Hi all. Hope this is allowed here. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a cat for the past several months now. I’ve actually never really interacted with cats, though. I don’t even know if I’m allergic to them. I visited my coworker a couple of times and one of her cats rubs up against my leg to either greet or mark me and then goes elsewhere.
Some info on me:
- Early 30s, lives alone, works ~40 hours a week in a NON wfh job (so I will not be home for significant portions of the week)
- I do not have much of a social life, so most of my time outside of work is spent at home
- I am very comfortable financially to own a pet. I frequently pay vet bills for my mom’s dog who has ailing health.
- I own my own place, ~1200 sq ft (111 sq m), and do not plan to leave any time soon
- I do not plan to move, have a partner, or have children
- It is impossible for me to ever wfh with my career and I do not want to change my career
- I am familiar with taking care of dogs, and took care of my mom’s dog on my own temporarily for 1 year without issue
- I am only interested in owning a single pet, not two (I know people frequently get 2 cats to keep each other company)
- I am interested in an adult cat, not a kitten
- I don’t do lengthy traveling, however I frequently visit my mom (and vice versa) for a couple of days at a time
One big important thing to note is that my mother and I take turns visiting each other every couple of weeks. It involves us traveling a couple of hours by car and then one of us staying with the other (either my place or my mom’s place) for 2 days. My mom has a dog who is quite old and has ailing health, so I’m not sure how much longer she will live. Her dog is a small dog ~15 lbs, but is not necessarily great with other animals. She is ok with other dogs if they do not antagonize her, but I don’t know if she would fight with a cat or not as she has never met one. Her dog also has bad separation anxiety. I have enough rooms in my house that I could separate the cat and dog when my mom visits, but idk if that is a ok or not. It also means that I might leave a cat home alone for a couple of days when I visit my mom. I have read that people can do this with cats, but I don’t know if it is a good idea. I would plan to purchase pet cams, auto feeders, etc.
I still haven’t had the balls to go down to the local Human Society and ask them about cats and cat adoption, but I don’t know. I am thinking about going there tomorrow. Is my situation too complicated for me to have a cat? I feel like mentally it would be nice to have a companion to come home to every day. One of the reasons why I’ve never bothered to look into getting a pet is because I live alone and don’t work from home and because my mom and I visit each other. Although I have experience with dogs, it seems like a cat might be more doable for my life situation.
Would this be too poor of a life for a cat?
Thanks for your time, all.
Don’t overthink it. Adopt a cutie that you “connect” with. Then it’s just water, food, litter box.
You’ll figure out a schedule/plan for away times.
I went to look at my local shelter and I started to ask the desk staff questions about this sort of thing and he basically just responded the same way you did.
Yep. House cat = very low maintenance.
Also, they can be aloof for long time. My gal didn’t sit on my lap for a year.
If you’re going to leave your pet alone for long periods of time, you need to find it some company. Cats do get lonely and desperate . They’re social creatures, contrary to popular belief.
“don’t even know if allergic to them” Typically a humane society will let you play with or interact with some cats before adopting them, do that or go to a cat cafe first, you don’t want to be finding out after getting a cat that you’re allergic… Best way to tell is put nose to fur coat and inhale.
I’ve owned 4 different cats in my adult life and we had two when I was a kid (not at the same time). They will each have their own personality, some will prefer more interaction than others. Some will be more violent than others (don’t play with them with your hands it can encourage biting or scratching people, always use a toy)
You will want cat scratching poles for the cat to use instead of your furniture some flower varieties have pollen that is toxic to cats (lilies or pretty much any bulb) the cat just has to smell it, not eat it, to get sick (or worse). And be aware that you will likely want to trim the cat’s claws, that involves holding the cat snugly enough for them to not escape while trimming their talons. Older cats may have medicine you’ll need to give, so definitely don’t be shy about thrusting a pill down their throat if need be.
Cats can be perfectly fine as an only cat, but it will help to find toys that encourage solo play, one example is a circular plastic track with a ball in it that they can hit around and around.
Also, be aware that hairballs are a thing and can be a common occurrence (weekly, sometimes more often) there are strategies such as a furminator comb (removes excess hair by brushing), hairball diet cat food, hairball treatment goop (comes in a tube and they have to eat a little bit).
And of course, cats need to exercise and watch their diet just like humans, and they’re creatures of habit so you will want to not get up early to feed or give them treats because they will expect that at that time then.
Oh and being woken up at strange hours of the night is a normal occurrence whether it’s from knocking shit down in the other room or just sitting on your chest and meowing.
All these people saying two… Realize that it depends on the cat’s personality, I’ve had a cat that would go for blood with any other cat, very territorial, so don’t try to just get two cats if you don’t know that they’ll work well together. Last thing you want is them hurting each other while you’re at work.
Sounds like you’d make a great home for a cat. Don’t feel pressured to get two, many cats are good solo and will spend more time with you because of it. One litterbox is fine if you keep it clean, and an auto feeder and auto scooping litter box (I like the Neakasa one) will help keep your cat happy if you need to be away for a night.
If they are used to you being home at night I wouldn’t stay away for more than a night without someone coming over to check on them. But there are good services like Rover where it’s cheap to have someone come.
IMO any cat that has shelter, food, and a loving home is living a good life. Your time away for work won’t bother them, a cat will spend 8+ hours sleeping even while you’re around no problem. The longest I’d go on a multiday trip is 2 days without someone checking in and cleaning up liter boxes, with auto feeder I think you’re good there too.
All that said - I’d still reconsider getting a pair. I wish we got ours together at the same time, we waited 2 years and it was a marked difference in my first cat’s personality having a buddy (erm, sparring partner) and I do feel it’s better for them in general. They’ll do fine solo though. Don’t let it deter you from a fuzzy friend.
I would go to the rescue and get two younger cats that obviously get along well. Cats are social animals; a human can stand in, but I still think it’s better for them to have another cat that they can ambush and run around with. I think it keeps them more active. Do you agree?
You might like to start our fostering. It’s a great way to see if you can fit a cat into your life. As others have said, I think you will enjoy having a kitty. Maybe consider a senior. They are usually low energy
If you end up going for it I’d get two cats, ideally socialized ones from a shelter or previous owner. That way they’re not lonely while you’re gone and you can skip the (cute but much more involved) kitten stage.
There are cats out there who would prefer to be an only cat, so tell the people at the humane society that you’re looking for that, and they might even have some adoptable cats to suggest right away. When I was looking to adopt a cat who’d be good with my other cat, I ran across a bunch who were great with people and not other cats. I don’t think you’ll have trouble.
Two would be better so they can keep each other entertained, but you said you wanted an adult cat and I’m sure there’s some poor elderly kitties who would be fine being an only pet. Sometimes the older rescues weren’t socialized and don’t get along with other animals, so that would be totally fine for you. If that’s the case, you almost certainly would have to separate the cat and dog.
I have a “problem” cat that was a spoiled only child, though she begrudgingly accepted a new sister after a while. I’m convinced she would be absolutely content as an only cat.
Many humane societies welcome fostering and it allows you not just a chance to answer all these questions but also a chance to see how well you fit with a specific cat.
Don’t allow yourself to get peer-pressured into multiple pets at the start. Every cat is different and some sleep so much and are so low energy that they won’t notice your absence while others will miss you right away. Fostering will help you sort this out as well.
I think everyone’s life could be made better with a cat in it. The fact that you’re aware and concerned with a future pet’s wellbeing in your care makes me think you’re going to be a great caretaker.
Just make sure the kitty has toys and scratch post to self-entertain while you’re away, and that sounds like a great situation for a cat. Cats like when people give them space, in my experience. If you had a big social life I would say no, but it sounds like you’re in a position to give plenty of attention when not at work. Gofor it! I think you’ll be quite happy.
And as for the allergies, sounds like you’re in the clear. About half the people I know with an allergy can’t even be in the same room without having a reaction. Many others would also have a reaction from being brushed on by kitty.
A cat would be perfect for you. Maybe not a kitten, though. They require more attention. Visit shelters, and see if one of the older cats takes a shine to you.
I’ve had cats my whole life, starting at 2 or 3 years old. Your future kitty will have a good life, even if you are not WFH. Cats are more independent than dogs.
Keep your kitty fed, warm, clean it’s litter, and be kind to it. Be patient with it when it inevitably does something frustrating to you - it’s a cat, after all. Don’t remove its claws - this is like removing your fingertips up to the first knuckle.
There are more things, but these are the biggest.
Sounds like you’re in a pretty good position to get cat honestly. Some prefer to live with other animals but others are completely content being the only pet. They’re fairly independent and would be totally fine with you being out of the house for work every day. A nice advantage of getting a cat that’s in foster care is that the foster parents have a really good idea of their personality and can help you find a good fit for your life. It’s generally not a problem to leave them for a few days, ideally cats should be getting more wet food than dry food, but every once in a while wouldn’t be a problem. I would say go for it, they bring a lot of joy to your life
Yeah, I think it would be a great fit. Cats sleep for 16+ hours a day and can be alone for 2 days as long as they have food, water, and clean litter boxes.
Note that you’ll need 2 litter boxes, as there should be
n + 1litter boxes wherenis the number of cats. Two cats would be better (most cats like having a buddy) but a single, older cat is totally fine! Just be sure to hang out with them.I don’t know about your humane society, but mine just lets you make appointments to see the cats, you don’t have to commit to adoption and they’re not pushy about it. You can just cuddle and play with some kitties if you want.
