First Time Cat Owners- What do we need to know?

[WomanInTheBoat]

Hi
My partner and I are considering getting a cat and we need to know what to expect.

We are both nearing retirement and live in a quiet neighbourhood. Both have many years experience of dog ownership but after the last 2 elderly dogs died a few years ago we decided not to replace them. Mainly because we like the freedom to go out for the day, go away for weekends etc etc.

However, we do miss having an animal and wonder whether we might be the right home for a cat. Must admit to feeling a bit nervous as have never lived with a cat and know very little about them.

These are the thoughts we’ve had so far.

Should we get a kitten or an older cat?
Thinking a female but is there much difference in behaviour etc.?
We would like it to go outside so would have a cat flap - don’t mind having a litter tray as well if needed.
We have adult children living locally who have all said they’d be happy to come feed it whilst we are out/away.

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice for us?

Have it neutered.
They are great pets but quite different to dogs.

If you get a kitten, get two siblings. You could rehome an adult cat.

Two kittens or one older cat (or bonded pair of older cats). Kittens are hard work so if you want it easy, go older.
Better to rescue cats than buy them.
I'd go for a short hair so you don't have loads of grooming.
You do sound perfect for a cat if you have people around to feed when you are not there.
Generally they say female hunt more so if you don't want a hunter I'd get a male (or rescue a cat with a low prey drive).
My lovely male brought us home a worm once and another time found a frog but dropped it and it got away.

A couple of important things to remember.

The cat will be the one who chooses whether they think you will be a suitable host, rather than you choosing which you like the most.

Once they get home and have explored properly, it is then THEIR home, and you are there purely and simply to cater to their every whim. Once you accept that this is your lot, life will be much easier.

Agreeing with the pps who say 2 if kitten, 1 or a bonded pair if older. Kittens can be an absolute pain & wreck the house (so can some older cats, but less common). A healthy, well looked after cat can live to around 20 years old (longer than just about any dogs) so keep that in mind.

Purebreds unfortunately often have genetic conditions, whereas a moggy is likely to be healthier with less chance of congenital illnesses. And of course ideally you should be looking at a rescue cat anyway - most are homeless through no fault of their own, and a decent rescue centre will match you to the right cat.

Bonded pair...
You won't regret 2...ime.

You'll need a scratching post, a cat litter tray, a cat flap (or an open window) and food bowls.
They do shed hair and occasionally throw up.
Fleas.

"Generally they say female hunt more so if you don't want a hunter I'd get a male (or rescue a cat with a low prey drive)."

I'm not sure at all this is true.. I have one of each and the male is the best hunter I have even had, honing his skills on the feather wand then heading to the garden to kill.. takes him seconds sometimes to get a bird it's hell.

Cats are the best.

Funny little things. They seem mysterious but love routine. So fluffy and cute. Obviously good food and fresh water are musts.

I've had 4 over the years. All have slept on my bed, but otherwise a wide range of personalities and preferences. One extrovert who knew everyone and attended funerals, one adventurous hunter totally devoted to me (stopped his adventures after getting lost for 6 weeks). Now I have sisters who will barely go outside and are extremely naughty, breaking into any food they can.

Personally I love having 2. My boys didn't particularly get on, and weren't related, so when I was looking for another after the death of the second I actively looked for a pair. My two curled up together are so unbelievably cute.

Not sure this is very helpful really other than as a gush about how wonderful cats are. But happy to answer lots of questions!!

You sound like an ideal home, just don’t expect the adoration a dog gives automatically. Cats can be just as affectionate if you let them come to you. Never pick them up, you can approach and pet if they seem amenable. In time most will be climbing all over you for a fuss but I have had one (out of 10 over the years) that never accepted a fuss.
An older cat Would be easier but if from a rescue may have had a tough start so take time to let them settle in and don’t expect too much back initially.
Free cats from rescues are generally easier and more hardy.
You will need to keep them in initially, for up to 6 months to make sure they know you are their home.
Get on Facebook and see if you can find a small local rescue. Make sure they are neutered, chipped and vet checked.
Then enjoy, they are underrated.

You will no longer be in charge in your house. In fact it's no longer your house. It's the cats, and they just allow you to live there. Remember "Dogs have owners, cats have staff"

Do it OP. Cats are just the best!

If you can find a local rescue where the cats are fostered in volunteers’ homes, they'll know all about what the cats are like to live with so should be able to find you a good match.

Most cats love sitting in / exploring cardboard boxes.

If you adopt older cats, expect things to take time. Kittens come round quicker, are cute and fun but hard work. Older cats can be more wary and, depending on where they have come from can take time to trust you but are just as rewarding. I speak from experience having had both. Whatever you get, have them neutered!

Watch a lot of Jackson (Jaxon?) Galaxy videos.

Get a rescue.

You must accept that the home belongs to the cat and you are merely there to service their needs. We had two siblings (1 of each) and they were so funny and entertaining. I doubt you will regret it. Don't bother buying cat beds - they will choose their own resting place ( and it will be different tomorrow) Get rescue cats where you will get a better idea of their character(s)

You’ll probably find it easier to get an adult cat, there’s a lot more competition for kittens.

When you first get the cat/kittens, it/they will hide. You will worry.
It's part of your training.

Where you sit is where the cat will choose to sit. Each time you move the cat will steal the seat.

Cats read a lot. They have secret eyes in their side and they love it when you hold a book open.

If you want your cat to sit somewhere, put something there.

They sit on windowsills.

They quickly learn how to get you to give them tasty food. In return they may give you a mouse.

If you buy toys, they'll probably only play with the old tatty one.

Cat food is expensive. Start them off on the cheaper stuff. They will let you know if they'll eat it (they probably won't). Do not buy Dreamies or Lick-e-lix. They will expect it on demand.

Cats are amazing to live with and you sound like you've got the perfect set up! We got our first last year and love him so much we got him a 'brother'. They get on great after a few early hissing matches.

Definitely you want neutered or spayed. It's not just about babies, males are much more prone to injury, FIV and spraying if not done.

Ours are about 3.5 and 5 and this has been a great age for first timers. They're fit and lively and like to play but already litter trained and spend plenty of time chilling. Bear in mind aging isn't always accurate between kitten and oldie.

A cat flap is useful if you're out and about a lot but you can manage without, letting them wander while you're in the house. We keep ours in at night. Best to have a tray as well and a couple of water bowls around including outside to encourage them to drink plenty.

They tend to feel safe high surfaces, especially nervous ones, could be worth clearing a shelf

Their acting skills are extraordinary. Stick to the amount of food suggested for their weight. Try not to be affected by hunger noises and big ravenous eyes. It's difficult but for their own good!

Oh, and they love music!! I didn't know this! Ours do anyway, especially David Teie's music for cats which is incidentally soothing in the extreme

Keep on top of the flea treatment! I have been caught out a couple of times not doing it regularly.

Also think about where they will sleep at night and if they will wake you up as they often do. My house is so tiny so I have to leave mine out at night otherwise she wakes me and the kids up.
(She has an outdoor shelter to sleep in)

I have 2 brothers and they are fantastic.
If you aren't rehoming an older cats and looking at kittens, get 2 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

Get good pet insurance. I recommend Petplan. They cover issues for as long as needed, not just in one policy year, and pay up without fuss. Some people will tell you, oh, it’s expensive, just save the money instead. But we are covered for thousands more than we pay in premiums.

They very generously allow me to sleep in their king sized bed

Find your local rescues and talk to them about what you can offer a cat and they should be able to match you up.

Cats are a doddle compared to dogs!

Mine do too @RobinEllacotStrike but are kind enough to wake me up so I can join in with them playing.
One creeps under the duvet and sleeps snuggled up to me.

Ours gets under the duvet, snuggles up, and then gradually pushes DH over to the edge of the bed.