Cat owners: Educate a dog person.

[SSgtBaloo]

I plan on getting an apartment soon, and I may be able to have a pet. Thing is, I'm not as mobile as I used to be so a dog's inability to fathom a litterbox may mean that I will be considering a cat instead. Problem is, I know very little about cats, and most of my cat lore is academic.

Tell me about cat ownership What does a dog person need to know in order to provide a good home for a feline companion? What should a first-timer be looking for in a feline friend? And so on. (See I don;t even know what questions to ask.)

[Ibanez]

There's a lot more responsibility involved with taking care of a dog. So since your a former dog owner taking care of a cat will be a breeze. A cat's main acitivity is sleeping they do a lot of it. Cat's are very independent when it wants your attention you'll know it. Cat's believe you work for them, dogs are the opposite.

Some of this advice are no-brainers but I'll go over them anyways. Of course you'll need the basics like litter and food. Keep their food a good distance away from their litter box. They like a clean litter box clean it out every day, fresh food and water.

Investing in a scratching post is a good idea and some toys to entertain them once and awhile feather on a stick sort of thing. Very little in the way of grooming has to be done, long haired cats are the exception. Even then most cats enjoy a good brushing. For the sake of your furniture and carpets if you can get your cat used to you cutting their nails and not the vet this can save you some head-aches. Start them young. Becarefull as to not cut their nails to short, their nails contain veins and will bleed if you hit the vein.

Do that and you should have a happy cat.

One thing about kittens. They're cute and all that but it doesn't last long once they've become adult cats their personality is pretty much set in stone. Once that kicks you may end up with a skittish cat, clingy cat, cat that doesn't like to be picked up or a down right mean bastard.

So if you want a cat what you with good personality traits. You may want to adopt a young adult cat that is couple of years old. Go to the shelter or how ever you plan to get one and spend some time with it. Their personality for what you'll be stuck with for the next 10-20 years should reveal itself.

[Cat Whisperer]

In my experience with cats at home and my current two, you need a litter box, a food dish, a water dish, and the ability to play with them a couple of times a day - not a lot more than that.

To get a cat, my suggestion would be to head over to the local Humane Society and do a little shopping - take some cats out in a room and get to know them, and see if any seem interesting. A kitten will be a ball of energy and want to play endlessly; a six-month or so old will still want to play a lot, but be less high energy and high maintenance. An adult cat should be much more settled down and need less constant monitoring and attention.

[MichaelEmouse]

Perhaps have two cats, preferably of different genders, that are raised together from a young age.

My experience has been that getting a cat into the home of a cat that's used to being alone can create conflict. Also, I used to have a mother who gave birth to kittens. We kept one female and two male kittens. The mother never had a problem with her adult male offspring. She would attack her adult daughter often and with a lot of aggressivity. Not, I-want-you-to-leave-me-along-for-a-while aggressivity but rather I-want-to-kill-you aggressivity. It wasn't pretty and I had to get rid of the mother.

But two cats can be play partners, sleep nuzzled into each other and keep each other company.


Perhaps you can have a look at wikipedia or other websites that give you information about the temperaments of cat breeds. Individuals vary from what's typical of their breed, but it's broadly reliable.


Blowing into a cat's face is an effective way to displease it. Adding a stern "NO" will also get it to associate unpleasantness with that word.


As for whether you should keep it indoors, click my name and look through a thread I started about whether to keep them in doors or not.


Keep a clean litter and don't just have a thin layer. Cats may decide to boycott their litter if it isn't to their taste. They're smart enough to realize that your bed is a prized posession of yours and leave a sign of protest on it.

[Cat Whisperer]

Another data point - female cats don't have the same kind of urinary problems that male cats can have. They also don't spray to mark territory. Their spaying surgery is more complicated, but I think they're easier in the long run to have as pets. (I expect serious dissent from the cohabitational humans of boy cats. :) )

[Frank]

They like a clean litter box clean it out every day, fresh food and water.
Clean the shit out every day with a scooper. Replace the litter completely and wash out the pan once a week. That's worked for me with one cat. More cats or less cleaning will wind up leaving you surprises here and there.

An adult cat should be much more settled down and need less constant monitoring and attention.
Absolutely true. Kittens are delightful. They require constant attention if you don't want them to carry bad habits (such as fighting with speaker wires) into adulthood. Even with an adult cat, you need to be prepared to give it attention. Playing is good, teaching them to be groomed is good. But, certainly, not as much (or as active) attention as a dog requires.

[Markxxx]

I would ask myself, what kind of animal am I looking for. Kittens are SO cute, but you don't know about their personalities. Adult cats are more set in their ways and easy to scope out.

Are you looking for a lap cat? A cat that just wants to be petted a couple times a day then left alone? It's nicer to adopt an older cat if you can as they don't get the chance as often as the kittens.

As others said, if you feed them and clean their litter box, and give them a window to look out of they are pretty much happy.

Cats LOVE to be up high. So if you can fix a shelf for Mr Cat to sleep on he will take to it right away. I used to have it fixed so the cap could hop on dresser, hop on file cabinet, hop on shelf. Then once up there she could survey the entire room.

This helps a lot with cleaning as the cat would almost always go there and the hair stayed there. I also bought a bunch of baby (felt) blankets at the thrift store. The cat LOVED them. I put one on the couch or up on her shelf and she would only sleep on it. That helped a lot with the hair as you could just toss it in the laundry and put down a clean baby blanket.

Cats should be brushed too. Whether your cat will let you do this is another thing, but they need to be brushed. Don't pet the cat backwards. Although other members on this board say their cat likes it, I personally have never met a cat that likes to be petted against the grain :)

So the best thing to do is decide WHAT YOU WANT from a cat. Then go to a shelter and see. The shelter people can give you a good idea of the personality of the cat.

[Frank]

(I expect serious dissent from the cohabitational humans of boy cats. :) )
I've had both male and female cats, and I agree that (even fixed) females are easier.

I forgot to mention in my last post, that cats are entirely worthwhile pets. They're fun, they mostly enjoy being around their human, but they ARE NOT dogs. If you're expecting your cat to come when called, or to wait until the command to start eating, you've got another think coming.

[panache45]

Get two cats. In spite of what you've heard about cats' independence, they are very sociable and benefit from having a companion. If nothing else, they can groom each other. There have been times when I only had one cat (due to the other's death), and there's a noticeable difference.

Also, don't get a kitten. Yes they're cute, but they can also be incredibly destructive. And don't rule out getting an older one. A few years ago I adopted a 7-year-old, and he's the best cat I ever had.

[rhubarbarin]

Psh. You can train cats to do anything a dog can do if you work at it. My cats come when called much more reliably than my dogs. I have two of each, and they are not really that different in their care, except that the dogs need to be walked and the cat's shitboxes need to be cleaned.

Pick a cat or kitten with the personality you like. There are plenty of cats out there with 'dog-like' personalities (like my younger cat), just as there are independent, 'cat-like' dogs (like my older dog).

[Cat Whisperer]

<snip> If you're expecting your cat to come when called, or to wait until the command to start eating, you've got another think coming.

Psh. You can train cats to do anything a dog can do if you work at it. My cats come when called much more reliably than my dogs.<snip>My cats both come when called, too - I tuna-trained them. If they think there's going to be tuna involved, they come running. :)

Cats can indeed be trained. Mine have been trained to stay off areas where we eat and prepare food. Sure, they get on them when I'm not around, but rarely in front of me, and that's all I ask. We can leave a plate of food somewhere and not come back to a cat snout in it.

[Frank]

Cats can indeed be trained.
Sure. But, dogs will come when called, and it has nothing to do with teaching them the word tuna, or firing up the can opener. Cats will come when ready, and that may or may not be when they are called. They can't be trained like dogs can.

I've had cats. I've had good cats--loving, affectionate, and delightful cats. But they've never been able to be trained like dogs can be trained. There are perfectly good reasons why cats cannot be housetrained, or don't retrieve game, or herd sheep, or any number of other things.

[River Hippie]

"I'm not as mobile as I used to be."
I've had a few cats over the years and they have ranged from "content to stay inside all the time as long as I am fed and have a soft spot to sleep" to, like my current feline, " I will be tireless in my efforts to escape to the great world out there."
If your cat made a break for it, would you be able to recapture it? I had a cat that had been an outside cat for years and he had no desire to get out. The one I have now was brought in as a tiny kitten and has a fierce determination to run free outdoors while at the same time having zero street smarts.

[Spoons]

Cats are cats. Dog people tend to get hung up on breeds: spaniel, collie, German shepherd, etc. It is true that there are cat breeds (Siamese, Maine Coon, etc.), but it is possible to have an entirely fine pet cat that is of no particular breed. In fact, if you have never had a cat before, I'd suggest getting a "mongrel" cat--it won't tend to have any weirdness due to inbreeding; and outside of its particular personality (and every cat has one), should be fairly predictable. In the feline context anyway: it will want a place to scratch, good food and water, a clean litterbox, and interesting and challenging toys. Outside of those, it won't ask for much.

Your plain, ordinary, everyday "mongrel" cat is often called the Domestic Shorthair, or DSH. They come in a variety of coat patterns (tuxedo, solid black, various tabbies, etc.); and their coats are short enough that there aren't often problems with matting. Like all cats, they shed, of course, so be warned. But their temperament is, generally speaking, pretty even; and they make very pleasant companions.

Cats will learn certain words and other things--my cats each know their name, and they know when food is served, and when treats are being handed out. They may or may not attend, as they please. They won't come when called, unless they feel like it. So don't expect to train a cat as you do a dog--it typically won't happen. They are their own creatures, which makes it all the more special when they actively choose to spend some time with you.

[flatlined]

Leaps happily into the conversation. I'm one of those people you will be talking to at the shelter.

Everyone has posted good advice. Cats are NOT dogs and won't act like one. Don't get a kitten, they are as destructive as puppies are. Kittens won't chew up your shoes, but they will chew cords and keep you up in the middle of the night.

I always suggest that a first time cat owner gets an adult. You know what their personality is. 2 cats are better than one. When they are getting active at dawn, you can toss them out of the bedroom and they will entertain each other.

If you want a dog like cat, search online for Maine Coon rescue sites. Maine Coons are about the most doggy cats I've handled. Many people don't like them because they are so big. I leash trained my Coon so he never tried to sneak out the door. At walkie time, he was a total nag. I really do miss that cat. Giant breeds don't live as long as mongrels. :(

[TheChileanBlob]

I'm sorry to hijack but

I used to have a mother who gave birth to kittens.




:eek::eek::eek:

What did your dad say?

[SSgtBaloo]

Good information. With regard to breed, I planned on going to the local shelter and adopting a cat with "uncertain ancestry".

By "not as mobile as I used to be: I mean I need a cane to get around, not so much because I'd fall over without it but because it delays the onset of pain in my knees and back. I can't run at all anymore so chasing a cat is out of the question. If I determine that a cat is more than II can handle, maybe I'll get a guinea pig or a rat?

[Vihaga]

I plan on getting an apartment soon, and I may be able to have a pet. Thing is, I'm not as mobile as I used to be so a dog's inability to fathom a litterbox may mean that I will be considering a cat instead. Problem is, I know very little about cats, and most of my cat lore is academic.


You may be disappointed, so be prepared if you are. When my husband moved in with me, we decided to get a cat because they were easier to care for and he'd never had one. We got a cat, and he's a fabulous one. Affectionate, doesn't hide, never has had a single litter box issue, and he doesn't destroy things. He's not a dog, though, and while we are committed to his well-being, we won't be getting another cat anytime soon. (Once we had the ability to care for them, we ended up getting dogs.)

If the work required to have a dog isn't an option for us in the future, we'll probably go with some kind of cage pet instead of getting another cat. You may not end up feeling that way, but both my husband and I were dog people in the same position you're in, and we regretted getting the cat.

[Thudlow Boink]

Vihaga, out of curiosity, what was inadequate about the cat? What did you miss about having a dog?

[Vihaga]

Vihaga, out of curiosity, what was inadequate about the cat? What did you miss about having a dog?

It feels like the interaction with him isn't even remotely on the same level. The dogs travel reasonably well, we can go places and play games with them on our terms in addition to theirs, and it feels like, communication-wise, they're trying to meet us halfway in a way the cat can't.


The cat comes when called, and if you tell him to stop doing something, he does stop, but I don't feel like we can communicate as meaningfully. For example, when I tell the dogs to get out of the kitchen while I'm cooking, they sit at the doorway and wait, and, while one might sneak back in, a quick glance is all that's needed to send them back out. They seem to "get" the whole idea of me wanting them out and they try to comply, even if there's chicken. The cat also leaves, but I have to be a lot more assertive and consistent with him to keep him listening. It's obvious that he only stays out because I'm going to make it difficult for him to come in, not because he's trying to do what I want. Does that make sense?

Another example is games. Playing a game with the cat is enticing him with something until he feels like swatting it; we're pretty much doing all the work to entertain him. With the dogs, we'll play a game of "find the toy" or frisbee, and while it's work to hide the objects or throw the frisbee around, the dogs are putting in effort to, say, stay put while I hide the thing, or wait while I throw the frisbee. They're putting in effort, and we're all entertained. It feels like more of a group effort.

Taking the dogs for a walk is a team effort where we're going out as a group and checking things out. Taking the cat for a walk (well, I've never done this successfully with my cat, but my sister does with hers) involves following the cat while he does what he wants on a lead.

We never got the feeling of being a team and being buddies with the cat the way we do with the dogs. It's an entirely different experience for us. He's a nice enough pet, and he'll sit on your lap on the couch and such, and I know he likes me because he follows me around and visibly sulks if I reject him for whatever reason. But he's not my buddy in the same way. I'm sure a lot of people get that feeling from their cats, but I don't.

[Mama Zappa]

...Cat's are very independent when it wants your attention you'll know it. Cat's believe you work for them, dogs are the opposite. ...

Investing in a scratching post is a good idea.......
Tons of good advice in the thread. "Dogs have owners. Cats have staff" :D.

On the scratching post: There are better commercial ones out there than when we last looked for a store-bought one. Used to be, they were low (maybe 2 feet tall) and on a flimsy base that pulled over onto the cat as soon as the cat would get to playing with the thing. This would occur perhaps twice and the cat would have nothing further to do with it. Oh, and they were often covered in *pile* carpeting - i.e. something the cats claws just barely caught on, so they didn't get a good stretch. Newer commercial ones often have the vertical bit wrapped in rope, which is a better stretching medium, just thought I'd alert you to look for the covering.

When we last shared quarters with cats, Typo Knig actually made several posts using closed-loop pile carpeting, a 4x4 post (about 3+ feet tall) for the vertical bit, on a 3x3 foot square of plywood for the base. Those were GREAT. If you know anyone who's remotely handy and would be willing to invest an hour or two to make one for you, the cat will be very pleased. One of ours liked to climb up the post and perch with all 4 paws on the 4x4 bit, like a circus cat. IIRC, we had to recover the vertical bit after a year or two because the cat had shredded it.

Cats have been known to get up to mischief for the sheer hell of it. I had a plant stand with little round shelves on it. Nothing fancy. I had some plants on it. I would come home from work to find them knocked down. OK, cats bounce around and don't bother avoiding obstacles if they don't feel like it. Until the day I saw the cat sitting next to the stand, raising one paw, and DELIBERATELY pushing the plant off the shelf.

[Vihaga]

On the scratching post: There are better commercial ones out there than when we last looked for a store-bought one.

It's not a post, but our cat loves this (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3037705) one, and it's not as ugly as some are.

[Dogzilla]

Mama Zappa:

Just the other day, my cat decided he wanted a treat. I keep the dog's meds on the kitchen counter. The kitty treats are in a little bag right next to them. Mr. Kitty used his paw to bat a bottle of dog pills down on the floor, and then he chased it into the next room... where I could SEE it.

He knew I'd pick it up and put it back on the kitchen counter... right next to the kitty treats. By the time I got to the kitchen counter, he was already up there, rubbing his head on his bag of treats. I took the hint and gave him a handful. I thought it was hilarious that he knew exactly how to get my attention directed to his treat bag so he could have a little snack.

Cats are totally trainable, but watch out. They might train you instead.

[The Great Sun Jester]

Perhaps have two cats, preferably of different genders, that are raised together from a young age. There is something to this. Cat psychology is a bit more complex than folks let on. They're not really difficult or anything, but there is something going on behind their eyes. Regardless of what you've heard, cats are social. They're not typically needy, but they don't like being alone. Some cats do really well on their own, but that's usually outdoor cats that can hunt, or indoor cats with a 3+ hoomans to socialize with. A single indoor cat that spends a lot of time alone, in my experience, is going to get weird on you. Fortunately, if you give a kitten to a weird cat, the results will be swift and positive.

Also, if you can adopt an adult with a good personality, great. If you go for a kitten, treat it how you want it to treat you when it grows up--basically, teach it what you're good for. If you want a cuddler, give it tons of attention and spend some quality time napping together on the couch.

But yeah, be prepared to end up with 2 cats if you don't have a family in a couple years.
(I expect serious dissent from the cohabitational humans of boy cats. :) )
Re: male v. female: I hereby, uh, dissend upon your position.

[ENugent]

When we last shared quarters with cats, Typo Knig actually made several posts using closed-loop pile carpeting, a 4x4 post (about 3+ feet tall) for the vertical bit, on a 3x3 foot square of plywood for the base. Those were GREAT. If you know anyone who's remotely handy and would be willing to invest an hour or two to make one for you, the cat will be very pleased. One of ours liked to climb up the post and perch with all 4 paws on the 4x4 bit, like a circus cat. IIRC, we had to recover the vertical bit after a year or two because the cat had shredded it.

My husband made one like this (http://www.contracheck.com/gallery/v/Dorothy_Year1/Dorothy_Nov2004toJan2005/Dorothy_Dec26to31/PC304081.jpg.html) for the kittens, but with rope (attached with wood glue and staples), and it is as good as new now, ten years later. It still sees extensive daily use. It's ugly, but worth it.

I also recommend the inclined cardboard scratchers - we put them any place that a cat seems to want to claw inappropriately, and they help a lot. (This illustrates a general technique for cat misbehavior - you will in general do much better by figuring out why the cat wants to perform whatever the obnoxious behavior is, and then setting up a better alternative in the same spot. Scratcher on the carpet, food bowl on the place where they pee on the floor, litterbox in the bathtub, etc. Often once you get them used to the alternative thing, you can gradually move that to a more convenient location.)

[MyFootsZZZ]

This is my experience:

I've had both cats and dogs, but I'm more of a cat person. I've learned that cats like to be more independent, which is one thing I like about them. They often choose for themselves wether or not they want to socialize. If you want to be able to hold your cat without it trying to free itself from your arms, try to get them use to it as early in their life as possible. That's not to say they WILL get use to it, but if you want to hold them, start early.

I believe that most cats prefer gentle petting rather than aggress petting. I use the back of my fingernails to pet them. Though some may enjoy a good scratching if they are shedding or just itchy. I guess I'm just trying to say, don't be as abrasive you would be with a dog. I've only had one cat that didn't mind having her belly rubbed. So if you want to try it out, see how the cat responds.

As said up-thread, a scratching post is a must! Make sure to teach the cat that it's supposed to use the post as early as possible. I know some people who wait to get one, and the cats ignore it.

Try not to piss off the cat -- it's not a dog. Give it space. Learn a cat's language... sometimes a cat will 'tell you' if a petting session is lasting too long. Like dogs, you can really pick up on how it's feeling by it's vocalization.

My parents have a Ragdoll, which is as close to a dog as I've ever seen a cat. You can pick them up and plop them down, but it has health problems, and I hear they often do. Cats are all different, so results may vary. Another cat my folks owns fetches her toys, you throw it, it will bring it back.

OH, and there are special rugs you can get to get kitty litter off their paws that you can put under the litter box... unless you teach the cat to use the toilet, which some can do.

[Scubaqueen]

Cats are totally trainable, but watch out. They might train you instead.
What Dogzilla said.

They can be trained, but at the same time they will train you. It's the natural progression of being owned by cats (aka your feline overlords).

I have the SuperKitties (oft-mentioned about the Dope), both obtained when they were itty bitties (read strays). I'd love to have another cat but it's a bit beyond my budget at the moment. I would get an adult if I could.

They are much less work than a kitten. Kittens are cute - but exhausting. I’m looking at YOU, Miss Magnolia (Maggie). There was a reason I nicknamed you ‘Girl Squirrel.’ You haven't seen much of anything until you've seen a 2-pound scrap of fur CLIMB A WALL. :D

For a first-timer definitely do not get kittens. Get adults and get two of them. They will be company for one another when you're not at home, and two cats are little more work than one.

I do personally recommend the DSH, as opposed to the medium-long and long-haired cat, both of which are a whole lotta work.

Case in point: Turk, my Maine Coone/Russian Blue mix is a logistical nightmare. The only reason he puts up with the brushing is because he's learned that there are treats afterward if he's a good boy. Otherwise, trying to effectively brush that 19-pound monster with all that undercoat is nearly impossible – and he has to be done just about every day in order to stay ahead of the matting. Definitely reward all brushing sessions with treats afterward.

Maggie, the aforementioned other SuperKitty, is a DSH, and super low-maint. She gets a little brushing the same time Turk does, which greatly eases the jealousy factor in the house. :p Reward for nail clipping, too. It works. If they learn they get treats afterward, you have a far more tractable cat then you might have otherwise. Have the vet show you how to do nails if you aren’t confident enough to try it the first time around.

Be conscientious about the clean litter and regular scoopings. Cats are nothing if not fastidious. As mentioned upthread, it will prevent protests from the feline population about their living conditions.

Check with the vet about what food to feed your cats. Both SuperKitties have been on Iams or Science Diet since they were kittens. I don’t feed them wet food, but I’m starting to hear conflicting reports now about wet vs dry. Turk is due for his annual check-up, and at age eight or so, I’m going to revisit his food requirements when I take him in.

One last thing: please, please make them indoor cats only. They’ll live much longer, happier, and healthier lives that way.

And keep us posted! We will of course expect pictures of your new feline overloads asap.

[Nawth Chucka]

I don't know how much of your walking balance is reliant on the cane but I've never had a cat of any age fail to walk under my feet at every opportunity. If you stepped on something unexpectedly, would you fall and be unable to get up?
Or do you use a cane a la Martin Crane on Frasier?
There are self-scooping litter pans, btw, they're expensive but worth it when you're unable to scoop it yourself for whatever reason. Likewise there are cheap gravity feeders for dry food and water.
I concur w/ all those who say to get an older cat; kittens are the reason I've had to throw away 2 boxsprings in 5 years. They'll scratch you much more and their scratches and bites are very germy; they can get easily infected even in young people.
A cat will let you be sedentary, a dog will make you go outside and get some exercise. Still, I know some dogs can be trained to use a litter pan.

One thing to consider is who will care for your pet if you can't be home for any reason? If you have absolutely no one you trust enough to come into your home and care for your pet it may not be the best idea to get a pet.

[OpalCat]

I used to have a mother who gave birth to kittens.
Add my :eek: to that as well!

It feels like the interaction with him isn't even remotely on the same level. ...

We never got the feeling of being a team and being buddies with the cat the way we do with the dogs. It's an entirely different experience for us. He's a nice enough pet, and he'll sit on your lap on the couch and such, and I know he likes me because he follows me around and visibly sulks if I reject him for whatever reason. But he's not my buddy in the same way. I'm sure a lot of people get that feeling from their cats, but I don't.
I think this depends on the person and on the cat. I do get that from my cat.
It's not a post, but our cat loves this (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3037705) one, and it's not as ugly as some are.
I have the same one! My cats adore it. They love to sit on top of the curve and preen after a good scratching.

I'll add my voice to the chorus saying to get two cats. You'll have happier, better adjusted cats than if you just have one. Plus watching them play together is high entertainment. Be aware, however, that cats don't necessarily get along when they meet. When introducing two cats to each other, the general rule of thumb is to allow them 2 weeks to get used to each other. During that 2 weeks you may get a lot of hissing and aggressive behavior as they establish dominance and sort things out. After 2 weeks they'll generally mellow out and make friends.

[Vihaga]

I think this depends on the person and on the cat. I do get that from my cat.



Oh, absolutely. My sister is totally a cat person and loathes dogs, and my mother and friends all love their cats. I only even mentioned it because my husband (who is a dog person) wanted a cat originally because he assumed it would be like having a slightly lesser dog, and he was disappointed to find that it's (to us, at least) an entirely different experience.

I think it's good to get a cat if you want a cat. I think getting a cat because you can't have a dog is a risky proposition, as they're very different pets.

[Maggie the Ocelot]

I don't quite agree that cats see you as "staff" - I think they see you as their "roommate". But definitely don't expect a cat to look up to you the way a dog does. Cats are more likely to greet you with a "Hey, what's up? What's for dinner?" than with the doggy "WHERE DID YOU GO OH MY GOD I MISSED YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!! EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL AGAIN!!!"

[The Great Sun Jester]

After 2 weeks they'll generally mellow out and make friends.And they'll still pound on each other from time to time to revisit who gets the highest perch in each. room. in. the. house. Do not attempt to interfere with these negotiations.

[Dogzilla]

Please note that all cats are different. Not all cats are aloof and independent. Mine was the second pet added to what became a pack of four (two dogs, two cats). His entire life he has lived with other animals. On the few rare occasions when he's been left alone at home - no me, no dogs, no other cat, the catsitters tell me he cries incessantly the minute he hears their car in the driveway. He cries the whole time they're there, except while he's actually eating. As soon as he's finished, he installs himself in their laps and won't let them leave. When I get home, I can hear him crying inside the house as soon as I open my car door. He's all over me. If he wagged, he would. You can hear the purr from the next room. He does not pout or hide or try to "punish" me for leaving him. Nope. He's Velcro Kitty for at least a week. I actually stopped leaving him and started boarding him at the kennel when I go out of town -- even for a couple days -- because he does so much better with company. He seems happy in there and is a cool, calm, collected cucumber when I pick him up. While he may be an outlier, he is indeed the type of cat to greet me with "WHERE DID YOU GO OH MY GOD I MISSED YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!! EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL AGAIN!!!" All expressed in meows, paw kneading, and very loud purring.

[Cat Whisperer]

Good information. With regard to breed, I planned on going to the local shelter and adopting a cat with "uncertain ancestry".

By "not as mobile as I used to be: I mean I need a cane to get around, not so much because I'd fall over without it but because it delays the onset of pain in my knees and back. I can't run at all anymore so chasing a cat is out of the question. If I determine that a cat is more than II can handle, maybe I'll get a guinea pig or a rat?Can you cat-proof a back yard? Yes, it can be done - ours is cat-proofed, and I might have a feline sunning herself on the deck as I speak.

<snip>

Cats have been known to get up to mischief for the sheer hell of it. <snip>I'd call that an understatement. My husband's cat's favourite game is, "Knock stuff off the shelf until I get tired of it."

<snip> I've only had one cat that didn't mind having her belly rubbed. So if you want to try it out, see how the cat responds. <snip>But trim the nails first. :)

I don't know how much of your walking balance is reliant on the cane but I've never had a cat of any age fail to walk under my feet at every opportunity. If you stepped on something unexpectedly, would you fall and be unable to get up?<snip>Every cat cohabitator I know has a particular walk - you sort of shuffle your foot out in front of you to encourage the cat to get the hell out of the way as you walk. They absolutely LOVE to get underfoot, and if they take off because they're startled or something, they will always, ALWAYS run so that they get under your feet. If you are unstable on your feet at all, I really wouldn't recommend a cat. I'm fairly sure they're not all trying to kill us...

[perfectparanoia]

I am going to repeat a lot of what was said upthread:

1. Get two cats. When I got my first cat, I was working fulltime outside the home. Apparently, she would cry all day when I was away. So, I got a second. It was rough in the beginning and they still don't like each other per se but she is much more contented now that she is not alone.

2. Scratching post. Get one (or two or three). Make sure it is at least as tall as your cat is when stretched out (4 feet works for us). Don't get a two footer. They just can't use it as effectively.

3. All cats are different. Some (like my little girl) will be really attached to their human (she follows me around the house, comes when she is called, sleeps under the covers with me and will not allow my lap to remain empty should I sit down). Others aren't keen on people at all. Some don't imprint on any one human but enjoy the company of all. Some like to be scratched or brushed or snuggled. Some don't.

Bonus item: if you have trouble getting around, you can always put the kitty litter on a table for easier cleaning. Make sure the cats can get up there but mine prefer more frequent cleaning to ease of entry.

[perfectparanoia]

Can you cat-proof a back yard? Yes, it can be done - ours is cat-proofed, and I might have a feline sunning herself on the deck as I speak.

We thought ours was cat-proofed until our 25 pound monster leaped the six-foot fence (I apologize that I did not have a video camera at the time). I was too amazed to stop her.

Which reminds me, some cats are escape artists. The monster above frequently escapes (and then cries at the door to get back in :rolleyes:). I have heard that not all cats come back so you do need to be diligent.

[SSgtBaloo]

Can you cat-proof a back yard? Yes, it can be done - ours is cat-proofed, and I might have a feline sunning herself on the deck as I speak.

We thought ours was cat-proofed until our 25 pound monster leaped the six-foot fence (I apologize that I did not have a video camera at the time). I was too amazed to stop her.

Which reminds me, some cats are escape artists. The monster above frequently escapes (and then cries at the door to get back in :rolleyes:). I have heard that not all cats come back so you do need to be diligent.

The apartment I plan to move into (it's not final yet) doesn't have a yard, but a fenced-in porch. The fence is tall enough to provide privacy but doesn't "seal" against the ground, so it's not critter-proof. I think 2 indoor cats would be ideal, but I'll wait and see once I've moved in whether I'm up to keeping cats happy and healthy. No point in having pets if they're not happy with the arrangement, too.

[rhubarbarin]

Sure. But, dogs will come when called, and it has nothing to do with teaching them the word tuna, or firing up the can opener. Cats will come when ready, and that may or may not be when they are called. They can't be trained like dogs can.

I've had cats. I've had good cats--loving, affectionate, and delightful cats. But they've never been able to be trained like dogs can be trained. There are perfectly good reasons why cats cannot be housetrained, or don't retrieve game, or herd sheep, or any number of other things.

If your cats aren't trained to obey commands, it's simply an issue of you not training them (or trying to train them improperly). You can teach a cat to reliably perform most 'tricks' you can teach a dog (or horse or monkey or parrot).

My cats (3 and 6) both come running when called, immediately. They also respond to 'off' by quickly jumping off of whatever they were standing on to the floor, 'no' by stopping whatever they are doing (usually scratching something), and 'sit up' by sitting up on their back legs and begging. These are two cats with very different personalites, but I didn't find it difficult to teach them these things, using a mixture of positive and negative training.

My dogs (11 and 14) are sketchy with their recall. Both because I haven't trained them as well as the cats, and because neither of them give a crap about making me happy. Not every dog is a lab or border collie.

This idea of cats as mysterious creatures whose behavior humans can't hope to modify is frustrating to me. They are simple creatures, with brains that weigh an ounce- any human is capable of conditioning them.

In my life I've have had several 'housetrained' (who took themselves, or asked to be let out into, the yard to 'go' and didn't have an indoor litterbox) cats. I've also trained a cat to fetch before, although I haven't bothered with my current two.

[rhubarbarin]

My cats don't like each other at all, to my sorrow. Not that my bitch cat likes anyone but me (and only sometimes) - I think that's the whole problem, because we have lived with other cats before and my younger, sweet cat played with them gently, groomed them and cuddled with them. But they don't seriously hurt each other when they fight and wrestle, and they have much more exercise and mental stimulation than they would if they didn't have each other. I support the multiple cat idea.

Please note that all cats are different. Not all cats are aloof and independent. Mine was the second pet added to what became a pack of four (two dogs, two cats). His entire life he has lived with other animals. On the few rare occasions when he's been left alone at home - no me, no dogs, no other cat, the catsitters tell me he cries incessantly the minute he hears their car in the driveway. He cries the whole time they're there, except while he's actually eating. As soon as he's finished, he installs himself in their laps and won't let them leave. When I get home, I can hear him crying inside the house as soon as I open my car door. He's all over me. If he wagged, he would. You can hear the purr from the next room. He does not pout or hide or try to "punish" me for leaving him. Nope. He's Velcro Kitty for at least a week. I actually stopped leaving him and started boarding him at the kennel when I go out of town -- even for a couple days -- because he does so much better with company. He seems happy in there and is a cool, calm, collected cucumber when I pick him up. While he may be an outlier, he is indeed the type of cat to greet me with "WHERE DID YOU GO OH MY GOD I MISSED YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!! EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL AGAIN!!!" All expressed in meows, paw kneading, and very loud purring.

This is my youngest to a T. He's my baby. Sitting beside the computer right now, looking at me with love in his eyes, giving a YOW whenever I look at him. He's needier and more affectionate than both my dogs put together x2.

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

What Dogzilla said.
They are much less work than a kitten. Kittens are cute - but exhausting. I’m looking at YOU, Miss Magnolia (Maggie). There was a reason I nicknamed you ‘Girl Squirrel.’ You haven't seen much of anything until you've seen a 2-pound scrap of fur CLIMB A WALL. :D

4-month-old Tikva earned the moniker "Hurricane Tikva" within a few days of living with us.

I don't quite agree that cats see you as "staff" - I think they see you as their "roommate". But definitely don't expect a cat to look up to you the way a dog does. Cats are more likely to greet you with a "Hey, what's up? What's for dinner?" than with the doggy "WHERE DID YOU GO OH MY GOD I MISSED YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!! EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL AGAIN!!!"

Or in the case of my Tikva, both at once. (She's a weird cat).


Something that certain doggish people I know have trouble getting: dogs like "agressive" play. The type where you get up in their face and chase each other around. You run at your dog, generally the dog sees this as an invitation to play tag.
Cats, at least most cats*, need to be approached more gently. You run down the hall in the direction of your cat, the cat puts back her ears and vamooses. You softly enter the room and pet her. Some cats are more easily spooked than others (I live with two very timid cats), but I'd say the vast majority don't like loud noises and sudden movements.
*There's no such thing as one universal cat trait, and so you never know. There's one in every litter...

[OpalCat]

Every cat cohabitator I know has a particular walk - you sort of shuffle your foot out in front of you to encourage the cat to get the hell out of the way as you walk. They absolutely LOVE to get underfoot, and if they take off because they're startled or something, they will always, ALWAYS run so that they get under your feet. If you are unstable on your feet at all, I really wouldn't recommend a cat. I'm fairly sure they're not all trying to kill us...

I think this is an overstatement. I've had cats for 35 years and I've only ever come close to being tripped a couple of times. Never fallen. You just have to be aware.

[rhubarbarin]

Yes, I don't have problems with tripping over my animals, and neither did my Dad, who is brain-injured and often uses a cane, when we lived together with three animals less than 20 lbs. It's definately something you have to be aware of though - I'm mostly worried that I'll hurt their bony little legs when I walk into them wearing shoes.