Discussion
We're getting our first house soon and although I am a dog person the OH would like a kitten
We both work so I think it would be unfair to get a dog right now but understand Cats are more independant?
I haven't worked out the logistics of putting in a cat flap yet but understand they stay inside when young
So really guys am after tips, places to get kittens, if any colours/breeds have temperament issues
And cute kitten pics to help me want a cat more
(the not wanting a Cat bit is very tongue in cheek but I do prefer dogs)
We both work so I think it would be unfair to get a dog right now but understand Cats are more independant?
I haven't worked out the logistics of putting in a cat flap yet but understand they stay inside when young
So really guys am after tips, places to get kittens, if any colours/breeds have temperament issues
And cute kitten pics to help me want a cat more
(the not wanting a Cat bit is very tongue in cheek but I do prefer dogs)
I'm on my first cat......I've always been (and still am) a dog person too.
I don't like other cats but I love mine if you see what I mean
got her as a tiny kitten, she is now 2years old and she's flippin mental..she bosses the dog around, catches any flies and generally owns the place
I love the pussy
I don't like other cats but I love mine if you see what I mean
got her as a tiny kitten, she is now 2years old and she's flippin mental..she bosses the dog around, catches any flies and generally owns the placeI love the pussy
Edited by y2blade on Tuesday 23 August 10:20
I think I will love our cat when we get one, I know I will
So with regards to where to get one from etc, where is best?
I have checked out the RSPCA and Cats Protection but they mainly seem to have Cats rather than Kittens and we would really like a kitten
I have seen some on Gumtree and other sites, are these ok? Or do I need a breeder?
Ideally I dont want long haired, I like tabby ones, black and white ones and ginger toms, any tempermant differences between them?
Would it be wrong to get a laser pen to play with the kitten with?
So with regards to where to get one from etc, where is best?
I have checked out the RSPCA and Cats Protection but they mainly seem to have Cats rather than Kittens and we would really like a kitten
I have seen some on Gumtree and other sites, are these ok? Or do I need a breeder?
Ideally I dont want long haired, I like tabby ones, black and white ones and ginger toms, any tempermant differences between them?
Would it be wrong to get a laser pen to play with the kitten with?
y2blade said:
I'll post I pic of my tabby girl later
got her locally through a friend
kittens love chasing laser dots
Cheers, yeah am gonna post on FB and see if any mates are expecting littersgot her locally through a friend
kittens love chasing laser dots
I saw a few on Gumtree last night where they are asking for £20 for kittens so assumed these were accidental litters rather than people trying to make money
Ah sweet!
Definitely ordering one of them then
Never had cats myself previously until last year and now have 2. Both were from RSPCA and both came as 12 week ish old kittens although neary a year apart. First one now 18 months ish. They stay in for the first 6 months. Depending on the size of your house you may find there is plenty of space for them to run around.
I have found kittens/cats quite easy to look after so far. A couple of initial accidents in the first couple of days of getting adjusted but no real problems since.
The good thing with the RSPCA or similar for a novice is that all the help you need is there. Ignore their website pitcures and go to your local place regularly. My local one always has shed loads of kittens. A bit sad but I go there every 2 to 4 weeks to stock up on litter and for a nose round the cattery. Their fee is normally £80 which gets you most vaccinations and treatment required up to 12 weeks and includes microchip and neutering. On cost is circa £30 for next injection from vet then a year later circa £50. My vet is on the RSPCA 'list' so I can get them neutered there for the inclusive price.
I have found kittens/cats quite easy to look after so far. A couple of initial accidents in the first couple of days of getting adjusted but no real problems since.
The good thing with the RSPCA or similar for a novice is that all the help you need is there. Ignore their website pitcures and go to your local place regularly. My local one always has shed loads of kittens. A bit sad but I go there every 2 to 4 weeks to stock up on litter and for a nose round the cattery. Their fee is normally £80 which gets you most vaccinations and treatment required up to 12 weeks and includes microchip and neutering. On cost is circa £30 for next injection from vet then a year later circa £50. My vet is on the RSPCA 'list' so I can get them neutered there for the inclusive price.
edc said:
Never had cats myself previously until last year and now have 2. Both were from RSPCA and both came as 12 week ish old kittens although neary a year apart. First one now 18 months ish. They stay in for the first 6 months. Depending on the size of your house you may find there is plenty of space for them to run around.
I have found kittens/cats quite easy to look after so far. A couple of initial accidents in the first couple of days of getting adjusted but no real problems since.
The good thing with the RSPCA or similar for a novice is that all the help you need is there. Ignore their website pitcures and go to your local place regularly. My local one always has shed loads of kittens. A bit sad but I go there every 2 to 4 weeks to stock up on litter and for a nose round the cattery. Their fee is normally £80 which gets you most vaccinations and treatment required up to 12 weeks and includes microchip and neutering. On cost is circa £30 for next injection from vet then a year later circa £50. My vet is on the RSPCA 'list' so I can get them neutered there for the inclusive price.
Cheers for the info, its a big 4 bed detached house so they should be fine exploring for a while, I just think I would feel slightly cruel keeping it as a house cat, I know lots of people do very successfully so am not trying to cause an argument, its just for me I would like it to be able to explore and stretch its legs a bit moreI have found kittens/cats quite easy to look after so far. A couple of initial accidents in the first couple of days of getting adjusted but no real problems since.
The good thing with the RSPCA or similar for a novice is that all the help you need is there. Ignore their website pitcures and go to your local place regularly. My local one always has shed loads of kittens. A bit sad but I go there every 2 to 4 weeks to stock up on litter and for a nose round the cattery. Their fee is normally £80 which gets you most vaccinations and treatment required up to 12 weeks and includes microchip and neutering. On cost is circa £30 for next injection from vet then a year later circa £50. My vet is on the RSPCA 'list' so I can get them neutered there for the inclusive price.
HOGEPH said:
They have loads of kittens to find homes for at this time of year, do a google search for your local Cats Protection branch.
I did check last night but will do so again now, we wont be in the house til Oct-Nov so won't be getting one til thenWill definitely invest in a laser pointer, scratching post and a little house, are the radiator beds any good as an extra relaxing space for them, or do they generally find their own places
My cats are house cats at the moment in the sense that we don't have a cat flap. However, eldest one Ryu has been going out on his lonesome for the past 6 months or so. We open a window and off he goes and let him back in when he wants to come in. This is fine when we are in and/or working from home but there are times when he doesn't go out. He seems quite happy though. I think the younger one will see us fit a cat flap as she seems much more excitable and adventurous.
Laser pointer - I got one of those Felix ones using the tokens on the food boxes and they do like to chase it for all of 5-10 mins until they realise they can't catch it.
Ours will rarely sleep in the beds you buy them. Indeed Ryu no longer has a bed as Isy the kitten has 2 in her room which she is kepy in overnight. He will sleep under our bed, on our bed, on a window sill, on a dining room chair, on a sofa in the lounge, on a chair in the back room or simply on the carpet on the landing. You get the picture.
Laser pointer - I got one of those Felix ones using the tokens on the food boxes and they do like to chase it for all of 5-10 mins until they realise they can't catch it.
Ours will rarely sleep in the beds you buy them. Indeed Ryu no longer has a bed as Isy the kitten has 2 in her room which she is kepy in overnight. He will sleep under our bed, on our bed, on a window sill, on a dining room chair, on a sofa in the lounge, on a chair in the back room or simply on the carpet on the landing. You get the picture.
Ok so dont go spending a fortune on beds then
Yeah the only issue with cat flaps for us is that all our doors are glass, so don't know if I can put one in a glass double glazed door, I will investigate other options could just leave a window open once they are old enough and they can choose I guess
I have been looking at Cats Protection and RSPCA, there are some very cute kittens about so shouldn't have an issue finding one and would rather get one from a rescue to be honest so thats good
Just need to get in the house now
Yeah the only issue with cat flaps for us is that all our doors are glass, so don't know if I can put one in a glass double glazed door, I will investigate other options could just leave a window open once they are old enough and they can choose I guess
I have been looking at Cats Protection and RSPCA, there are some very cute kittens about so shouldn't have an issue finding one and would rather get one from a rescue to be honest so thats good
Just need to get in the house now
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Check with some double glazers on this. I know people who have had cat flaps installed in double glazed panes. They may have had to have the entire pane replaced with one made with the hole in to ensure it is properly sealed but it's certainly doable.The window idea will fail quite horribly as soon as it gets cold and you want to shut it, and poor old tiddles is sat ouside wondering why the f
k he can't get in.IainT said:
I'd suggest considering not 'cat' but 'cats'. Ideally two siblings as kittens.
They'll keep other entertained when you and swmbo don't have time. Plus you get double-cuteness.
I did think this, but then its double the insurance, double the food etc etcThey'll keep other entertained when you and swmbo don't have time. Plus you get double-cuteness.
I am not averse to the idea but want to make sure we don't take on too much at once and not be able to afford to keep them properly or something
IainT said:
Two are bugger all more work than one. Yes, there are costs but food is not expensive. Insurance is not double - Pet Plan do multi-cat discounts.
OK I will look into it, I appreciate cats dont require much work (a la dogs), the costs thing is purely as we have just bought the house (in process of buying) so don't want to take 2 on and find that we have made a mistake, but you are maybe rightWould a cat on its own not be happy then?
We got out first cat last November. Even though I always wanted a dog and considered my self a dog person we decided to get a cat out of the blue one day and I've totally fallen for our little feline although I wished we also bought his brother too because at times he seems bored and for his own safety we have decided to keep him as a house cat and also let him stroll in the garden.
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