Expert: Ali - 2/22/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi - I've been wanting to get a cat for almost 10yrs now, ever since my cousin got one and i got to know cats since. I really consider myself a cat lover; if I visit a house with a cat I end up spending most of my time playing with it. I just bought my flat and am settling down and am wondering if this is the right time to adopt a cat. I am single and work from 8 to 7-8 daily, but i do spend lots of time at home on weekends. I live in a one bedroom flat in central london with no balcony (although i do have big windows and nice views) its about 700sqfeet. I also travel about once a month for 4 days or so but I am spender and dont have a problem with paying up for good cat-hotels or such arrangements. Do you think given that i'm single (no kids to entertain the pet) and working most of the time on weekdays and living in a relatively confined space with no access to the outdoors, will the cat be able to get by? Thanks a lot

ANSWER: Salim,

I see no reason why you couldn't provide a great home for a cat, provided of course that you're aware that there are many important expenses to consider such as the cost of veterinary care, a quality diet, toys, sterilization and basics such as two litter trays, metal or ceramic food/water bowls (plastic tends to cause chin acne because it's porous and bacteria build up in the plastic itself even with regular cleaning and disinfecting). Be sure to invest in a good quality cat tree and several good quality scratching posts to avoid having conflicts with your new feline companion over the destruction of your furniture - if your feline companion doesn't come with a full understanding of scratch posts and cat trees it's fairly easy to train them and I can give you some basic pointers. I would suggest checking out www.catinfo.org for information about providing your cat with the best quality diet possible. It's not a bad idea to consider getting two kittens of opposite gender and similar age/size if you work long days because they can entertain each other, but that's completely up to you. If you get littermates be prepared that they may bond more with each other and less with you. Cats don't require access to the outdoors, in fact indoor cats that are properly cared for and receive regular play, decent medical care and lots of love live far longer than outdoor cats since there are many hazards associated with being an outdoor kitty. I would recommend that you consider visiting your local SPCA or cat rescue to see which kitties they have that are in need of loving homes rather than purchasing your new feline companion from a pet shop - you'll be giving a loving animal a second chance at life and it will cost you substantially less....You also won't have to worry about the hazards of purchasing a kitten mill kitten (many pet shops are supplied by kitten mills which are every bit as disturbing as puppy mills but generally far less publicized). If you have any further questions or concerns about adopting a cat or kitten please feel free to contact me again - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Actually I was wondering:
- if i travel for say 4 days would i be able to keep it at home on its own with enough food? I can ask the concierge/cleaning lady to refill its food / water once a day, is that acceptable?
- What is the maximum number of days that i would be able to leave the cat on its own?
-  i have my eyes on british short hair silver tabby, is that a good choice given my circumstances would you think?
- are you positive a beginner like me with my circumstance would be able to handle two cats  ??

Many thanks!!

Answer
Salim,

While having someone come in and take care of food, water and litter once a day is perfectly acceptable it wouldn't be my first choice - I prefer for my own cats to receive similar care to what I would provide when I'm travelling and not able to bring them with me, but this comes down to personal choice and the temperament of the cat you choose. I wouldn't leave a cat alone with someone coming in once a day to see to their needs for any more than 3-4 days at the most, in fact for that length of time you may want to invest in a pet sitter who will come in and spend some time playing with and cuddling your cat or cats. As far as the British Shorthair breed goes they are a laid back cat who generally isn't very demanding, they like interaction but they're not as high maintenance as some other breeds. A British Shorthair does enjoy the company of another British Shorthair or a cat similar in temperament. Two cats can be easily handled by just about anyone, it comes down to doing your research about the financial commitments involved in caring for your new feline companions and whether or not you'd be able to devote the necessary time and energy to two babies instead of one....It's a personal decision and one that I can't make for you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me again - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali