Cat ownership - honestly how difficult is it?

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Hi, I'm thinking of getting an adult rescue cat. Really it's for my 11yo son, who's got anxiety and possible autism and is desperate for one. I don't mind cats but to be honest, have had a tough few years and don't really want the extra responsibility. However if it makes a difference for DS I'm willing to consider it.

Everyone I talk to seems to say it's barely any work looking after a cat - just make sure it's fed basically. Surely there's more to it than that? I don't want to go into this underestimating the commitment. Grateful for any thoughts!

We adopted an adult female mog at the beginning of lockdown. She’s been a great addition to our family but I’ve also put a lot of effort into creating a bond with her. Do you have a secure garden? I think adopting an adult is a great way to go. A lazy, sweet Ginger is always well recommended.

In answer to a few questions...

We have a door that can have a cat flap fitted and a garden. There are quite a few cats in the area which pass through our garden and seem to have a route they take. There are some busy roads though.

It would definitely be an adult cat - maybe 7 or 8 years old? I don't want a 20 year commitment!

I'm ok with the financial side of it - obviously would need good insurance

Another question - two cats or one? Some in rescues come in pairs, which could be nice but then double the work, or on the other hand maybe they keep each other company? Maybe a silly idea if I'm already slightly in two minds about it.

Op what is your dc expecting from a cat? Cats' personalities differ so much, you can't make a cat do anything such as sit on your lap, allow to be stroked etc. They either want to or they don't!

Most of the time I forget my two cats are here. However, there are times when they are more work. One of them has gone through periods where he was weeing round the house. I knew the reason each time (house moves) but it was still a bit of work to deal with. Also they do vomit around the house so there is a bit of clean up there. And one of mine hunts, so particularly in spring and summer there is rescuing of animals brought in alive, and clean up of ones brought in dead/ eaten.

When I go away I pay a cat sitter to pop in twice a day to feed and check them. A neighbour doing this would be fine.

On the whole cats are pretty easy, so if you're willing to sort the occasional issue then I think you'd be good to go.

Oh and DS - he doesn't really articulate what he wants, but a cat that can be cuddled would be good. I had 2 cats growing up, one was happy with a cuddle, the other you couldn't get near without risking getting a scratch. So yes I'd definitely want to know the temperament before going ahead.

Cats are pretty easy - as long as you remember that you are not in charge - they are. You are merely staff, and exist to serve them. As long as you fulfil their every wish, cats are very easy employers.

Two or more.

Ha yes that attitude does appeal!!

This is so helpful

Any thoughts on breed (given it would be a rescue) - someone mentioned ginger cats are friendly, Oriental not so much? I think I'd want short haired to avoid the worst of the shedding!

I have had every pet and cats are the easiest by a long shot!

Takes about five minutes a day to do the litter tray and feed the beasts. The cuddles take ages though!

@silentpool can we have a pic.

If you want a cat that wants to be friends with you get a Siamese , they are real cuddle buddies .

I have asd and adhd and my cat brings me so much joy and love. He's an enormous ginger beastie, who is so gentle. He's just had a poorly leg and when I accidently touched it, he just meowed at me rather than scratch.

If you speak to a shelter about the kind of cat you need, they'll do their best to find your perfect match.

Currently sat on the sofa with said beastie fast asleep on my lap.

I use a really good cattery. It's £20 a day. They love going there.

Oh Orientals I've had are very friendly, they're the cuddles cats I've ever known. They're also very demanding, easily bored and totally destructive when bored, and noisy as fuck. Listen to audio of their miaow before you commit....its an experience. They need tons of attention.

It totally depends on the cat - mine is hard work because he's a bit bitey so you have to watch him all the time!! However he's totally silent, never Miaws and waits for me to get up before asking for breakfast. My last cat was the friendliest cat in the world but super needy and whined from 5am and scratched doors to wake me up!
i prefer the vicious aloof type tbh but he's not a relaxing pet 🤣
if you get a rescue you'll know the personality. I wouldn't worry about breed type, it's random I think, the rescue will match you with a cat that will suit you.

I adopted through a rescue two perfectly behaved young adult cats and have somehow turned them into two bossy, naughty prima donnas.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

One is a snuggler and always doing something. She's my little helper and makes my smile and laugh everyday. My other one is more chilled and she'll just come sit next to me and I feel calmer.

I suspect if my cats lived with someone that wasn't a pushover, they'd be pretty low key.

All cats are different re catteries. My friends was fine, I've not tried my two but I don't think they'd do well so I've had someone stay and look after them.

I've done a lot of cat & dog care recently: cats are so much easier.
2 adult cats used to each other would be good. Not double the work at all.
Consider age 4+. Last year we had one die suddenly at age 9, not old at all.
And having >1 softens the blow when one dies (which one will, eventually).

Catteries don't suit all cats. Mine hates them. My brother's cat is also averse. I think going from a comfy house with plenty of space to a jail cell has that effect. We have family members who are happy to cat-sit whilst we're away.

@lljkk yes it really does help. Going home to an empty house must be awful.

So we rescued a cat about 4 years ago . He’s very low maintenance really . Sleeps alot. He was supposed to be my sons cat but is now mine 😅 . Cats will scratch furniture but I got a couple of scratching posts and he seems to use them instead of the chair legs. I was an anti cat person and but he has grown on me. I’m sat here listening to him snoring and it’s very relaxing .

Cats are amazing but you absolutely should not have one near a busy road. Cars kill cats. For us a big factor in buying a house was is it cat safe? Preferably a no through road or if not 30mph with lower traffic.

Don't go by colour or breed to choose temperament, they are all individuals and can vary enormously! I've currently got a ginger that's as soft as anything, but have also had one that could be particularly grumpy and aggressive if caught in the wrong mood. I've got 10 cats currently and they all have special bonds with each other and several don't like to be left alone, so an established pair would be good imo.

catio browsing is a good way to lose an afternoon. ….