Advice on adopting a cat

freakyogre

I have read through a lot of posts on here which have given me 'paws' for thought (oh dear), but just wanted a bit more advice.

I have wanted to adopt a cat for ages (wouldn't want a kitten as don't think it would be fair). It is very early days as I would need the ok from my landlady first (although shouldn't be a problem as know my neighbour has a dog).

Anyway, I have a few concerns and just wanted some honest opinions on whether you think it would be fair for me to get a cat. I live on my own in a flat and am out the house between about 7:30-5:30 5 days a week. I know cats don't really need 24/7 attention, but would this be too long to leave a cat on its own?

My next question is about letting him/her outside. My first thought was to get an older house cat and keep them in all the time, but now i'm wondering if this would be ok? The only entrance is the main front door, so no option of a cat flap. I do however, live on the ground floor, so could easily use my window as their door when i'm home.
Do you think I would be better to get a house cat (already used to it) and keep them in permanently, or let them out? I don't live on a particularly busy road, but it does lead onto a busier road which people tend to use as a shortcut.
If I was to let them out, do you think keeping them out all day and then letting them in at night would be ok? Or would I be better keeping them in all day, letting them out when I get home, then keeping them in for the night?

I keep looking on a few local cat rescue sites and there are some lovely little cats wanting a home!

Like I said, it's very early days, just wanted some opinions.

Thanks for any help

BitterAndTwisted

The topic of indoors-only cats can be a very controversial one! Some feel it's completely against a cat's nature to confine it indoors but there are plenty of cats who need to be confined for health reasons, among other things.

If you're going to keep a cat indoors you need to furnish it with a stimulating environment with plenty of toys and activities.

If you decide to give it access to the outdoors during the day when you're at work you will need to provide it with shelter of some sort, like a rabbit hutch or something similar. It doesn't have to be anything sophisticated, just somewhere it can shelter from the elements and cat-nap safely.

I'm firmly of the opinion that cats should never be allowed out at night, it's the most dangerous time.

Also, think about your future living arrangements: if you're renting you may not always be able to find a landlord who is willing to accept a tenant with an animal. Shocking I know, but quite common.

chez22

If you decide to have an indoor cat you could always get two, they will keep each other company when you are out. My two are not indoor cats but they love playing together.

BitterAndTwisted

Good thinking, Chez!

freakyogre

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

The topic of indoors-only cats can be a very controversial one! Some feel it's completely against a cat's nature to confine it indoors but there are plenty of cats who need to be confined for health reasons, among other things.

If you're going to keep a cat indoors you need to furnish it with a stimulating environment with plenty of toys and activities.

If you decide to give it access to the outdoors during the day when you're at work you will need to provide it with shelter of some sort, like a rabbit hutch or something similar. It doesn't have to be anything sophisticated, just somewhere it can shelter from the elements and cat-nap safely.

I'm firmly of the opinion that cats should never be allowed out at night, it's the most dangerous time.

Also, think about your future living arrangements: if you're renting you may not always be able to find a landlord who is willing to accept a tenant with an animal. Shocking I know, but quite common.

I would much prefer to let them outside (we always did with cats we had when I was at home, but had cat flaps) so it's a choice of either keeping them in all the time or letting them in and out at certain times (and hoping they'll come back at night).

Let's say I decide to let them out, would you suggest leaving them our during the day and letting them in at night. Or, keeping them in during the day AND night and letting them out when I get home for a few hours?

I'd make sure they had plenty to play with. I absolutely adore cats and when I am at home would give them a lot of attention (if wanted!)

I do worry about them staying out at night as hear horror stories, but my sister lets her cat out at night and hasn't had a problem. We had a cat when I was at home who had 2 accidents during the day, so i'm not really sure either time is safe!

Oh, I realise that, but then I could end up being here for years (I don't plan to move for a long time) and wish i'd done it sooner.

Thanks for your reply

freakyogre

chez22 wrote: »

If you decide to have an indoor cat you could always get two, they will keep each other company when you are out. My two are not indoor cats but they love playing together.

Someone suggested this at work, but for some strange reason i'm just not keen on the idea =/ I know it wouldn't be much more work than having one, but for some reason I just don't think it would be a good idea.

chez22

I wouldn't feel comfortable with my cats being unable to get back into the house when I'm at work. If I was in your situation I would just let the cat out when you get home. Getting it to come back in when you want may be another matter! My mogs have a sixth sense for this and always disappear just before we have to leave for the vet!

Paul_Varjak

If you are out all day I would not recommend getting a siamese or evern a half-siamese cat. These cats really to love attention and are more like a dog! Many places that adopt out cats will want to see your home and may even make a follow-up visit (especially for siamese and siamese cross breeds)

I am not a fan of house cats - I prefer cats that are more interesting. If you do get a house cat, you will have to provide a litter tray all the time - a real nuisance - especially if you want someone to look after the cat whilst you are away!

Cat flaps do not necessarily have to be fitted into doors - it also possible to fit them into glass - but you must adhere to regulations and use toughened or laminate glass where necessary. I had a flap fitted into laminate glass - but there is always the risk of cracking during fitting. If fitting to toughened glass the glass has to be made with a hole for the flap at the time the glass is made - not sure where you can get that done. You can also fit a cat flap in a wall but that may not be an option if you are renting.

Just make sure that you can get permission for a cat flap as well as your cat before you get your cat! It may also be wise to check your neighbours do not object to cats. Also make sure that you get permission if you choose to get a second cat - your lease may only allow one animal!

You say you have no option to fit a cat flap to the front door. Well I have only one door and it has a cat flap in! You just need a door that has a sufficient 'flat area' to fit the flap.

If the door has a removable patterned panel you can replace the patterned panel with a flat one and get the flap fitted into that - it will probably cost about £80. Just make sure you keep the removed panel so that you can re-fit it when you leave the property!

If you can fit a cat flap make sure you get one with 4 way control:

1. Open both ways
2. Closed both ways
3. In only
4. Out only

I am not a fan of cat flaps controlled by electric collars as collars usally get lost very quickly!

You should also consider getting insurance for your cat - just make sure you get a policy that will pay out for any lifelong treatement required as most policies will not! And don't forget to have your cat 'chipped' so that you can be re-united with your cat if it gets lost!

One last thing, you will have to keep your cat indoors for the first two weeks so that it learns your home is now his/her home. Of course, take it out on a lead during that time - just make sure you use a full harness (not just a neck collar).

picklepick

Why dont you offer a home to a cat with FIV? These cats aren't allowed out as they pose a risk to other cats. Ask at your local rescue centre or the RSPCA they'll have loads of cats that can be indoor only that they're struggling to rehome im sure. The rescue should provide for the cats future medication and treatment etc.

Otherwise, im afraid i dont agree with indoor cats either. Obviously except for some pedigrees whose disposition means they're naturally rubbish with road sense etc!!

Getting a cat with a medical condition and therefore an indoor only cat would solve this problem for you!
Hope that helps

chez22

Good post picklepick, I am going to be fostering cats soon and I have been told that unfortunately FIV+ cats are often euthanased as finding homes for them is so difficult.

freakyogre

chez22 wrote: »

I wouldn't feel comfortable with my cats being unable to get back into the house when I'm at work. If I was in your situation I would just let the cat out when you get home. Getting it to come back in when you want may be another matter! My mogs have a sixth sense for this and always disappear just before we have to leave for the vet!

No, I wouldn't either, i'd worry all day to be honest. I think if I do go ahead with it, I will go with letting them out as soon as I get home and then wait and see when they decide to come back

That's partly why I love them, they're such mischievous little b*gers! Our cat used to do the same (made even cuter by him only having one eye and a broken tail - yes, we did look after him ) He was brilliant.