should we get a cat?

[bytheby]

Keen for advice as I am feeling torn. We are in no rush. Priority number 1 is doing what is best for the hypothetical cat so if you don't think we are a good fit just be blunt!

My daughter and husband are desperate for a cat. I love animals generally and happy to take on the work but wouldn't describe myself as a cat person - I am obsessed with our dog. But I am now leaning towards one for quite selfish reasons - mice - every 6 months or so they resurface. Although it is mice that are the tipping point I do like cats and would take great joy in having one!

Relevant info (and do ask questions on anything else that might be relevant...

1. We have a 4 year old who loves cats. She is quite mature and, for example, knows to stroke dog gently. But yes she is 4!
2. We have a small, very soft dog. Shows no interest in pheasants, rabbits etc on walks. When we had a pet rabbit and guinea pig she used to let them curl up next to her. Well trained. But also used to centre of the attention.
3. We live rurally with a big garden. Not far from a B road though...
4. Costs etc not a problem.
5. open to kitten or adopting (but adoptions don't seem easy with a young child and dog)
6. I've never had a cat but DH has always had them.
7. We holiday an average amount - 5 weeks or so a year and the odd long weekend.

Thank you for your wisdom.

The answer to ‘should we get a cat?’ Is always yes.

Yes.

Two would be better though.

sorry lots of typos! Well 2 'yays' is a good start...

I'm definitely converted, I've always been a dog person until I unexpectedly adopted my sons cat about a year ago. Cat is 3 years old now and is right at home with me and the dog..
He's very easy to live with, he takes care of himself and he chooses when he wants to spend time with me in the house.
PS he's a great mouser.

Absolutely yes.
I adopted quite possibly the greatest cat from my local rescue a couple of months ago.
Our home is so much richer having him here!
We love him so much 💖

Absolutely, we’re recently got our 4th. She is totally an enhancement to our home. Cats are fantastic!

And of course you must come back to show us many pictures of ask us many questions about the new kittens.

Yes, you should cat a cat. Preferably two cats.

You sound like the ideal cat owner to me. Or should that be cat servant

Good point Alphonso. Two is always better than one.

I found girls to be better mousers than boys but my boys are great spider catchers this one looks like butter wouldn't melt he hss Currently stole my duvet though

This is our gorgeous we can't have another cat cat.

Two, not one, is clearly the answer here (yes, I'm the proud owner of two new kittens, and can't even begin to describe the happiness they bring ). But on a serious note - having two together that have been bonded since birth is an absolute joy, and I can't imagine how I ever considered getting only one. They are so, so, so happy to be together

There's nothing in your post to suggest you shouldn't get a cat so do it!

Depends. Do you think you will be able to tolerate this kind of behaviour?

After having a dog for awhile we got a cat. I have no regrets, Although I wasn't prepared for her to not really like me that much I have been used to velcro dogs, who would never let me out of their sight. She likes my youngest the best and sleeps with him on the top bunk. If the kids are at their dad's she will come and wake me up at 6am for a chirrup and a fuss, and again she likes to observe my bathroom habits . No bother at all though and she shows no inclination to go outside, probably due to an unfortunate incident when she was new to us when she got out when the kids were leaving for school. I think she was only outside for a couple of hours, and was cowering next to the house when found.

Poor love was shaking when I found her and cleaned herself obsessively for a bit.

@Duckypoohs

After having a dog for awhile we got a cat. I have no regrets, Although I wasn't prepared for her to not really like me that much I have been used to velcro dogs, who would never let me out of their sight. She likes my youngest the best and sleeps with him on the top bunk. If the kids are at their dad's she will come and wake me up at 6am for a chirrup and a fuss, and again she likes to observe my bathroom habits . No bother at all though and she shows no inclination to go outside, probably due to an unfortunate incident when she was new to us when she got out when the kids were leaving for school. I think she was only outside for a couple of hours, and was cowering next to the house when found.

Poor love was shaking when I found her and cleaned herself obsessively for a bit.

She is protecting you while your vulnerable

She likes you!
Or thinks your incompetent

You cannot "get a cat." You can seek out a cat who deigns to grace your home with its presence, if you allow it to train you properly.

But it's worth it, because they are really really cute, and some of them also tolerate or even enjoy cuddles with their humans.

Another vote for getting 2 (littermate kittens, or a bonded pair of older cats).
As for mice - we only have them inside when the cats bring them in, but during the summer they do catch and dispatch dozens outside.

With regard to the 4yo, you'd probably have more luck with a rescue if you go in from the start asking about older cats i.e. not kittens. Kittens can be so delicate, which is why most rescues won't home to places with younger children. Also they find it harder to get away, so a quick grab by a child however careful and gentle can mean a panicking kitten and a scratched child.

Kittenhood only lasts a few months anyway, and with a young adult cat you get the added bonus of a good idea of their temperament.

Definitely get a cat but maybe look at rehoming an older cat. I have an older rebooked cat I got when ds1 was 4. He is really gentle, placid and all the kids including the neighbours love him. I tried to rehome another cat last year but couldn’t find one at the time so ended up getting a kitten as my husbands colleagues cat just had a litter. She is adorable but was hard work, destructive as a young kitten. She isn’t really keen on sitting on our laps either but the older cat loves a good cuddle.

Definitely get an adult cat. Or two!

Get a cat. We got 1 a month ago and my 19 month old loves her and she tolerates him.
She likes a fuss.
Only downside- stinky poops and cleaning the litter tray!

I would advise getting a kitten because a kitten is more likely to bond with your dog. In my experience adult cats do not bond as easily with dogs but I appreciate that other people
may have had more positive experiences. We had a kitten who adored our very large dog and the two used to play and lie curled up together. Cats are adorable and so soothing; you must get one!!

What a nice thread! One of the things that scares me is the cat(/s) wandering off for days at a time. I am not sure I can take the heart break and anxiety. Are there breeds that are less adventurous or things you can do to help prevent this?

I am not sure I can take 4 year old's despair.... Perhaps just build it in from the start that cats do sometimes go elsewhere?

My friend has a main coon I am very fond of, any thoughts on those?

Thank you so much!