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Cats/Thinking of getting a cat

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Expert: - 2/20/2011


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? Can you please suggest a cat breed? Thanks a lot

Answer
Hi Salim,

It's great that you are asking questions first before getting a companion. I believe that you would make a wonderful home for a cat. The only suggestion that I would make is that maybe you get two of them. This way they will keep each other company while you are gone. And there are lots of studies that show that two cats in a household are healthier and happier.

I would suggest you get two that have been together. And I would suggest that you get adult cats rather than kittens. Seeing how you are gone all day long you won't have to put up with what a kitten can do. I would also suggest you get neutered males. They have the best temperament. As for cat breeds, get a regular cat. Less care for them. And they have lots of love to share. When looking try to find the ones who reach out to you. They are picking you. You can't go wrong that way. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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