Advice on getting a cat!

[cameocat]

My teen desperately wants a cat, she has done for years and we think it would be good for her.

I've only ever had dogs (we have a dog who will be fine with the cat).

What do I need to know? How do I go about finding / buying / rescuing a kitten? I'd like a breed that not too independent and will be happy to be loved etc (I know cats are independent thinkers!)

Getting a kitten with an existing dog is the right way round IMO, as it's hard to get an adult cat to accept a new dog, and even worse a puppy.

You could try Cats Protection for a rescue moggy, but they usually state their cats can't go to homes with dogs.

Personally I am a big fan of Burmese cats, just like moggies but more affectionate and more intelligent. And they usually get on well with dogs. You will have to pay £££ though, they are expensive.

If you can manage it get two siblings. Built in playmates and will help them settle in more quickly

A Burmese might be a bit much for first time cat owners. Fine if your used to cats and their mysterious ways. Avoid bengals & Siamese too, their pro level cats. Dh wanted a Siamese 🙄

It’s hard to tell with kittens if their independent or not. Tortoiseshells tend to be feisty, b&w are soppier, tabbies too. Never had a pure black or grey so can’t comment. Gingers like FOOD best.

I always end up the favourite as I get up at 6:30am to feed them.

You don't want a breed, you want a moggy. Go to a rescue. They will guide you through everything and point you to the particular kitten/s/cat that would suit your situation. And don't rule out adult cats - they may have some that are used to living with dogs for example.

www.catchat.org All the rescues local to you should be listed here.

Thabk you everyone.

We do want a kitten (or siblings) as DD would really like a kitten. I will definitely look into rescuing a moggy. My brother has a ginger cat and he definitely is all about the food!

Look at local rescues, whereabouts are you based. Get 2 if you can.

Ragdoll, Scottish Fold, Persian or Spyhnx are probably your best bet for a less independent and more loving cat!

Bear in mind that kittenhood only lasts a few months, though in that time be prepared for the house to be wrecked! As cats can live up to around 18-20 years, that's a very small proportion of it's life. It would be safer to get a young adult cat/cats who's personality is formed so you can be more likely to get one who suits you

We have 2 boy litter brothers and before that a boy and a girl litter siblings. Both sets were bog standard moggies and in my ( obviously ) unbiased opinion both sets were gorgeous. Getting 2 siblings makes everything so much easier, they play, fight and sleep together and watching them groom each other always makes my heart swell with the cuteness of it. A vet once told me something about moggies which has stuck in my head. She said their mother has naturally chosen their father and as such picks a fit healthy cat usually meaning their off spring are fit and healthy too.. If the cat has been breed for it’s looks or specific pedigree that is not always the case. Was certainly true of my litter brother and sister as she died at 16 having apart from normal vet checks and neutering only 2 vets visits due to illness and he died at 17 with only one unscheduled vet visit. Both cats went outside, climbed trees sunbathed and generally had a long happy life.

I second the advice not to rule out adult moggies. As pps have said, they aren't kittens for very long at all - you need to be sure you have the right cats for you as they can live for up to 20 years.

Don't bother with a particular breed - get a rescue cat from RSPCA. They microchip, neuter and treat them for fleas and worms. Black cats always need homes - they are regularly overlooked. Adult cats are better, and 2 that are already together would be even better.

You'll need:
fluffy blankets (a lot of cats won't use a bed)
toys, particularly ones containing catnip)
food bowls - ordinary old side plates are best, don't bother to get special cat bowls.
scratching post
a couple of litter trays
flea and worm treatments for regular use
NO collars.

I've had several cats over the past 42 years.

Regarding scratching posts, the taller the better - they like to stretch out to scratch

I also agree with the rescue option and keep an open mind about what you are looking for. I was planning to rescue two kittens, I’ve ended up with a single adolescent. It wasn’t quite kitten season, we wanted a super friendly cat and the rescue recommended our 6/7 month old. He is fabulous and while a bit of me is sad I didn’t get the really cute kitten stage, most of me is glad I didn’t get the really annoying, claws like needles, climbing up the curtains kittens stage!

Defo get a rescue moggy. I have three and have had many over the years. All from Cats Protection, but there are other cat charities. I have got kittens and sometimes young adults - consider a young adult, remember cats can live 20 years. Remember to post pics !

So many good suggestions, thank you. Our dog is a mongrel for many of the same reasons so a moggy sounds perfect. I'm keen to rescue and will see what's available.