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.

things I like about my cats

• the sheer beauty
• the companionship
• watching them tit about and explore is endlessly entertaining
• great mousers. Our neighbours have mice, and our girls keep them at bay

things I dislike about my cats:

• the grubbiness. cat hair on things. muddy paw prints on things. And I mean all the things, all the time.

• the bastards have ruined my sofas with their scratching
• presents. Dead mice, birds, young rats. Sometimes live ones, which I then have to catch and dispatch.
• occasional 7am yodelling contests when I would like a lie-in
• having to make sure they're cared for when we're away.

Basically if you are houseproud, they are probably not for you. But if not, enjoy their hilarious beauty.

@bytheby

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!

Ragdolls should be kept indoors.

We teach our cats to come back inside by shaking the cat biscuit box. Biscuits are shaken from an early age ( while kept in doors) around mealtimes and so they associate it was food. By the time they are okay to go out, it’s embedded in them. I also butter their paws, the first time they go out, it’s an old wives tale but I still do it and has ‘worked’ for us. Always start with short times in the garden accompanied and then gradually longer and longer and then without you. Biscuit trick works great with mine, even if they are out of the garden they hear it and come scooting back, I’ll give them a tiny bit so they know it’s not an empty promise! Cats can be trained quite easily to do some things! If treats involved. 😂

Also, my cats don’t scratch the furniture, just the scratching pole. They have just learnt that over time, after being told off or removed from the item and placed next to stretching pole instead.

Another vote for two cats/kittens. We got two rescue kittens (the gingers in the photo) and then took on a neighbour's cat (the one at the top of the stairs. They are worshipped in this house and I wouldn't be without them. Very self sufficient, affectionate (on their terms!) and complete idiots.

Do it!

I have a Maine coon, she was supposed to be an indoor cat but she had other ideas, she destroyed so much in the house, she has so much energy and of course is large, she tried to get escape all the time and although we played with her it was not enough. We had to let her out and she is so happy, she is fluffy and beautiful and has loads of different meows. Dcat takes alot of brushing and is extremely noisy, she likes a conversation and loves water. If it's raining outside she is out there getting wet and then comes in asking to be dried.

Also I assume you would need to find a cattery to take the cat while you are away? I used a cat hotel 🤣 it as amazing.
If you are up for being owned and ignored I think a cat would be perfect. My DC were 2&4.

Also the most amazing mouser ever and I have had alot of cats.

Yes you'll start with one..

The answer is yes. Cats are amazing. Wouldn't be without ours.

I'll lend you Cheddar Op. then I can have a full nights sleep.

Slightly OT... I don’t think 5 weeks in year holiday plus long weekends is an average amount...i mean, it’s got nothing at all to do with getting a cat, but that compared to anyone I know is a lot of holidays.

My cats have always been girls and spayed before they get out and have never disappeared for days, the odd overnight when young, but that’s it.

Cats are great - but ours bring in considerably more mice than we ever had in the house in the first place, so just be warned it can be a bit messy!

It all depends on the cat. Mine vanished once for a week and came back frantic, seems he was stuck somewhere
He's glued to me, is like having a small affectionate toddler following you round. Doesn't catch anything at all, will bring me the occasional leaf and would rather be gazing at me than outside
I love the little furry weirdo

You've posted in The Litter Tray so there would only ever be one answer - so just to echo, YES!

I always considered myself a Dog Person too but my goodness, all my cats have enriched my life beyond measure. Currently sat beside our new, 5 month old kitten who has filled the gap left by our old boy to perfection. He is different, of course, but so so wonderful! Every house should have a cat!!

While I'm sure you would love a cat and dog + kid shouldn't be a problem for the right kitty - you will need to think carefully if youre close to a road. Would you be willing to cat proof your garden and block access to the road for your kitty?
If so then go for it

@kagerou there is no way we could cat proof the garden - rural and surrounded by fields. We live on a lane which has quite minimal traffic - maybe max 20 cars an hour. But the lane meets a B road about 300m away. Supposedly the speed limit is 40 mph but not always adhered to...

Yes they are easy, they don’t bark and shit where they’re supposed to😁