new cat or kitten advice (merged)

Bromley86

Don't be too harsh on the neighbour - not everyone enjoys confronting their neighbours over this sort of thing. I should know as when we were in a conversion we didn't deal with a parking issue as it didn't bother us. When we were selling we did have to address it and it was a nightmare.

Also, check your lease for a pets clause and that you have the landlord/company's permission to install that catflap, otherwise you might find yourself in bother later on.

cattie

Your cat will be fine about not going outside if he or she has never been used to it. My first cat was a house cat & never went outside as I lived in an upper maisonette. She lived happily for 13.5yrs as a house cat.

If you really have any doubts about a kitten adapting to being kept indoors then you could think about getting a rescue cat who has been used to being a house cat. As long as they know where their litter tray is they are happy to be stay at homers.

anniestar

I agree with Snowy and the OP's. Your new kitty will be fine as a house cat. Out of our 7 4 go out for a couple of hours in the morning (Simon-as odd as a bag of spanners:rotfl: ) has an hour and is in by 8am. the other three are always in by 1pm(in actual fact they are normally iin before 11am as they are all today) We have a big multi tier platform(thanks freecycle!!) quite a lot of boxes and interesting things fot them and they are happy, healthy and most importantly, safe. We lost a beloved boy (Kevin RIP)right outside the house and we live in an off shoot of a not particularly busy road. NEVER EVER again. Good luck with your new arrival. May you have many happy times together.
EDIT: Tortieshell-what a beautiful cat.

floyd

Our cat is a house cat as we live on a very busy road and she is part persian so a bit thick and not really very aware of danger.
What I would say is, does it have to be a kitten? There are many FIV positive (feline aids) cats in many shelters who desperately need new homes where they can only be indoor cats. I would love to rehome some of these poor souls but as I have a healthy indoor cat they won't consider me as a 'parent'

catlover1_2

Hiya,

Your new kitty will be fine as an indoor cat .... mine has done both ...

Got him as a rescue in Sweden (he had been a stray for a while and was about 8 months old but skin and bone ... he tripled in size the first 2 weeks I had him and did nothing but eat)

while there I lived in a flat so he became an indoor cat ... it took him a few weeks to get used to the idea ...but after the first few weeks he was happy ... he had lots of toys etc.. and I clipped his claws to protect the furniture.

Also I took him for walks on a cat harness (if you ask your vet they can order you one or a pet store) he got used to it quickly and associated the harness going outside...and enjoyed his little walks

Now I am in the UK he goes out in the day ... he has never been out at night and never asks to go out after dark ... he has leaned that it is not happening !!!! an is hapyy with that ( In fact he chooses in the winter to only go out for about 10 mins a day or not at all if snow /wind/ rain) although he enjoys it in the summer sunshine

Cats are suprisingly adaptable when I moved house here he uses his harness again for the first few weeks to explore his new surroundings in a safe supervised fashion and hadn't forgotten it at all

xx

kr15snw

Ours is a house cat and shes more than happy!

She does go for walks on dry warm days though, as she got upset that the dogs went out and she didnt. So we got her a little harness and she loves it!!

bindiboo

dh would like us to get a kitten. I have looked at the local cat porotection places on the web local to Derby. Guys what advise can you give me.

I have 3 kids aged 12,12 and 8 so need a breed that is ok with the kids. also what equipment would i need and should i go for a boy or girl. Friends at work say girls as boys tend to spray!!! any advise appreciated... also do i insure whats the cheapest......thanks guys

Sagz_2

Get two!
Not only will they keep each other company but the kids will have double the fun:j

Definitely get them from a cat rescue, and have them neutered as soon as the Vet advises, usually at about 4 months, to stop any spraying. Remember to budget for vaccinations, worming and flea treatments.
I've had males and females and couldn't say one was better than the other - it's down to personalities. As for breed I'd say get a moggy, short haired unless you intend to groom EVERY day.

You will need just very basic things like litter tray and litter (the wood based pellets are good), feeding and water bowls, and a cardboard box for them to sleep in and scratch on.

As I've always had 6+ pets at any one time I put money into a savings account for Vet bills - I simply could not afford to insure them all. Luckily I had healthy pets and was able to rob the money to pay for the deposit on my house!

Let us know what you decide

Ms_Chocaholic

If you do get a kitten, let me know and I can send you some pouches of free kitten food that came thru the post.

bindiboo

Norbertsmum wrote: »

Get two!
nOT

er thanks for that