First Cat

A question about : First Cat

So we've been granted permission for a cat.

Anyone has seen my previous posts we had to ask permission from our landlady for a pet.

Permission was received today. Yay.

does anyone have advice for a first time cat owner?

Best answers:

• Congratulations! I'd say, get a cat, not a kitten and get it from a rescue centre. Rescues are full to bursting with beautiful cats needing new homes.
• So far we know we want a siamese. not for status but temperament.
• No advice but just wanted to say congrats We got our first cat 6 weeks ago and I'm besotted with him, he really is my baby! He's a little swine at night though so be prepared for less sleep that you're used to
• Love the title, First Cat.
  It will not be your last!
• Totally agree with Slinky - the local rehoming centres are absolutely bursting at the seams at the moment - particularly with black or black and white cats - I've no idea, they're my favourite!
  Depending on the cat you get, ask about it's preferences and mannerisms - what they like, dislike, etc and don't waste money on lots of toys - some are good but, string, screwed up bits of paper and boxes are always a hit!
  Cats are gorgeous but extremely funny individuals with purrsonalities that are totally unique.
  I am guessing that you live in rented accommodated (from needing to ask the Landlord's permission) but I would strongly recommend scratching posts and boxes to save carpets as best you can.
  Be prepared that when you first bring your furr baby home, they will possibly hide for days or ignore you - it's just their way and they'll come round but give them time.
  Most of all, have fun. I got my first cat 8 years ago (have now got 2) and we'll never be without a cat if we can help it - they make our family!
  Gelly
• oh what is GCCF? If a kitten is registered GCCF do I need have them registered?
• Congratulations!
  GCCF is a registration body for pedigree cats.
  Personally I'm all for rescue cats, but regardless I would consider insurance or a contingency fund. Register your cat with your local vets and they will send you annual reminders for injections and they will offer worming and flea treatment advice.
  Be prepared to spend the next 10 plus years serving, obeying and enjoying your cat.
  Cats are wonderful pets, I cannot imagine my home without one.
• I'd highly recommend getting insurance! My first kitten died at 13 weeks with no insurance, an over night stay with regular vit k injections and blood tests and then eventually euthanisation cost cЈ600. Had he improved overnight I would have had to get a couple of blood transfusions at cЈ2k a pop....
  Both my new kitties are insured, it's such peace of mind!
• Try looking at this site
  https://www.catchat.org/cat_rescue.html
  Lots of information on there
  Be warned. I started with one cat many years ago and now have 5
• Congratulations. I was never a cat person until Salem joine our family at 5 weeks old. A year and a half later we now have Gizmo too (hard to believe we've had Gizmo for nearly 10 months) and I wouldn't be without either of them.... Even when they wake me up at daft o'clock in the morning.
  I too would recommend insurance. We had Salem for 4 months and he was rushed to the vets with lily poisoning, it it's over Ј1k in vet fees but luckily our insurance covered it.
• er - never ever think you 'own' a cat - its the other way around!
  be prepared for ....................anything.
  get in just a little of the recommended food - the cat will want to try out different brands before they settle on the most expensive!
  litter trays - now this is tricky.
  if cat has been taught by mama cat then 'Its their own personal space'! PRIVACY required!
  plus, upon every use, a little of the litter is scattered outside the tray to 'ward off evil spirits'.
  human taught cats - rofl - cat decides on best position for litter tray cat indicates best position by, well, 'going' there!.......and its against the front door? well everyone human can just use the back door!
  and don't think you can palm them off with supermarket or corner shop litter - oh no, they want the 'good stuff'!
  Playtime - ALWAYS at the cats discretion.
  Sleeptime - as above
  mealtime - as above
  grooming - may or may not like it, they will let you know!
  that's all in jest BUT, there is a grain of truth in all of it! you haven't chosen the easiest breed have you? but, once the cat has you trained you will be fine!
• We will deffinately get insurance I have a bunny who I self insure but he's less likely to get into trouble than a cat.
  Can anyone tell me what insured for life is and the benefits/negatives of it? A few people have said to get the rather than regular insurance.
• Luckily my OH has experience of the breed when he lived at home they had 2 over a 10 year period and his nan had 3.
  Myself the only cats I had were farm cats and as some of you may know they generally keep to themselves.
  I've just enquired about a cat from an advert and im sure she thought I was nuts. I thought I knew what to say and I went blank partly because I hate calling people and partly because well this is the first time I've called about a cat if it was I'd be OK.
  But the lady was lovely and encouraged me along.
  At least now I'm prepared for next time.
• right your oh has experience of spoilt house cats
  yours is with farm cats
  sorry, but, I see differences of opinion here!
  first off - you do recognise the difference between 'farm cats' and 'pedigree house cats'?
• House cats 'do not look after themselves'!
  you are there to look after them, you feed them you groom them you provide for them - in every way! and with Siamese, if you don't, you will hear about it!
• lol - then good luck! I had a friend with Siamese cats - she was their slave! and adored it!