I'm Gonna Get a Cat, Any Advice?

[nhbbear]

I’ve got five. All female. I have had males in the past and they’re sweet but they can sometimes spray

 

[BFoe]

I have a 10 week old rescue kitten. She's a wild one... plays plays plays and seconds later passed out in that same spot.

Aww when did you get her? I remember you had a senior cat like I did, and ours both passed on

We adopted a rescue in November 2022, she was about 4 months old at that time.

Shelter pic:


Current:

 

[bandicoot]

As times passed I've gotten the impression black cats are less likely to be negative sterotypes. Like 3/4s of the time theres a well behaved cat or a cat with an interesting personality I see online its black.

Did you actually believe that black cats were different than other cats at some point?

And if so, why?

 

[bandicoot]

Do not get a shelter animal as a first pet. Pets end up in a shelter after some unpleasant events. it is a lottery, and an inexperienced owner may get a handful.
Get a ragdoll breed kitten. They tick all the boxes except allergies - I have no idea how allergy-inducing they are, but you can google it.

Yeah, this whole "don't get a shelter animal as your first pet" is just dumb.

 

[bandicoot]

I’ve got five. All female. I have had males in the past and they’re sweet but they can sometimes spray

That's why you're supposed to get them neutered.

 

[MDoza]

get two

 

[MDoza]

Do not get a shelter animal as a first pet. Pets end up in a shelter after some unpleasant events. it is a lottery, and an inexperienced owner may get a handful.
Get a ragdoll breed kitten. They tick all the boxes except allergies - I have no idea how allergy-inducing they are, but you can google it.

lol you’re an idiot

 

[Aurelian]

That's why you're supposed to get them neutered.

It's less likely a neutered male cat will spray but it can still happen, especially if the cat is under stress, anxious, or feeling threatened.

 

[Wrath of Foamy]

I'd say don't be rough, let the cat come to you and try to approach low.

You're very large and scary to a cat.

Also, slow blink.

 

[Tone C]

Sometimes they get riled up if you leave the news on but you can calm them down with some nuts.

What if they have a peanut allergy.....?

 

[chill doggie]

Leeches r easier

View attachment 1061221

 

[nonoob]

Yeah, this whole "don't get a shelter animal as your first pet" is just dumb.

Some, surely a small percentage, are donated for incompatible issues or reasons their behavior changed with age. Most are lovable creatures that will love the kind person who brings them into their life.

Never have owned a cat, but FWIW some can be quite aloof. Some cats I've seen are don't come to their owners unless they're hungry, that in no way means they're a bad cat, just kinda unsocial. If when ya go to a shelter the cat approaches you, lets you pet it, and starts softly purring - that's the cat for you.

Always loved all animals, (except pigs, because that lying sow squealed on me) even the strange scary ones found in nature. Have owned 4 dogs from pups until they sadly aged out, cried like a little hoe each time. Every one was truly a best friend and a great addition to life.

 

[ssBaldy]

Yeah, this whole "don't get a shelter animal as your first pet" is just dumb.

Statistics on returned shelter animals say otherwise.
Previous owner could have been an asshole and beat it, for example. Inexperienced owner will be overwhelmed trying to understand how to interact with a psychologically traumatised animal.
Original post sounds like @Violent Violin does not have neither a vast expertise in raising and handling cats nor a shitload of free time and energy to learn, and needs a pet with the less problems the better.
If a person has time and energy to learn and spend with their new pet, yes, why not, taking it from a shelter is great. I just don't get the impression this is the situation here.

 

[Kung Fu Kowboy]

Aww when did you get her? I remember you had a senior cat like I did, and ours both passed on

We adopted a rescue in November 2022, she was about 4 months old at that time.

Shelter pic:
View attachment 1061238

Current:

View attachment 1061241

About 6 weeks ago..

She's 10 weeks now and thinks she is a big girl... Very spoiled.

 

[liner]

One of the best cats I've ever had was from a shelter. Sidney, he was a Burmese. It was really sad as his owner was an old lady who passed away. He had been in the shelter for one day with another cat named Amber who was a Bengal. Those cats had been pampered and were probably wondering wtf is going on where is our old lady and our old lady house. I was very lucky to have found them both.

 

[AbominableJoman]

Don’t get a cat. That’s my advice. But if you do, give it away and get a dog. Like a man….

 

[Kung Fu Kowboy]

Aww when did you get her? I remember you had a senior cat like I did, and ours both passed on

We adopted a rescue in November 2022, she was about 4 months old at that time.

Shelter pic:
View attachment 1061238

Current:

View attachment 1061241

Cutie

 

[Bobby00]

What if they have a peanut allergy.....?

You tell them how ridiculous they sound. Scared of a peanut? Peanut has never killed anybody its a myth.

 

[Violent Violin]

Thank you to (almost) everyone for your replies. I appreciate the collective wisdom of the Sherbros.

I have very, very good reasons for the laundry list of desired traits in a new cat. They are beyond my control. I realize that this may take months to find the right cat but I want to make sure that we are 100% right for each other. This is something that I am taking very seriously.

FWIW, I work from home and will have lots of time to devote to the kitty. I have always wanted a pet and finally I can and am very excited to have a little ball of floof to hang out with. All my friends with dogs and cats always remark on how good I am with them and have told me that I really should get a pet of my own. Even strangers out for a walk tell me how much their doggies like me. (I always have to get a few rubs in for any good boy or good girl.)

I'm planning on getting an automatic feeder, one of those cat fountains, and an automatic litter box. Not sure about the toys yet...already have a laser pointer though, lol.

 

[Violent Violin]

I went to a couple of shelters today and saw many sweet, adorable cats but not the one for me. Definitely going to get a cat that's a few years old and has an established personality.

Also went over and saw the puppies, so cute...

I'll keep you guys abreast of the search! Wish me luck!