Appreciate honest feedback

who_ru

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting a pet, a cat specifically, but I am also slightly reluctant to do so.

The main reason being when I'm out at work, I'm gone for approx 12.5hrs. This is 5 times a week every second week, and twice a week every other week.

So I'm concerned that the animal will not get the time and attention it needs. I know it's a cat, and they can be quite aloof, but being alone for such long periods can't be good for them I think.

I am due to go see a kitten tomorrow with a view to buying it. But as much as I'd like to have a pet, I live alone, I feel it would be the wrong thing to do.

What do you think?

Cherry Blossom

I think a bonded pair of adult cats would be a much better idea than keeping a single kitten on its own. Is it a pedigree kitten you are looking to buy?

Kablamo!

If you've your heart set on a cat, definitely get two as they would be company for each other.
A poor kitten left alone for that length of time would be so bored.
Lots of lovely kittens and older cats in rescues looking for homes too!

Nody

Two cats or a single older cat who wants to be alone (Rescues will be able to tell you) who's used to being alone would be your best bet. I'd not recommend a kitten left alone to their own accord all day.

who_ru

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

I think a bonded pair of adult cats would be a much better idea than keeping a single kitten on its own. Is it a pedigree kitten you are looking to buy?

Hi. No it isn't a pedigree kitten, they're silly money. The one I was thinking of getting is the last one in the litter all the rest are sold.

I'll do more research into it. It just seems two cats would be too many. A relative had 2 adults from a rescue in the U.K. But had to give them back as they were always fighting each other. Definitely wouldn't want that.

morgana

That's why you are looking for bonded cats. The rescues will know and advise you.

who_ru

who_ru wrote: »

Hi. No it isn't a pedigree kitten, they're silly money. The one I was thinking of getting is the last one in the litter all the rest are sold.

I'll do more research into it. It just seems two cats would be too many. A relative had 2 adults from a rescue in the U.K. But had to give them back as they were always fighting each other. Definitely wouldn't want that.

Why would you buy a kitten if it's not pedigree?

Every single rescue in my general area has kittens at the moment. I'm sure most rescues are the same at this time of year.

Would definitely get two. I got a second cat as a friend to my other a few months ago and it couldn't have worked out better. They adore each other and I have no more guilt or worries when I'm away from home for longer than normal.

Ms Doubtfire1

Indeed Bonded pair. They won't need much of your attention, but will love it when your there.If you can't commit to that wouldn't recommend getting a cat.Try a pet bird.

Knine

Ms Doubtfire1 wrote: »

Indeed Bonded pair. They won't need much of your attention, but will love it when your there.If you can't commit to that wouldn't recommend getting a cat.Try a pet bird.

In no way would a pet bird be suitable. Many Birds need more attention then a dog. They need daily interaction. They need an awful lot of attention or they will develop behavioural issues such as plucking. Definitely not a bird!

Ms Doubtfire1

Knine wrote: »

In no way would a pet bird be suitable. Many Birds need more attention then a dog. They need daily interaction. They need an awful lot of attention or they will develop behavioural issues such as plucking. Definitely not a bird!

My bad I wasn't aware of that at all. Learned something new. Tortoise than?

Cherry Blossom

People have a great deal of trouble giving moggie kittens away for nothing op. There is absolutely no reason to pay money for one. Rescues often have pairs of cats that previously lived together that need rehoming hence no fighting.

who_ru

Hi. Update.

Went to a rescue centre today, they have 90+ cats/kittens on their books.

I have picked out 2 kittens, one male, one female, for collection mid July.

Very happy, and the girl in the rescue centre was excellent in providing advice.

So now I must get some toys, beds, litter trays and maybe some shelving as I'm told cats like to hang out on shelving as it makes them feel safe being high up?

Their names are Jazz (male) and April (female).

Kablamo!

Dealz have cat toys and food bowls in at the moment. The best toys as far as my cats are concerned are empty crisp packets and cotton ear buds though!
As payment for all the advice you've been given on this thread we're going to require pictures as soon as you get them!

Nody

who_ru wrote: »

So now I must get some toys, beds, litter trays and maybe some shelving as I'm told cats like to hang out on shelving as it makes them feel safe being high up?

Cats think in 3d to a great more degree then us humans; for them space matters as much and if not more vertically than on the square feet on it's own. Providing cat highways (ways to get around rooms without touching floors) is a great way to get cats to be more confident as they feel safe overlooking their domains basically.Having said that you don't really need to have it by the time they arrive as kittens and it's something you can add in when they are 6+ months old instead. Also as you're getting a male and female if they are not neutered you'll want to get it done relatively early to avoid expansion to the family.

Fakediamond

My kittens loved getting into paper bags, the kind you get when buying clothes. Just cut the handles though, so they don't get their heads stuck! They also loved empty boxes, preferably with a hole to stick a paw out to swipe at you or the other kitten. The male kitten loved launching sneak attacks on the other one. They were male/female siblings and loved each other.

You'll have hours of endless fun watching them play together!

boomerang

who_ru wrote: »

Went to a rescue centre today, they have 90+ cats/kittens on their books.

Delighted OP! I know who you are talking about. Sterling place, eh? And for the adoption fee your kitten will come already neutered, fully vaccinated, wormed and will have had any other vet care it has needed.

Shivi111

Oh delighted for you! Two kittens together is about the most fun you can have
For the first few months having a kitten is akin to having a very rambunctious toddler, who can climb, and has claws!

You want to kitten proof the place before they come home, block off fire places and areas they can get stuck behind (like the fridge) and tie up any wires so they don't chew/ get tangled in them.
If you have curtains you are very attached to take them down for now, kittens like to climb the curtains and they'll shred them.
If you have blinds hook up the strings, those dangling string are just a toy for kittens and they can get caught in them.

They'll probably come litter trained, but kittens are still babies so make sure they have easy access to a tray all the time to avoid accidents. Check what litter the rescue uses and get the same so you are providing what they are used to!

Start reading up now on good training for kittens, you want lovely well behaved cats later on so start as you mean to continue.

Most of all, lots of photos that you share here

Shivi111

PS - the zooplus.ie website is your new best friend cost effective way to buy everything you need (plus all the toys you want!)

Ms Doubtfire1

who_ru wrote: »

Hi. Update.

Went to a rescue centre today, they have 90+ cats/kittens on their books.

I have picked out 2 kittens, one male, one female, for collection mid July.

Very happy, and the girl in the rescue centre was excellent in providing advice.

So now I must get some toys, beds, litter trays and maybe some shelving as I'm told cats like to hang out on shelving as it makes them feel safe being high up?

Their names are Jazz (male) and April (female).

LOVE THIS!!!!:P

who_ru

Shivi111 wrote: »

Oh delighted for you! Two kittens together is about the most fun you can have
For the first few months having a kitten is akin to having a very rambunctious toddler, who can climb, and has claws!

You want to kitten proof the place before they come home, block off fire places and areas they can get stuck behind (like the fridge) and tie up any wires so they don't chew/ get tangled in them.
If you have curtains you are very attached to take them down for now, kittens like to climb the curtains and they'll shred them.
If you have blinds hook up the strings, those dangling string are just a toy for kittens and they can get caught in them.

They'll probably come litter trained, but kittens are still babies so make sure they have easy access to a tray all the time to avoid accidents. Check what litter the rescue uses and get the same so you are providing what they are used to!

Start reading up now on good training for kittens, you want lovely well behaved cats later on so start as you mean to continue.

Most of all, lots of photos that you share here

Take down curtains, really? Sounds extreme. I mean what do you do with curtains if you take them down, store them in a box? They'll be a crumpled mess after that.

Ms Doubtfire1

who_ru wrote: »

Take down curtains, really? Sounds extreme. I mean what do you do with curtains if you take them down, store them in a box? They'll be a crumpled mess after that.

well, you can tie them up for a while - but otherwise you WILL find them on the curtain rail crying for help....:D

Shivi111

who_ru wrote: »

Take down curtains, really? Sounds extreme. I mean what do you do with curtains if you take them down, store them in a box? They'll be a crumpled mess after that.

Might seem extreme... but this is what happens to curtains! :eek:

Nody

Shivi111 wrote: »

Might seem extreme... but this is what happens to curtains! :eek:

Depends on the cat though; we've had about 50 cats come through our home with curtains up and only 1 decided to use it for climbing

Shivi111

Nody wrote: »

Depends on the cat though; we've had about 50 cats come through our home with curtains up and only 1 decided to use it for climbing

Lucky!! All three of our did it as kittens... but the big one (lurking to the side in the pics) one may have encouraged the others

boomerang

Basically OP be prepared for mayhem... Cute mayhem, but mayhem nonetheless.

volchitsa

The climbing curtains phase doesn't last, they very quickly get too heavy I think. I think you could move the curtains up out of their way for a while. You'll know they've probably grown out of it some time after they stop climbing up your jeans. (And that really is painful. And bad for your clothes!)

Ms Doubtfire1

volchitsa wrote: »

The climbing curtains phase doesn't last, they very quickly get too heavy I think. I think you could move the curtains up out of their way for a while. You'll know they've probably grown out of it some time after they stop climbing up your jeans. (And that really is painful. And bad for your clothes!)

Tell that to my 10 year old cat....:rolleyes:

loveisdivine

Anything breakable should be stored safely away for the time being!

Ms Doubtfire1

..and movable body parts should wear full protection at all times.:P
Lol by the time we're finished with our warning the OP is going to be terrified...:D

aonb

No one warned me about curtains when my kitten arrived! She did try climbing the curtains once, but being gorgeous curtains, we were so horrified when she started climbing up them, we all roared NO! at her and terrified her so much, she never did it again Course, nowadays, if we roared no at her, she'd give us THAT LOOK, and leisurely climb the rest of the way to the curtain pole, and then bawl piteously at us to fetch her down!!!