new cat or kitten advice (merged)

Rain_is_Insane

I have 2 dogs called Muppet and Banana if thats any help??

Love the Numpty idea

han2505

I was going to wait a bit anyhow, but was just wondering if 2 would be better than one.

WOuld you suggest buying them from someone privately or going to a shelter?

Roughly a month how much will they cost?

Thanks

nealallen

When you say, buy one, do you mean from a pet shop? If so, please don't do that. Cats are brought up in apalling conditions with pet shops.

Can I advise that you get a rescue cat. Rescue centers are looking for peoplee to re-home cats and kittens.

han2505

I mean from people who sell them in papers and advertise privately. Or a resuce cat might seem better x

danielle24

Definitely a rescue cat - they get checked over and they really really need a home. A friend has just got two rescue kittens and managed to get them from the same litter which was lovely. And make sure they can't have kittens themselves!

ckerrd

It is supposed to be bad luck to "buy" a cat I recall reading many moons ago.
We went for one from the Cats Protection League and ended up with two. They sleep most of the day or are out and about so I wouldn't worry about getting just the one and keeping it at home alone all day. It will be delighted to see you when you get in.

darich

my g/f and i both got rescue cats.
Big plus is that at the centre they'll advise that certain cats will be suited to indoors, or outdoors, or on their own, or need company etc.
The downside is that unless you get a kitten you don't know what the temperament is like.
My cat, Pixel is so laid back, chatty and friendly where as Candy is more temperamental and moody.
Both great in their own way.

If you get one from a rescue centre, then it'll probably be already neutered, assuming it's old enough of course.

Costs per month are low.
£8 buys litter for our 2 that lasts around 6 weeks although they do get out and don't use the litter exclusively.
food is cheap - £3.50 for 12 felix pouches (12 meals @ 2 per day) but cheaper is probably available. Better sticking to a good name eg Felix, Kitekat etc.
a few toys cost a few pounds and a scratching post too.
Vet fees can vary but assume around £50 per year for injections, check overs etc.

All in all ,they're very cheap, independent and great company, and contrary to popular belief are more affectionate than dogs.
Dogs don't show affection - they simply follow the leader of the pack - the owner.
Cats being independent don't need to follow anyone so when you get affection from a cat, it means more.

han2505

Thanks for all the tips so far.

Next problem we have is that my partner has hayfever, quite bad and is allergic to cat hair. Just wondering if we should forget it (he wants to make do), say we keep them downstairs only, or can we get a cat that doesnt malt as much?

Any help appreciated....x

ckerrd

If he is allergic to cat hair then my advice would be forget it. A cat will get in places that you won't want them to. If they shed a lot of hair it will be everywhere. It is possible that you end up with a cat that likes to sit on you of an evening. Could he cope with that?
Do you have friends with cats? What reaction does he have when he is around them.

han2505

I know, i thought as much but we really want them so it's hard.

He has a dog at the min and is fine with her, she doesnt malt you see. He is fine when he is with them and then it normally gets worse a couple of hours after and sneezing and watery eyes.