what would you tell a new cat owner?

[flipflopson5thavenue]

we're considering getting a cat. We currently don't have any pets, DP and I had dogs growing up, but have no experience of owning or living with cats. Our DS are desperate for a cat and I think we could definitely become a cat loving family :)

We're thinking we'd rehome an adult cat. DP works from home full-time, I wfh 3/4 days a week, and we have a garden. DS are 8 and 10yo.

As possible first-time cat owners - what tips would you give?! What do you know now that you wished you'd known when you got your first cat?

Thanks 😻

Be prepared to feel very very sad for your stair carpet .
My carpet is old but still functional , I know I could replace it but the cats would roll up their sleeves and rise to the challenge .

Be dazzled by the amount of fur they shed while still sporting beautiful lush coats .

Be a good detective to work out why they suddenly decide to not use their tray making you book a Vet visit and change things you think might be upsetting them with their toilet area . They really don't do it out of spite . Though the smirk on her face as she wanders back after leaving a whiffy , unburied pooh on top of the litter with a sort that , yeah is demonic !

Be grateful for the Litttle Dead Things or Little Not Dead Things that they gift you .

Become the Mad Cat Woman who won't throw a sleeping croissant shaped cat off the chair she just vacated to put the kettle on. And stand for ages in Sainsbury muttering I wonder of they'll like Shrimp'n'Crab or Duck'n'Turkey

Just having a cat share your space and sun bathe on your bed is worth any hassle. They are Zen masters. They enhance your life. They are inherently clean and way less hassle than dogs but... they cost a LOT if they get poorly and they bring rodents in to the house and you add several hundred pounds to the cost of going away.

and sun bathe on your bed

Ahh yes . Our malecat used to sleep on our bed all day , find himself a patch of sun and stretch out . But when we redecorated he didn't like the changes and has only just started his 5am visits again.

He canters over to the sofa when DH goes to bed and sprawls on there . But I'm sure he'll hoist his judgey pants when we change the cover