Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

The litter tray

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

Flip

Original poster

Could I have a cat?

24 replies

DukeofEarlGrey · 23/12/2021 17:49

Inspired by a thread just now about massive cat love.

I have always adored cats but never had one as an adult. We had a family cat when I was growing up and he gave us so much joy but also so much hassle and expense - more than usual I think! - so I am not naive about the downsides of pet ownership. But I adored him and have often longed to have one again.

However, I don't think I can in my current situation. I live alone in a flat where pets are technically not allowed, though I think my neighbours might agree to me having an indoor cat. My flat is on the first floor so the only outdoor exit would be via a balcony which obviously doesn't work anyway.

Does anyone have any experience with indoor cats? Can they have a happy life? How do you deal with stinky litter trays (my flat is small)? Or is there an option I am overlooking for an outdoor cat...?

In terms of other circumstances... I am single but now work from home a lot so am generally around. I don't intend to travel much but if I do it would likely only be for a couple of nights' here and there and I have family that i think would happily stop by to feed a cat.

OP posts:

BeLessMe · 23/12/2021 18:18

Do you rent or own?

I adore my cat but she has wrecked our carpets with her claws, if it’s your own carpets it might not be an issue for you.
Some cats have to be kept indoors as they have FIV. My adopted cat was initially an indoor cat as she had never been let out. It became very obvious that she didn’t want to be an indoor cat!

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 23/12/2021 18:28

I own but have just had new carpets and invested in new furniture so scratching wouldn't be welcome... I had forgotten about that aspect!

I see a lot of FIV cats on the RSPCA website and that's what I had in mind, but I am assuming they still have the desire to be outdoors and so wonder how happy they would be in a smallish flat as opposed to being in a big house... but perhaps they become accustomed to being indoors?

OP posts:

AnxiousWeirdo · 23/12/2021 18:40

I personally don't agree with keeping cats inside, I know people do and it is a choice but I had a cat that couldn't go out once and he wasn't the same as my outdoor cats, it's hard to explain but basically all he wanted to do was go outside. Also I currently have 2 cats that I took on from two separate owners that found out they couldn't actually have cats so the landlords made them get rid.
There's some law now though where if you have a pet the landlord has to give a good reason why you can't keep it, but I have seen a big increase in landlords being " allergic" to cats and dogs lately .. could be a coincidence but I doubt it.

AnxiousWeirdo · 23/12/2021 18:41

I forgot to mention that a friend of mine trained her cats to get in a basket and she pulled them up / down to and from her balcony 😂 it definitely solved a problem for her!

JoanOgden · 23/12/2021 18:44

I have a friend in this situation who adopted a cat with mild disabilities who couldn't go outside - it has worked out really well. Maybe worth talking to your local rescue?

Allergictoironing · 23/12/2021 18:50

I have 2 very contented indoor cats, and there are many in rescues that need to be indoors for various reasons e.g. FIV as you said, one of my SiLs cats has luxating patellas and only 1 eye & if the knees went when she was out she would be very vulnerable. There are also certain breeds which are more suited to being indoors - or should I say less suited to go outdoors!

You can secure the balcony with cat netting which would mean the cat could have a bit of outdoor space.

Whether the cat scratches furniture or carpets depends on the individual cat. Mine scratch neither, but Boycat has destryed the wallpaper. DBro & DSiL have had indoor cats for decades (mostly Burmese), and never had any furnishings damaged.

ForTheLoveOfDoughnuts · 23/12/2021 18:55

I had very found memories of my childhood cat. Got 2 of my own. In a flat. A new build. Lovely new carpets. It was my first home. All new furniture. Cats destroyed everything. Sofas. Carpets. Curtains. Beds.

11 years late. Many destroyed sofas. Many carpets ruined (scratched and pissed on. Do I wish I hadn't got them? Kinda.

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 23/12/2021 19:03

Hmm... I appreciate some of the ideas here but think this is confirming what I already know - one day I will move on to a bigger place (a house) and be able to have a cat then. I think to get one now is going to be selfish of me because it will either be unhappy or banned from certain spots in a relatively small place.

@AnxiousWeirdo the basket idea is amazing!!

OP posts:

Toddlerteaplease · 23/12/2021 20:24

I have Persians, they are very happy as indoor cats. They go into by enclosed garden. But aren't bothered about it. They are not very dynamic, and not particularly cat like. But are just awesome. Very affectionate, placid. One is very vocal. All three of mine are rescues. I buy good quality litter and the smell is contained. My tray is in the kitchen. They are not climbers so would probably be fine with a balcony.

Toddlerteaplease · 23/12/2021 20:25

They can't go out into the big wife would as they are not clever enough. And would probably get stolen.

icedcoffees · 23/12/2021 20:44

If you're not allowed a cat, you can't get a cat. They will scratch the carpet, furniture, woodwork and doorframes (even if you buy them scratch posts etc) and it will be blatantly obvious to anyone doing an inspection that you have a cat.

Getting one only to have to rehome it wouldn't be fair.

However I have no issue generally with indoor cats. I've had cats in flats and currently have three indoor cats in a terraced house. They're all happy and there are no behavioural issues. I think it would be best to keep indoor cats in pairs though, just for company while you're out.

I know on MN indoor cats are seen as cruel but in most other countries, indoor cats are absolutely the norm and all the cats seem to manage absolutely fine without roaming and being let out.

SmithfamilyRobinson · 23/12/2021 20:56

My cat, aged 2, had since 12 weeks, has never destroyed anything. She has a little cat tree from when she was a kitten which she likes to "murder". She sharpens her claws on our coir mat. She was a little devil when a kitten - up the curtains and played tug of War with the ironing... also moggy when we were growing up never destroyed anything. The only problem could be with a bored cat destroying things..

user1471548941 · 23/12/2021 22:23

I adopted an FIV cat from RSPCA due to our proximity to a road! I was nervous about whether he would be happy as an indoor cat because he had been a stray for all his life, but it’s worked out perfectly.

He took some time getting used to the general household environment but overall he is so grateful to have a warm home and regular food that he has 0 interest in going outside- he runs and hides when we open the door! He’s the most affectionate cat I’ve ever known, he completely adores is and can’t get enough attention.

I’ve definitely found it different having an indoor cat though, to the outdoor cats I grew up with. We are his entire world in our one bed house. He needs plenty of play and stimulation and that comes first- he gets played with before and after work every day. Anytime you sit down he must be on your lap and he turns up on pretty much every Zoom call I’ve done whilst working from home 🙈.

He’s a massive time waster basically and a time investment but overall we cannot believe how rewarding it has been to rescue him and watch him settle in to his first ever home! He has brought so much love to our home and completely rebalanced our lives- we know chat about the cat instead of work, and sit down and cuddle him after a stressful day.

Go and get an FIV cat and you will be rewarded!

This is my boy sleeping on me last weekend…

zafferana · 23/12/2021 22:27

Aw, what a gorgeous boy @user1471548941 😻

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 23/12/2021 22:58

@icedcoffees

Getting one only to have to rehome it wouldn't be fair.

I know on MN indoor cats are seen as cruel but in most other countries, indoor cats are absolutely the norm and all the cats seem to manage absolutely fine without roaming and being let out.

Oh, the issue isn't a landlord - I am the owner of the flat, but the building is leasehold and there is some weird clause in the lease that says no pets. I'm not sure anyone would hold me to it in reality (the whole lease is pretty antiquated) but the flats are in a divided house so having a pet would impact the neighbours if it needed to access the outside via the shared areas.

OP posts:

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 23/12/2021 23:00

@user1471548941 you have just described the dream! And he is gorgeous!

OP posts:

hawleybits · 23/12/2021 23:32

My neighbour has a first floor balcony and has a tiny little ladder rigged up for the cat. It wouldn't be strong enough for an adult to climb but definitely solves the problem for the cat.

Saffy123456 · 23/12/2021 23:38

If you contact some rescues they might well have an older cat used to being indoors, I wouldn't get a kitten because you might end up with one that would be unhappy at not being allowed out. Re litter trays, I use wood pellets and an enclosed litter tray.

icedcoffees · 23/12/2021 23:43

Ah I get you now @DukeofEarlGrey

As others have said, if you're worried about the ethics of indoor cats, adopt one that's FIV+ as they can't go outside for health reasons.

user1471548941 · 24/12/2021 07:46

@DukeofEarlGrey just do it, a good rescue will pair you up with a cat that is a good fit as they get to know them and then you get allll the joy of being their slaves forever!

Flynn has just licked my face to tell me it’s breakfast time and then come back up to the bedroom and jumped in for a cuddle… just saying!

user1471548941 · 24/12/2021 07:49

I like both of them, definitely timeless. I have also been looking at the Ted Baker wrap dresses but what’s general opinion on Phase Eight or Ted Baker quality? Never bought from Phase Eight, have a few “love” items from Ted but also a few misses!

Mumdiva99 · 24/12/2021 09:01

@hawleybits

My neighbour has a first floor balcony and has a tiny little ladder rigged up for the cat. It wouldn't be strong enough for an adult to climb but definitely solves the problem for the cat.

My brother made a cat ramp up to his first floor window. The cats used it to come in and out. It was only a thin plank so no way could a burglar use it...but the cats did. It might have gone from the window into a tree.....it was many years ago now.

But as others have said....now probably isn't the right time for you to have a cat.

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 24/12/2021 17:28

[quote user1471548941]@DukeofEarlGrey just do it, a good rescue will pair you up with a cat that is a good fit as they get to know them and then you get allll the joy of being their slaves forever!

Flynn has just licked my face to tell me it’s breakfast time and then come back up to the bedroom and jumped in for a cuddle… just saying![/quote]
@user1471548941 I basically want Flynn! Any chance we could strike a deal??

OP posts:

FelicityBeedle · 24/12/2021 20:43

Talk to your neighbours, if they’re amenable you’re perfectly placed to adopt an indoor only FIV/herpes/ disabled cat

Flip