Posted by procterdc
Couldn't find any decent cat forums, so thought i'd turn to my fellow esato brothers...
I move into my first ever flat next month and one of the things I am desperate to get...is a cat.
I am still living my with my parents at the mo and back in July got a kitten...I DO NOT WANT A KITTEN!!!! She's a nightmare, always running around the house like a tornado, peeing on the floor etc.
We already have two other cats, 1 a tabby and 1 a ginger tom. I've found over the last few years that the ginger tom (charlie) is more friendly and loving than any other cats we've had. Is this generally in their nature?
Anyway, back to the flat. I'll be living in a 1st floor flat (in a block of four, 2 up, 2 down) There is a small communal area. How would I let the cat live its day to day routine? There is no catflap in the communal door, but other flats further down (same style) the people there have cats.
Is it possible to create a routine where the cat stays in all day and then goes out at about 11pm (coming back in about 8am ish)
I really want a cat, hoping to get another ginger tom.
Any advice would be great thanks.
Daniel
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[ This Message was edited by: procterdc on 2007-12-29 13:03 ]
Posted by goldenface
@Proctordc
I have just got a new kitten and yes it is like a mini-tornado. Her latest trick? - she climbs up the Christmas Tree! I walk into the room and there is the kitten perched up in the tree like a funny looking, 4-legged Crow. Its good job its a sturdy tree too otherwise the whole lot would come crashing down!
Anyway, back to your question. A cat will pretty much stay in dozing all day and go missing at night - a routine that isn't hard to get into. Some cats are perfectly happy staying indoors 24hrs and will look at you funny at the mere suggestion of going outside.
My old cat used to go outside but wouldn't stray too far, then it would return and miaow until it was let in again.
Have you not thought about getting a communal cat-flap?
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my W900i[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2006-12-15 09:20 ]
Posted by axxxr
I own two at the moment, a Ginger Tom and a Tabbie.
Your question is a little bit of a difficult one as its a bit tricky to work a routine around Cats,they aren't really the type of creature to follow orders of ones choosing,im sure you understand where im coming from.
All i can suggest in your situation is to Train your new Cat to be let out at the times you wish it to go, and then Call him back or let him in at the specific time.
You might have to struggle in the begining but the Cat will soon realise its routine and automatically stick to it,well in theory at least anyway.
Posted by Aware
Hi dude,
I live with four cats, at the mo......two PITAs, one skitty ginger kitty(improving with age, thankfully) and one whom i get on with very well - and has the habits you desire in a cat(he's sparko in a chair 3 feet from me now)!
But my point: if you can, try to find a cat who suits/likes/etc... you in the first place.......cats with their own agendas are just a nightmare.......
Posted by twerg
I have a cat, love her to death but drives me mad at times. Think it may be a weather thing, her mood changes with the seasons.
As it has previously been said, cats have their own agenda. We are at their beck and call!
Best thing is to let them outside when you go to work/study during the day and let them in when you arrive home. And keep them in over night untill the day after. Cats will hunt and kill the local wildlife during the night. Im sure you would not like that to happen.
Other than that, they have an awesome personality and can look after them selves.
My cat has learnt my routines and greets me when I arrive home every day.
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O is not a number!!...
[ This Message was edited by: twerg on 2006-12-15 15:43 ]
[ This Message was edited by: twerg on 2006-12-15 15:46 ]
[ This Message was edited by: twerg on 2006-12-15 15:52 ]
Posted by BobaFett
@procterdc
hope this helps u a bit...
http://cats.about.com/
miau miau
ps: turn to axxr, he is a hello kitty fan
Posted by J-J
Hi procterdc,
The first question to ask is if you are renting the flat, are you allowed to keep pets, some land lords/ladys dont allow it.
Now in answer to your question, i have got 1 cat now and have been brought up with cats all my life and it really varys from cat to cat, some cats prefer being outside, some are more indoor cats.
My current cat hardly ever goes out and if it does it only goes out for ten minutes at a time, even if you have a cat that prefers being outside it is not really a problem, it could quite easily stay outside during the day while you are at work and spend the evening inside when you are home to feed and fuss it.
Either way it shouldnt really be a problem but it will depend alot on the cat.
Where are you planning on getting your cat from? a cat shelter? out the paper? off a friend?
Posted by goldenface
@twerg
I agree matey. We can't have our cats putting the birds in danger.
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my W900i[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2006-12-15 15:55 ]
Posted by twerg
@Goldenface, Too true!
Where I live we have Swift Parrots that are near extinction, their habitat is a small area of bushland a few kilometers square.
Im also worried that my cat could get into a fight with possums. They are big and have large claws!
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O is not a number!!...
[ This Message was edited by: twerg on 2006-12-15 16:02 ]
[ This Message was edited by: twerg on 2006-12-15 16:07 ]
Posted by goldenface
I can't let my cat out. The nearest thing she has to going out is to walk along a window ledge 3 storeys up. The streets are too busy with cars for her to be out.
Although she does have plenty of toys and we sometimes bring her with us to visit some friends who also have a cat. She runs in, attacks their cat and eats all its food
What is Catnip and does it work?
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my W900i[ This Message was edited by: goldenface on 2006-12-15 16:12 ]
Posted by twerg
A quick search on Google shows that Catnip is a wire cage/enclosure that cats can move freely about in but contained inside. Made in Australia apparnetly.
Catnip is also a plant that gets cat high. Found in Europe and Asia.
Posted by J-J
Catnip is cats equivalent to chocolate, most pet shops sell it and it drives cats wild!
You can either by it in little chocolate button type things for them to eat or in a ground down form to sprinkle in places if they just prefer the spell.
I use it with my cat, they were scratching all the stair so we bought some and sprinkled it on her scratch post and because she loves the smell that much, she only ever scratches the post and not the stairs now
Posted by Aware
Catnip is awesome!
Okay, if you're feline, catnip is awesome!!! They go completely la la over it/the smell of it.........
Posted by Xugaa
Yeah, in my opinion it's much better for your cat to be out in the morning/afternoon and in during the evening, of course coming if it wants to and you're home. Some cats will prefer to be indoors, but is generally wrong since despite what a cat might say lol, they are naturally more "wild" than dogs and so need that outdoors adventure for longer periods than being indoors.
Also just another thing, cats generally aren't as loyal as dogs and so if you live near a lot of others, ecspecially those with cats, make sure you are feeding yours on time etc, otherwise your cat could become attracted to other people who do feed him/her.
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[ This Message was edited by: Xugaa on 2006-12-15 18:15 ]
Posted by joebmc
Catnip does nothing for my two, one is a black and white the other tabby (there sisters too), had them since kittens and mini tornado's is a great example of what they are (I'd also refer to them as little shits).
This is the 2nd Christmas with them and the second year i and my girlfriend have to re-decorate the Christmas tree daily!
As for leaving them out all night, i'd say you'd be better off leaving them out all day (if you have to leave them out), mainly due to the hunting business. So far I'm lucky as we only have had the odd grass hopper brought it but i know it will get worse.
Also as one of the above mention, you'd better check with the land lord or who ever whether your allowed pets of not, as many dont.
btw my two cats
Daisy
Poppy
Posted by procterdc
Thanks for the replies guys, I'll actually be owning the flat not renting and I know other people have cats where i'll be.
I think I will be able to have a communal cat flap, but obviously have to check with my neighbours.
I think I would prefer to let the cat out at night for the simple reason being less traffic at night. We do that with our cats now, its alot safer for them, plus it stops our nasty neighbour from taking her in lol
Posted by Residentevil
We have four and that is just the right number. The go in pairs. We always get them in before nightfall. I recommend two cat, this way they can entertain each other when you are gone.
Kalvin
Oliver
Oreo
Precious
Posted by Mulder7
Well I have five cats. Just whatever you do dont buy a persion, nightmare he is.
Posted by joebmc
@Residentevil
How the hell do you sleep at night! I have two cats and only one sleeps on the bed, but she takes up loads of room!
Posted by Xugaa
@ Joebmc and Residentevil...
Lovely cats, all have that little personality of there own.
Also, Residentevil, how come one of your cats has one blue eye and the other green? Is this a problem or just perfectly normal? Anyway, looks pretty amazing either way!
Posted by Residentevil
Oliver was born that way. 1 out of 100, 000 cats have this abnormaly. It is just that way, it is NOT a eye desease or anything bad. He is a perfectly normal cat.
One cat -Kalvin- sleeps right next to my head. He is the only cat who always likes to be around me. He even fetches his toy mouse for me. The other bw cat sleeps on the very bottom corner of the bed and does not bother me at all.
Oreo and friends when he was a kitten.
growing up
Adult
Posted by procterdc
Aww cute. This is why I want one of my own. I'll dig out some pics of ours and post them later.
Posted by Residentevil
Helping in the Yard.
Still having the same friends.
The boss pose.
Hanging with the girlfriend.
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[ This Message was edited by: Residentevil on 2006-12-23 03:36 ]
Posted by Residentevil
Hey we need more cat pictures/stories here. Can't do it by myself.
Posted by Residentevil
You guys stink.
Posted by procterdc
Hey hey this is my thread lol, I still haven't got a cat yet. Not had time. I'm thinkin my flat may be a little small for my flat. I had to look after my bosses dog couple of weeks ago and it was such a pain in the arse.
Besides I got my xbox lol
Posted by andymac
Here's our current cat, Pickle. He's stupid - my wife just managed to grab him as he tried jumping out of the first floor bedroom window. Now we can't leave the upstairs windows open.
Cats all have their own character and some will spend most of their time outside while others are content to limit their outdoor time.
Posted by goldenface
My cat now fetches things.
I throw her squeezy toy and it runs and brings it back to me and drops it at my feet.
Posted by Tiny
Both my cats are quite old so they sleep most of the time. One of my cats -Flossy- likes wrapping herself around my head when im asleep so it keeps her warm but I get too hot and have to chuck her off! I wouldn't say that cat's are less loyal than dogs because some cats I've seen won't leave there owners sides at all...
Posted by Miss UK
My friends mom has a Ginger tomcat,
it's the most mental thing ive ever seen it's 5yrs old and it seems really loving but it's a trick it attacks you,
it's happy to stay in 24-7 bearley moves from the doorstep if you open the door to go out
Posted by london-uk
Never had a cat myself, but one of my neighbours has two black cats. They never go out (which I find a bit cruel, but have been told by other cat owners that it's quite common for people to have house cats who never go out !?!). The other day my neighbour had left the door open, and one of the cats walked outside and basically freaked out. It didn't know what to do, it was just walking around meowing, and then it went back inside. wtf!
Am I the only one to think that having a cat confined to a flat all the time (literally for its whole life) is a bit cruel, or am I off the mark?
Posted by *Jojo*
I was planning in gettin' me one some years past . . . but after havin' seen my neighbor's CAT, eat . . . I suddenly changed my plans
The CAT itself has a striking-resemblance to this one:
Posted by Miss UK
On 2007-03-20 00:44:46, london-uk wrote:
Never had a cat myself, but one of my neighbours has two black cats. They never go out (which I find a bit cruel, but have been told by other cat owners that it's quite common for people to have house cats who never go out !?!). The other day my neighbour had left the door open, and one of the cats walked outside and basically freaked out. It didn't know what to do, it was just walking around meowing, and then it went back inside. wtf!
Am I the only one to think that having a cat confined to a flat all the time (literally for its whole life) is a bit cruel, or am I off the mark?
it is a little bit cruel maybe you should report the neighbour to the RSPCA!
Posted by Residentevil
Looks like one of the fat cats everybody is talking about.
Posted by Marly
When a cat hasn't ever been out, she doesn't know better and doesn't miss anything.
In cities, there's too much traffic, when a cat gets out, she'll sooner or later get killed in an accident.
Posted by Horonaim
On 2007-03-20 00:45:45, *Jojo* wrote:
I was planning in gettin' me one some years past . . . but after havin' seen my neighbor's CAT, eat . . . I suddenly changed my plans
The CAT itself has a striking-resemblance to this one:
omg. look at the size of that. lol must be edited huh?
Posted by andymac
Don't think it is. It's just a very obese cat - a sad reflection on the owners who apparently don't seem to care that it's dangerously overweight.
Posted by Residentevil
Is that cat for real? That is cat abuse.
Posted by goldenface
Jeez, how many tins of Felix does it take to get a cat that big?
Its a wonder it can lick its own bum-hole the poor thing.
Posted by aatuif
Don't own one, but a pet one hangs around... love to feed it...
just delivered a kitten a couple of days ago...
Posted by Roo6
It's not cruel for the cats to stay indoors, some cats just don't like being outside!
A friend of mine has a cat that only goes out in the evening, she's a nurse so she isn't home through the day. He likes having the house to himself to just mooch about in a cat like fashion.
Get a cat and as long as he has a litter try, he'll be fine to just go out at night!
Posted by scottt
On 2007-03-20 03:26:05, miss uk wrote:
On 2007-03-20 00:44:46, london-uk wrote:
Never had a cat myself, but one of my neighbours has two black cats. They never go out (which I find a bit cruel, but have been told by other cat owners that it's quite common for people to have house cats who never go out !?!). The other day my neighbour had left the door open, and one of the cats walked outside and basically freaked out. It didn't know what to do, it was just walking around meowing, and then it went back inside. wtf!
Am I the only one to think that having a cat confined to a flat all the time (literally for its whole life) is a bit cruel, or am I off the mark?
it is a little bit cruel maybe you should report the neighbour to the RSPCA!
There obviously house cats meaning the obvious.....
We have a house cat, she's called Thia and is a pedigree ragdoll. Paid £350 but worth every penny. She goes out in the back garden and is happy enough but we have to keep a close eye though she has no intention of running off. If she ever did get out i can imagine she would panic to death and come back, thats before someone would pick her up and nick her! As she stands out a mile...
Here's a pic....
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[ This Message was edited by: scottt on 2007-04-20 15:28 ]
Posted by goldenface
Awww, she is beautiful.
My cat fell out of the window the other day. From the second floor.
If it wasn't for a neighbour taking her in I don't know what would have happened her.
Posted by Roo6
Wow what a gorgeous cat! My cat Smudge loves the outdoors, but his sister, before she died, much preferred being inside!
Posted by maggflodd
On 2007-04-20 16:31:55, goldenface wrote:
Awww, she is beautiful.
My cat fell out of the window the other day. From the second floor.
If it wasn't for a neighbour taking her in I don't know what would have happened her.
a very cute softie...how she survived about a year in the wild I have no idea... it's amazing how individual they all are!
Posted by BobaFett
my parents cat
Posted by maggflodd
@ boba,
Nice! Is that boba v.0.1?
Posted by BobaFett
its an upgrade, they had before 3 times dogs...
Posted by maggflodd
On 2007-04-20 18:05:20, BobaFett wrote:
its an upgrade, they had before 3 times dogs...
Posted by BobaFett
she is a very clever one and i usually watch when she is hunting for bugs, birds, really funny