What do you wish people knew about cats before getting one?

[JamSandle]

No, they probably don't need a companion.

They can love as much as dogs - but they can take longer to warm up.

Never force yourself on a cat for cuddles etc. Let them come to you.

They are so clean, easy going and don’t need to be toilet trained. They are loving and some love to sit on your lap and purr. They make the cutest silliest noises. Some of them aren’t very athletic and will fall off things frequently. They shed, a lot!

They're fucking arseholes who do what they want.

But also, get one, they're amazing and no other animal comes close to- my last cat died suddenly and was my familiar.

Still heartbroken. She got me through DV and then chemotherapy.

My current cat is a slapper. But I love her dearly.

Lily pollen is very dangerous and can kill cats.

They are lactose intolerant but demand to eat your cheese (helpful if they can tolerate a little and you need to give them a pill).

They need their flea treatments kept up.

They want to sleep on your pillow, unless it is very hot. I can’t be arsed to protest about this any more.

They are not okay with being left alone for days and days, not really. My brothers cats FLING themselves at me if I go round to feed them while he’s away (I always play with them too).

They are not pack animals and they socialise with you on their terms.

They are not that removed from their wild ancestry and domestic cats’ behaviour with humans is partly cultural inheritance.

They have such different personalities. Current cat was stroppy as hell when younger, and a bit grumpy now getting on. I’m crazy about her and she is about me.

They can be a big comfort to a stressed teen.

A cat can be the best friend your slightly odd daughter ever has, a source of constant love and companionship that lasts 19 years

That they shouldn't be kept locked in a house their whole lives.

That they can simultaneously love one person (DD) and wrap themselves round her like a badly fitting cheap suit while giving the other person (me) a look of disgust and horror .

Yes malecat I do mean you , we will co exist and you will continue to accept a bit of chicken or cheese from my hand and let me think I’ve made a breakthrough, but I’m kidding myself.

Luckily I know he is a shy little boy who is traumatised by change. He has a bolshy sister who will swipe you as easily as give a head bump. But I know where I stand with her . She has DH under the claw.

Ours ( jet black moggies) look at our papyrus picture of Bast that we bought in Egypt and think they had the right idea with CatGod Worshipping

That which person they love the most can change with the time of day.

Black cat goes nuts if she can't sit outside with DH in the afternoon, I am apparently not wanted.

However in the evening DH might as well not exist, it's all about me.

Bonkers little fluff ball.

they may get run over

they may prefer your neighbour

they bring in live mice

My previous cat was addicted to eating spider plants. My current cat isn't interested.

They won't sleep in the bed you provide for them. They love boxes.

If you WFH they know when you have a Teams Meeting and will involve themselves by walking in front of the screen with their tail up or washing themselves as it is vital to perform their ablutions then and there.
FemaleCat decides she must sit next to DH and stare at him , then paw him until he gives her attention.

If you try to get a photo or get them on FaceTime they are nowhere to be seen

They always do the most horrendous poo in their litter tray just as you get visitors 😂

I'd say get pet insurance or as we do keep a savings pot for vet treatment. Even a tooth extraction can cost a hell of a lot. Our last cat developed kidney disease and it was pricey.

Get rid of your carpets. And be prepared to be ignored for up to a week when you get back of holiday.

That they are all different, and you have to deal with them on their terms.

My current rescue is unlike any previous cat I've had. Shy, nervous, very communicative, loving. I've had to adapt to her as I was used to bolder, almost silent cats. She is amazing.

it was the vet who discovered the state of his teeth when he went in for neutering etc, she advises keep an eye but no need to take them out now

Not necessarily. Our are both 6 now and they've hardly caught any birds since we had them. However, they've caught so many mice and rats.
We don't let them out early in the morning or after 5pm so they aren't outside during the main hunting time for cats.

Absolutely this , my cat is a sodding horror so he has to be a house cat , but so he can get some fresh air he has a cage ( which he loves going in ) that I put outside.

He goes nuts when he sees another cat , spits , snarls , hair on end .

Why do they do this 😭 a few days ago we were frantically searching the house for my cat, calling her name. It was 10pm and we were about to go to bed. We even went outside to have a look on the roof thinking she might have climbed up the chimney (?!). We had rolled the living room rug up so that other cat didn’t pee on it in the night and turns out she was inside the rolled up rug, and didn’t give two shits that we were running around shouting her name for half an hour

It’s not ok to just feed them and chuck ‘em outdoors, or ok to leave them for long periods alone. They’re social creatures and you get back what you put in.

How much you will worry when they don't come home. Ours stays in at night and we lock the cat flap, but I can't sleep until he's back safely.

They really do have their own unique little personalities.
Not all cats like affection.
Their eating habits are confusing and frustrating and I want to spend my days studying them.
They can be very sensitive and territorial.
Some don't like other cats at all!

That they are horrible, unloving, murderous creatures. Who like to torment you and small wildlife at 3am, 4am, 5am, 6am...Unless you like the smell of cat piss and poo, don't get a house cat as clearing up litter trays is absolutely repulsive.

Be prepared to be happy scooping up the entrails of, or half dead bodies of mice, birds, voles, moles, stoats, rabbits, bats and rats (I've not had the misfortune to deal with bats though thank God!). Or be prepared to have to put one of this creatures out of it's misery.

Oh and fleas. Get flea treatment from a vet, Frontline doesn't work.

They might break all the rules by demanding belly rubs, looking horrified at the thought of dead things and prefer inside naps to roaming around
< looks at cat >