# Seeking advice on my hypothetical cat

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [June 13, 2022, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137 "2022-06-13T23:57:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\
**Post date:** [June 13, 2022, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/1 "2022-06-13T23:57:02Z")

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My wife and I have been separated for a little over a year now; it’s the right decision, but I miss life with pets - we had a dog and a cat. So I’m on the cusp of getting my own pet.

But, despite being a person who loves having pets, I’ve never actually had one of my own - they were always a part of a family situation, and never something I went out and adopted on my own.

I know that there are place local to me to find a pet, so that’s not an issue. While I’m normally a dog person, I’m thinking I should get a cat, since I’m usually at work all day, and cats seem more self sufficient.

Some concerns, though:

My apartment is a 1 bedroom and only about 700 square feet. It does have a screened in porch, though. Is that enough space?

I leave for work between 7:30 and 8:30 (depending on what I have to do in the morning), and get home about 6:30. Am I correct that a cat should be fine by themselves during that time?

Am I better off getting 2 cats, so they are kept company? Or is one going to be fine by itself?

Any secrets or thoughts? I want a cuddly type animal - does it matter which kind of cat I’d get?

(I didn’t mean to post this quick, and I hit the post button by accident! I may have more questions later)

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**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/2 "2022-06-14T00:06:01Z")

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That’s enough space. Cats are fine during a long workday.

I am dubious about the two cats thing. Cats are happy to be solitary pets, and if anything it might just make your cat cuddlier if they need you for affection.

All cats have different personalities. It’s hard to guess which will be cuddly.

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**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/3 "2022-06-14T00:08:50Z")

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Okay, here’s more concerns:

I’ve read two litter boxes per cat. Do you have to show them where they are? Or teach them? Or is that just a natural cat thing that they find it and use it?

My thinking is cats are basically “plug and play”. Once you get one, you can let them loose in the apartment to explore, and they’ll be fine. Am I right, or are there precautions I need to take other than put out a cat tree and things to scratch?

I want to get a girl and name her Lucy so I can call out “Lucy I’m home!” after I get home from work. Would that be a problem if the shelter I get her from has already named her?

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**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/4 "2022-06-14T00:12:53Z")

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> [@RickJay](#):
>
> All cats have different personalities.

Somebody had told me that orange tabbys have different personalities from the tuxedo cats, for example. I was dubious.

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**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/5 "2022-06-14T00:13:39Z")

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The naming of cats is a difficult matter…

> **[The Naming of Cats by T. S. Eliot - Poems | Academy of American Poets](https://poets.org/poem/naming-cats)**
>
> Poems - The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets.

See if there’s a rescue group in your area.  
Be open to an older cat or a bonded pair.

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**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/6 "2022-06-14T00:18:21Z")

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> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> My apartment is a 1 bedroom and only about 700 square feet. It does have a screened in porch, though. Is that enough space?

Yes.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> I leave for work between 7:30 and 8:30 (depending on what I have to do in the morning), and get home about 6:30. Am I correct that a cat should be fine by themselves during that time?

Yes.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Am I better off getting 2 cats, so they are kept company?

Yes.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Or is one going to be fine by itself?

Yes.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Any secrets or thoughts? I want a cuddly type animal - does it matter which kind of cat I’d get?

Volunteer as a foster with your local shelter. Foster pairs of kittens until you get the cuddly combo that melts your heart. Feel free to bide your time and wait until you get the absolute most perfect pair because every kitten you foster is a kitten you’ve saved.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Do you have to show them where they are?

Yes.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Or teach them?

No. Put the cat in the box. Wait for it to step out. Put the cat back in the box. Let it step out. Put the cat back in the box. Mission accomplished.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Once you get one, you can let them loose in the apartment to explore, and they’ll be fine.

It’s good to curate a safe-feeling space for a new cat so that it doesn’t feel the need to hide somewhere inaccessible.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Would that be a problem if the shelter I get her from has already named her?

Cats don’t give a particular shit about their names.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/7 "2022-06-14T00:18:42Z")

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> [@running\_coach](#):
>
> a bonded pair.

That’s a reference to two cats that are “thick as thieves”, right? Like an old married couple?

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**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/8 "2022-06-14T00:23:51Z")

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> [@RickJay](#):
>
> All cats have different personalities. It’s hard to guess which will be cuddly.

I’ve fostered many kittens and have friends who make my numbers look like garbage. 99% of cuddliness comes down to how they’re socialized in their first few months of life. I’ve never\* turned in a kitten who wasn’t cuddly by the time I was done with it, and I’m only aware of one or two cases where the kitty was a completely lost cause.

Certainly some are better lap kitties than others, though, which is why I recommend fostering as a cheat code for picking the perfect ones.

\*not counting sick ones who I turned back to the shelter for close care

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**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/9 "2022-06-14T00:24:13Z")

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> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> > [@running\_coach](#):
> >
> > a bonded pair.
> 
> That’s a reference to two cats that are “thick as thieves”, right? Like an old married couple? -

They don’t have to be old. Cats can form friendships( though not all do) so if you find such a pair, they’ll be much happier if you keep them together and it will be easier if you’re gone long hours.

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**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/10 "2022-06-14T00:31:12Z")

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> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Any secrets or thoughts? I want a cuddly type animal - does it matter which kind of cat I’d get?

My advice on this is, you don’t pick the cat, you let the cat pick you. Find a place that has a lot of kittens/cats, and the one that climbs up on your shoulder, sticks their nose in you ear and starts to purr is the one.

The best snuggly cat I ever had did just that. I had to take him home because he wouldn’t let me put him down.

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**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/11 "2022-06-14T00:37:20Z")

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As far as the companion thing goes. I know when my doggo died (and my cat’s BFF), I wound up having to get my cat another cat bc he would not leave me alone.

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**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/12 "2022-06-14T01:29:51Z")

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Hypothetical cats are a lot less trouble than the real ones, but not such good company. .Cats don’t need a ton of space but 700 sq.ft. is plenty. To give them more room to range just get more furniture that provides more levels and paths for them to wander. Several appropriate cat name are Astrophe, Atonic, and Aclysm.

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**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/13 "2022-06-14T02:16:48Z")

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You probably shouldn’t have _a_ kitten, but it’s fine to have a single cat should you decide one is all you want. Go onto petfinder, filter for young adult or older, and pay particular attention to cats **not** deemed “good with other cats.” If the ad flat out says he or she should be an only pet, all the better.

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**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/14 "2022-06-14T02:32:18Z")

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I went through something similar a over the last couple years, I now have a roommate couple and a cactus. (I discovered I preferred not having the responsibilities that go with having a pet)  
The advice I would give based on my experience, what I would do differently if I were to decide to do it again, is this; Try out older animals, older pets are more likely to be more settled emotionally and mentally (and maybe physically for that matter). Being a single person in charge of a younger cat or kitten is a TON more demanding than you might realize than if its a group/family effort.

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**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/15 "2022-06-14T02:47:27Z")

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I really don’t mean to threadshit here, but my best advice is **DON’T!**

You are recently separated. _Take care of yourself._ Don’t make any short term decisions that are gonna haunt you longterm. For you or the animal.

My wife bailed on me a few years ago, and left all ‘her’ dogs with me (now, argueably I totally hijacked them. I take care of them, take them for Jeep rides everyday, and if they could talk, they would pick me in a heartbeat!)

But trust me. Taking care of a child or a pet or multiple pets BY YOUR SELF is a whole new thing. You are unencumbered right now. _Take care of yourself._

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**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/16 "2022-06-14T02:48:11Z")

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> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> I’ve read two litter boxes per cat. Do you have to show them where they are? Or teach them?

Only for tiny kittens. And then not always. One box, scooped twice a day should be okay, for one cat. Just drop the cat in or next once and they will use.

> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> . Would that be a problem if the shelter I get her from has already named her?

Probably not.

Don;t get a small kitten. One is fine, unless they are “sold” as a pair.

> [@Horatius](#):
>
> My advice on this is, you don’t pick the cat, you let the cat pick you. Find a place that has a lot of kittens/cats, and the one that climbs up on your shoulder, sticks their nose in you ear and starts to purr is the one.

Yes!!

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**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/17 "2022-06-14T03:27:21Z")

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> [@Moriarty](#):
>
> Somebody had told me that orange tabbys have different personalities from the tuxedo cats, for example. I was dubious.

There has been some research along these lines that is suggestive, if hardly definitive. It’s not on the face of it absurd. Linkages between, for example, varying levels of aggression and color patterns has been observed in other species as well. It has also been suggested that for domestic cats paternal genetic influences are more prominent than maternal in terms of behavior - i.e. friendlier fathers tend to have friendlier kittens, irrespective of maternal temperaments. But IME it probably better to think of these as tendencies. Proper socialization certainly counts for more than coat color.

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**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/18 "2022-06-14T04:48:57Z")

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On the number:

- if young (\< 2 years), get a pair, so they can keep themselves company when you are at work. (Though this may mean them deciding to play & chase each other around at dusk (i.e., the time when you turn out lights and go to bed). You might need a while to learn to fall asleep while that is going on.
- if older, you can just get one. Look for an old cat (10 years+). They are often overlooked in shelters, but ask – they are often adapted to a more solitary life. They will become a very close companion for you, though it may take a while. Some may be cuddly, some may just want to be in whatever room you re in, laying a few feet from you. Remember that many older cats kind of shut down in a crowded shelter; staying in the back of their cage and looking unfriendly. But they often blossom in a quiet home environment. Ask the shelter workers. And try one – shelters usually take them back if it doesn’t work out.

Good advice so far on litter boxes (plural, I’d say) and food spot. I’ve found that the cat water fountains, with continuous running water are a good investment ($50-$75). The cat(s) drink more water, which helps avoid vet bills, and only having to add water every few days is easier for you.

Provide them a small hiding space or two, where they can go when they want to be alone. Especially important when you first bring them home. Can be just an upside-down cardboard box with a small access hole in a corner. Often, the carrier you brought them home in can be used; they may see it as a ‘safe space’.

Also, cats like to be up high. And to view things. You can get (or build) a padded shelf attached to a window sill. Cats will spend hours up there, sleeping or looking out the window. Especially during the day, when you are gone.

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**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/19 "2022-06-14T05:56:28Z")

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And on the flip side, getting a cat was the best thing for me right after my divorce. Going from a full house to living alone was extremely depressing. Having a cat help me feel less alone and raised my spirits.

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**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\
**Post date:** [June 14, 2022, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-advice-on-my-hypothetical-cat/966137/20 "2022-06-14T07:24:41Z")

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> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#):
>
> No. Put the cat in the box. Wait for it to step out. Put the cat back in the box. Let it step out. Put the cat back in the box. Mission accomplished.

I find it helpful to take the cat’s front paws and use them to dig a bit in the litter. The digging motion seems to help it click for the cat that this is where to take care of business.

As for naming, with one I changed his name (the shelter name just didn’t seem to suit him, but I found the one that did), with the other I kept the name she already had, just changed the spelling to something less bad-joke-cutesy (she didn’t care about spelling).

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