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.

How shit you feel when they bring in birds that they have killed (or are going to die now because of the shock) especially as there seems to be so much fewer birds than when I was younger.

Spot on with your last statement ( though they are neck and neck with tortoiseshell that have white paws and a white bib. - just so she doesn’t haunt me )

They can fit into the tiniest gaps down the side of the washing machine or the narrowest sliver of open door that they aren’t meant to open.

But given a bowl that is too high at the side he whinged at me that his whisker/ width ratio was all to cock and I had to change the bowl to stop him whining..

when you find a long whisker somewhere its like Christmas

That however aloof they may seem, they really want to belong and feel central to the household. If they don’t get enough love and worship attention, they may vote with their paws

That they know way more than they let on.

That the trust of a cat is a wonderful thing.

That they have chemistry (or not) with other cats, just like us (with other humans but I guess also with cats).

Thank you. We did try once years ago.
The behaviour started after he suffered with a UTI as a kitten, so we think the behaviour just stuck. We might try Feliway again just to give it another try though! He is quite a nervy boy at times.

Completely agree

This isn't true.

The NHS guidance is clear owning a cat, stroking a cat or being in contact with a cat is does not cause this especially if you're not raw-feeding and actually you can pick up the disease from other sources like undercooked cured meats or soil.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxoplasmosis/

My thug demanding to go out in his carrier so he can spit and hiss at every cat and dog he sees .

“In the evening some cats will round you up and try and force you to bed” - I’d forgotten this! Beautiful little tabby, ex-feral, liked to make sure I was all tucked up by 10.45 latest. And then go out on patrol.

That two is best and no more trouble. Ours love each other - we got the second and (after expert advice from someone who'd done this regularly) they bonded after two days.

That they're natural roamers and hunters and shouldn't be forced to stay inside four walls their entire life against their will.

That they're not as solitary as people think and that many cats thrive with feline company.

That they can be really sensitive to their environment and any changes - especially new children and babies.

Is he auditioning for a part in a remake of The Tommyknockers ? Steven King film

I feel your pain @Bettedaviseyes111 Is he back yet ?

When they do choose to sit on your lap or cuddle into you, it's always at an inconvenient time when you need to get up!

My grandma had a huge male tabby cat - the biggest cat I’ve ever seen, and a gorgeous creature. She used to knit while watching TV and at pretty much the same time every night, the cat would decide it was time for bed, jump up on her lap and sit on her knitting !!

No 😞
We’ve checked with neighbours, walked around and done FB posts etc but no luck.
He is 12 and not been the same since he was attacked by some dogs a couple of years ago so I’m not hopeful…. It’s been a week.

So sorry. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome.x

disagree with this one - I have a leather sofa & carpet on the stairs and my DC & previous DC have never touched it

He is definitely an innocent cat !

Few things are nicer than waking up to find oneself curled round a cat, or with a cat tucked neatly under one's chin.

They're also a great excuse for not hoovering.

Yes the sweet thing is them sleeping on you; very lovely.

That they are not dogs and therefore shouldn't be treated like dogs, e.g. by being put on leads, going on holiday, etc.

He died, we found him tonight, gutted.

Oh 😥that is not the news you wanted but I’m guessing it was what you feared.