us all very much and loves to cuddle and wash us and we even get her version of kisses -learned from being kissed by me a LOT! She leans in and puts her lips on your lip or chin or nose. It's the cutest thing.

I've had cats that have been affectionate, cats that have just wanted to eat and sleep and do their own thing. I had 2 rescues once that we never managed to tame. I think it's mostly just the luck of the draw.

QueenPaw · 29/05/2021 20:32

Honestly rescue isn't a bad idea. I've just fostered the most cuddly loving cat but he has to be indoors as he's deaf
So basically loud children/family noise, not an issue he just wanted fuss
Mine is also rescue, and is basically a teddy bear that likes nothing better than gazing at me and purring

QueenPaw · 29/05/2021 20:36

Stuffed teddy bear cat (I live in an apartment)
He's a bit confused by children but will happily sit while they brush him/fuss him and then need a nap as he's "exhausted"

Do cats love you? And breed advice please

42isthemeaning · 29/05/2021 20:37

We adopted a Turkish Van and he is quite simply the most affectionate and friendly cat I've ever owned

JorisBonson · 29/05/2021 20:37

No breed is guaranteed lovely.

Themostwonderfultimeoftheyear · 29/05/2021 20:39

Definitely get an adult cat whose temperament is known. We have two rescue cats who we adopted when they were 2. Wonderfully affectionate cats. If their temperament is already known the breed won't matter.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 29/05/2021 20:40

My next door neighbours cat loves me, hates them 🙄

1000glitterydicks · 29/05/2021 20:42

My British shorthair was totally gorgeous. She was a real lapcat.

42isthemeaning · 29/05/2021 20:43

@Themostwonderfultimeoftheyear

This is good advice

Enough4me · 29/05/2021 20:44

Going to a rescue centre and looking at indoor cats gives the available cats a chance to pick you. I've always had cats that rule the home have confidence and are affectionate, but the part of seeing them and getting a good fit is lovely.

JustPinchanInch · 29/05/2021 20:45

I have a Ragdoll, he's such a mummy's boy!
His coat requires very little maintenance, and we've never had problems with matting.
A quick brush and pluck the dead hairs around his mane every couple of days.

My mum has a British shorthair and she's the devil.

itshappened · 29/05/2021 20:46

I have British short hairs, one male and one female. Both hugely affectionate and want to be with us all the time. But the boy is probably more relaxed and friendly to everyone, whereas our female is very particular about who she loves and more timid. I am honoured to be her favourite! But both climb on top of us for cuddles and follow us from room to room and they have brought so much joy to our home. But if you want lots of affection I would recommend a male cat... ours seems to think he is more Labrador than cat!

Toilenstripes · 29/05/2021 20:48

A black male around five years old. Black cats are the absolute best and most loving.

Shannith · 29/05/2021 20:49

I've got two rescue British short hairs. The one I had from a kitten is a sweet friendly thing. Does she live me? Dunno about that but she likes my company. The older one was badly treated and it took her a year to unclench/relax enough to show affection.

She's a secret softie but not fond of any other people. But head boops from her are special.

Rescues will absolutely rehome cats as indoor only in flats. I think you are getting confused with dogs. A lot of rescues local to me often have cats that can only be rehomed as indoor cats.

I swear some of the rescues prefer indoor only and won't rehome outdoor cats near busy roads.

I love both my cats - and that's the point of them for me. They are lovely to have about the place. Even though they have bought a mouse in today which is unscathed but hiding under various bits of heavy furniture.

Shannith · 29/05/2021 20:54

Both also cuddle up. They sleep at the end of the bed and follow me about. Sometimes both of them come to the loo and stare at me.

If you want a cat to love you and never leave your lap I highly recommend a heated blanket to drape over yourself.

Even when the older one was still semi feral she was like a moth to a flame. They have little spats to see who can snuggle with me the closest when I have it on my lap.

Original poster

Blossomworld · 29/05/2021 20:58

I think Siamese and Burmese are probably to active to be indoor cats in a flat.

I definitely love ragdolls the most and they sound perfect. But I am very scared of having a longhair cat in regards to shedding and poo in fur incidents.

I’d definitely be up for rehoming g an older cat with known temperament. As much as kittens are cute and I’m definitely up for having one, they’re hard work and bite and scratch. I just don’t know where to begin with finding rescues that rehome indoor only cats. I’ve found one but they have so many people and not enough cats.

I’ve heard good things about bsh being laid back and friendly, but not affectionate like ragdolls. But less shedding... hmmm 🤔

OP posts:

Sidneysussex · 29/05/2021 20:58

Burmese are obsessed with their owners, sleep under the covers , demand to be carried around, interfering with every aspect of your life. Fabulous cats but full on! If your flat is small may not be ideal as they do need to play.

ViperAtTheGatesOfDawn · 29/05/2021 21:00

There are frequently cats in rescues who need to be kept indoors.

The problem with a kitten, even with the breed traits you want, is that they're not guaranteed. I've had Persians and Siamese who were proper hunting cats, I would imagine it's the same for other breeds.

Shannith · 29/05/2021 21:00

Black and black and white cats rule

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