We’d like to get a cat - what do we need to know?

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DP and I are thinking of getting a cat or kitten. Neither of us have owned cats before, and we both grew up with dogs as pets.

DS are 6.5yo and 9yo and are desperate for a pet, particularly a cat.

We haven’t made a decision yet but what advice would you give to complete novices thinking of becoming a cat family?

Get a cat, not a kitten!
My kittens came needing

• vaccinations, neutering
• litter trays that need emptying all the time
• keeping indoors, doors and windows shut

I reckon cats would be easier and cheaper

Also, they are quite expensive. We have paid out

• to the rescue centre
• flea treatment, flea spray
• vaccinations and neutering
• insurance
• ruined sofa
• food and toys

I would think of getting a pair ie siblings from the same litter. Then they can entertain each other when you are out at work or away. Ours are so sweet together, cuddling up and grooming each other. I’d also say be ready for some damage to your house. Ours are shut in the kitchen over month but can’t seem to resist a particular arm chair where they like to stretch and sharper their claws. They also go for sitting room rugs and sofas but a quick HISS and they’ll stop but of course we need to catch them in the act! The damage to our knackered old sofas and IKEA armchairs is outweighed by what they’ve added to all ours lives (children are 3 and 6) but of you are house proud and concerned about furniture and carpet then be a little prepared. We’ve taught them from the get go not to jump on kitchen counters as that was important to me.

That should say they’re shut in the kitchen over night (they have a cat flap so can go in and out just not have the run of the house when we’re asleep)

Ps we got our kittens from a rescue centre and they came chipped, neutered and vaccinated. We just had to make a donation.

Just understand they are lazy freeloaders that train you not the other way round

They are so much joy. You won't regret it. If youve grown up with dogs, get a Siberian forest cat. Siberians are friendly, curious and not aloof. So sociable!

Our kitten is 4 months old and an utter joy!! If you wait and adopt from a reputable breeder you won't have socialization issues like litter tray problems, scratching etc. They are very expensive mind

Just a heads up that cats can live for a LONG time - am currently sitting here with a much loved but very demanding 20 yr old snuggled up next to me. Just as kittens are like having a new baby in the house, this is like having a live-in an elderly parent who limits what we can do / where we can go and regularly misses her litter tray.

Whatever you do for them they will not be grateful.

Adult cats are easier x100. If you go to a rehoming centre and go into pens and a cat approaches you with clear interest it has chosen you. Cats are astute and it's lovely when a cat chooses you.

They can go through settling in time, but space to hide and plenty of food will win them over.

They are more sensitive initially and like people crouching or sitting down, no staring or shrieking.

Personally I would get an adult cat. A rescue will match you with one to suit your family.

Be very wary of getting two adorably cute litter mates. As cute as they may be playing together delightfully as kittens for 12 months, there's a good chance you're then going to have to deal with 15yrs plus of warfare. I have never known a pair of kittens who remained close in adulthood. Many have, but it's not a given and something people need to seriously consider.

A bonded adult pair would be a good move though 😁

You will worry
I've successfully managed to keep horses alive and healthy for the best part of 25 years but getting my cat I panicked I was somehow going to kill him by doing something wrong
He has successfully trained me up
Honestly he was the best £50 I've spent
Get insurance. Tesco are good

I agree get a pair of at least 2yo cats. We got our first pair when they were 3 never having had cats and I have done the same again and got a pair of 1yo cats this time. They are more troublesome, personality not as settled and lots of scratching! I like to know what I'm getting and kittens are a bit of an unknown quantity. Absolutely love cats just wish they would bring in fewer live animals...

What do you want out of a cat? If you want a lap cat - either get a rescue as you will know the temperament of an adult cat, or go for a breed (although even then it can’t be guaranteed!)

We have a ragdoll who are known for being ‘puppy cats’ - she follows us round, plays fetch and loves cuddles.

Before her we had 2 moggie kittens from the same litter and that also worked really well - they could entertain each other and it kept them well socialised.

True about insurance, most of my 8 cats lived to 19 and 20 and were quite expensive at the end of their lives.

Cats are the best! Please get from a rescue. We got my kitten from Battersea and she was vaccinated, neutered and microchipped.

Do you live on a main road? If you do, don’t get a cat as a risk of being run over.

We got a cat flap that only our cat can use through her microchip. Expensive but worth while.

Pet insurance is a good idea.

Our cat scratches our sofa, wakes me up sometimes very early, poos in my flower beds, and has bought a couple of live mice into the house (I rescued them!) But she purrs and sleeps on my lap, finds me when I am sad, is amazing with my kids and she’s great. They are very very easy to care for. Just need food, water, cat flap, lots of strokes on their terms!

@Freshapples

Just a heads up that cats can live for a LONG time - am currently sitting here with a much loved but very demanding 20 yr old snuggled up next to me. Just as kittens are like having a new baby in the house, this is like having a live-in an elderly parent who limits what we can do / where we can go and regularly misses her litter tray.

Agree with this. Our cat is 22 and very elderly now. We love him to bits obviously but it's hard watching him gradually become more frail and he does limit what we can do a lot. We wouldn't dream of going away overnight or for any extended amount of time during the day and leaving him for example. I've been saying for the last couple of years that I think he is near the end, but he's still with us.

Adopt a ginger male of roughly 5 years old. Teach your children to be gentle with him. Make sure he gets lots of attention and playtime.

I don’t think a pair is necessary, but yes to an adult. Partly because they are more cuddly and partly because you can find out their personality.

We always had cats when my kids were little and a couple of rules meant the cats adored the kids; let them sleep, and don’t overpet them. Cats are so darn soft, some people stroke them for too long and the cats get fed up with it. Let the cat come to the kids and don’t wake them up constantly.

Our old cat was very bonded to my son, but my son (newborn came into the house w the cat there) was taught to respect the cat’s space and when he (son) was big enough they became great friends.

@SalsaLove

Adopt a ginger male of roughly 5 years old. Teach your children to be gentle with him. Make sure he gets lots of attention and playtime.

Absolutely this! Great advice.

that you will be eating a small amount of cat hair un-noticed in every meal

They blink at you to say hello - blink back

They are prone to diabetes- this is something to do with diet

Get them used to you cutting their claws, grooming and handling

Unneutered males may come to your house and spray

They’re lovely

Definitely go for an adult.

Kittens need to be in pairs ideally to have a playmate and can be quite scratchy when you have children. Plus their temperament is unpredictable.

An adult cat you miss the crazy destructive stage and you get what you see.

You have to post photos of your cat here. Absolutely. That's the law.

The two I catsit regularly have recently moved house. To stake their claim on the new territory, they're using the front (indoor) doormat as a latrine.

Getting adult cats from a rescue is great as you'll have a better idea of personalities. We recently got a bonded pair of 3 year olds and they are great fun to watch when they wrestle and play but they also love cuddles with each other and with us. Kittens are super cute but super hard work and what seems like an affectionate fluff ball can easily turn into a people hating grumpy cat.