new cat or kitten advice (merged)

Spudnik_2

Why not consider an indoor-only cat? You're giving your adopted pet a second chance, and you're not putting it at risk either.

duchy

The chances of a cat getting run over are huge-TBH any decent cat refuge will turn you down except for a cat that has always lived inside and doesn't go out.
If you want a cat who can go out well maybe you will be shortening the cat's life for your own needs and benefit-and yes that (to me) is a bit selfish.
If you are happy to have a cat who uses a litter tray inside exclusively -go for it-and good for you....if not-maybe have a rethink.

ClareEmily

suzzi2704 wrote: »

on the one hand it will be a better life for the animal that being sat in a cage at the animal refuge.... but on the other - it has a reasonable chance of getting run over within a few years of living here.

Sorry that made me laugh, a better life "alive" in a cage until rehomed by someone with a garden and not living by a main road, or goes home with you and gets squashed.

There is the option of getting an older cat that is used to being indoors.

Or indoor bunny.

Why put yourself though the pain of losing another pet??

Spudnik_2

If you are put off by getting an older cat, rescue centres also often have kittens in need of loving homes and you can just as easily keep a kitten indoors.

However, I would urge you to research thoroughly before adopting any pet. Please don't adopt just because you want something to relieve stress - whilst they are a joy to live with, a new pet can very often create even more stress as it adjusts to its new home.

I personally don't believe that keeping indoor/outdoor cats is the way to go regardless of where you live, but I would particularly urge you to consider an alternative given your living situation. There are plenty of other options. If you decide against a cat, an indoor rabbit (or pair of ferrets), time permitting, is an excellent idea. Just remember - RESEARCH!

Sazzyukrafc

Like everyone said, have an indoor cat. Whether it's from a resuce centre or bought off someone, you're giving one a warm home where they'll always be safe. My friend actually got a cat from a rescue centre that was only allowed to go to a house where he would be kept inside because he was a bit "slow" and didn't understand cars

Murtle

No, a rescue is unlikely to home an outdoor cat to someone living on a main road. However, there are many indoor cats that are looking for homes. Many have FIV but don't let this fool you into thinking they are poorly or expensive. They will live as happy and healthy life as non FIV cats.

Please don't consider getting an outdoor cat, as it is so likely that it will get squashed/seriously injured.

Paparika

Don't do it, you'll get stressed just by having the cat, imagine when it goes out you'll be worrying where it is and is it ok.

Try something smaller like a hamster or a lovely pet rat (very loving and like to be kept clean)

Kimberley

A rescue may not allow you a cat even if it can only live indoors because of the main road. I asked several rescues if they had indoor only cats which they did but once they knew I lived on a main road they said no, I asked why if the cat is an indoor one and they said because they have known people to still let them out or the cat gets out when the front/back door is opened.

I eventually went for buying a cat and have built a catrun in the garden so he can still get outside, I also will let him roam the garden on a harness.

lowis

an indoor-only cat is your best option. many rescues have indoor only cats. in fact you could even try approaching breed specific rescue associations as they feel that some breeds of pedigree cat are better off as indoor cats. try www.siameserescue.org.uk or www.rexcatassociation.co.uk - they often have cats looking for homes.

also try www.catchat.org and www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk - these are general rescues but they often get special needs kitties who need indoor only homes i.e. FiV+ cats, deaf cats, etc.

whatever you do do not get a pet to relieve your stress, pets are lifelong commitments and at times can cause huge amounts of stress themselves ie.e. when they get sick, expensive vet bills, ruined furniture...

Sazzyukrafc

Yes, special needs kitties - FIV cats especially - need to be kept indoors, so maybe a good choice There is a sanctuary near me who used to have FIV cats, not sure if they still do. It's Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield, Lancashire.