Ex-dog owner… recommend me a cat (potentially)
Discussion
Never thought I’d be saying this but I’m considering a cat! I’m an ex-dog owner (German Shepherd) which I owned for 7 years from a puppy, but now I don’t think I can commit fully to a new dog. For right or for wrong, I’m going to make a sweeping statement and say that cats require less human input than a dog.
- I work from home and the house is empty a couple of hours a day
- No kids or other pets here
- I feel like I want one that is friendly (not skittish or runs from you), enjoys attention like a dog, and will happily chill with you while watching tv (like a dog)
- Indoors and outdoors split
- Don’t want a litter tray or anything like that inside
As I know nothing about them, I’ve only done a little research and a Maine Coon or Siberian is taking my fancy as they appear to be friendly and affectionate, whilst being fairly independent and can go outside when they like to do their business/be left alone for longer periods? I’ll make it clear and say that I’m 100% capable of being a responsible owner, I simply want to make sure the best breed suits my circumstances and what I want out of a potential new pet.
- I work from home and the house is empty a couple of hours a day
- No kids or other pets here
- I feel like I want one that is friendly (not skittish or runs from you), enjoys attention like a dog, and will happily chill with you while watching tv (like a dog)
- Indoors and outdoors split
- Don’t want a litter tray or anything like that inside
As I know nothing about them, I’ve only done a little research and a Maine Coon or Siberian is taking my fancy as they appear to be friendly and affectionate, whilst being fairly independent and can go outside when they like to do their business/be left alone for longer periods? I’ll make it clear and say that I’m 100% capable of being a responsible owner, I simply want to make sure the best breed suits my circumstances and what I want out of a potential new pet.
Edited by Prohibiting on Sunday 12th December 21:32
We've always had cats. So many different characters over the years.
We had a big ginger Maine Coon for 15 years. He was OK as cats go, self sufficient, remarkable looking and big but aloof and not particularly interested in people.
We've had a brown Burmese now for the last 5 years. He's the friendliest, daftest, fastest cat I've ever known. He's a strange, intelligent beast, a bit like a Siamese I suppose but heavier and without the Siamese soundtrack.
I would recommend a Burmese cat. We've got another one arriving in January.
We had a big ginger Maine Coon for 15 years. He was OK as cats go, self sufficient, remarkable looking and big but aloof and not particularly interested in people.
We've had a brown Burmese now for the last 5 years. He's the friendliest, daftest, fastest cat I've ever known. He's a strange, intelligent beast, a bit like a Siamese I suppose but heavier and without the Siamese soundtrack.
I would recommend a Burmese cat. We've got another one arriving in January.
tIf you want a dog like cat the closest breed will be the ragdoll cat however they are indoor cats or keep in a enclosed garden.
The history is a bit weird but they are extremely friendly cat that loves people and will act like a complete goofball. They are large though not quite as big as main coons and siberians but not far off.
A domestic moggy will also be fine depends on personality and upbringing some will only be with you when it wants you or it could stick by you all day. Just do plenty of research on different cat breeds and go from there.
The history is a bit weird but they are extremely friendly cat that loves people and will act like a complete goofball. They are large though not quite as big as main coons and siberians but not far off.
A domestic moggy will also be fine depends on personality and upbringing some will only be with you when it wants you or it could stick by you all day. Just do plenty of research on different cat breeds and go from there.
We've had four Birmans ove the past 25 years (still got one). They are great cats, will follow you round like a dog, very affectionate, very playful, happy in indoor of outdoor scenarios, independent when necessary. Having said that, our current other cat is a cat rescue moggy, and also exhibits most of the traits outlined above.
I think a lot of what you get out of a cat boils down to how much love and affection you show them.
I think a lot of what you get out of a cat boils down to how much love and affection you show them.
antipodes40 said:
We've had four Birmans ove the past 25 years (still got one). They are great cats, will follow you round like a dog, very affectionate, very playful, happy in indoor of outdoor scenarios, independent when necessary. Having said that, our current other cat is a cat rescue moggy, and also exhibits most of the traits outlined above.
I think a lot of what you get out of a cat boils down to how much love and affection you show them.
My wife (before she was my wife!) wanted a Birman. To ensure I was in her good graces ( I think a lot of what you get out of a cat boils down to how much love and affection you show them.
) I gave in and bought the most expensive cat I'd ever heard of.That Birman is an absolutely fantastic cat. Super versatile, great with our dog, our kids, people etc. Has moved continents with us. Super playful - especially when he gets his "big-eyes" on!
Would recommend and buy again.
Get one from a cat rescue place, like this in Birmingham.
https://furbabiescatrescue.org/
They’ll ask about your lifestyle and let you know the personalities of the cats they have available.
They don’t all have distinct personality types like dogs so you’ll be dealing with chance a bit, but that’s one of the great things about cats.
https://furbabiescatrescue.org/
They’ll ask about your lifestyle and let you know the personalities of the cats they have available.
They don’t all have distinct personality types like dogs so you’ll be dealing with chance a bit, but that’s one of the great things about cats.
MG CHRIS said:
If you want a dog like cat the closest breed will be the ragdoll cat however they are indoor cats or keep in a enclosed garden.
The history is a bit weird but they are extremely friendly cat that loves people and will act like a complete goofball. They are large though not quite as big as main coons and siberians but not far off.
A domestic moggy will also be fine depends on personality and upbringing some will only be with you when it wants you or it could stick by you all day. Just do plenty of research on different cat breeds and go from there.
The history is a bit weird but they are extremely friendly cat that loves people and will act like a complete goofball. They are large though not quite as big as main coons and siberians but not far off.
A domestic moggy will also be fine depends on personality and upbringing some will only be with you when it wants you or it could stick by you all day. Just do plenty of research on different cat breeds and go from there.
The white one is a pure breed ragdoll make (Theo) the Calico one is a ragdoll/maincoon cross. Ragdoll’s are wonderful cats but very very curious and sociable. I would suggest you can’t just have one to he honest. Also you would not be able to let it outside to free roam as they are a winning combination of dumb as they come and sociable. So will happily walk towards the moving car or guy with a sack in order to make a new friend!
We've had many cats over the years and so many different characters, the last of which died last year at 19 years old.
A cantankerous beast it was too.
If you've ever tried putting bate on a rat trap, knowing it will go off any time between 20 and 30 seconds, so be ready to remove your fingers sharpish, that was her.
We've lost several to the road outside which is why we haven't brought in a new cat.
This thread has me wondering about another now.
I'll need to visit my son and his three cats to get a little feline time now.
A cantankerous beast it was too.
If you've ever tried putting bate on a rat trap, knowing it will go off any time between 20 and 30 seconds, so be ready to remove your fingers sharpish, that was her.
We've lost several to the road outside which is why we haven't brought in a new cat.
This thread has me wondering about another now.
I'll need to visit my son and his three cats to get a little feline time now.
We've got a Ragdoll, he's called Bertie and he's an apex predator. It's rare to come down for breakfast and not find a dead rabbit, rat, mouse, stoat... shrew, frog.... you get the picture.
Of course this means he spends most of the day fast asleep so he's not exactly sparkling company.
But he's sweet natured and is a bit of a looker.
Of course this means he spends most of the day fast asleep so he's not exactly sparkling company.
But he's sweet natured and is a bit of a looker.
Go to rescue centre.
Find the one that headbutts your hand repeatedly for attention.
Take home.
Accept that for a few weeks, maybe months the cat will be unsettled in new home.
After time, they relax and personality comes through again.
Yes, you'll probably need a litter tray, they're really not a big issue. Biggest issue is if the car starts spraying in the house...
Find the one that headbutts your hand repeatedly for attention.
Take home.
Accept that for a few weeks, maybe months the cat will be unsettled in new home.
After time, they relax and personality comes through again.
Yes, you'll probably need a litter tray, they're really not a big issue. Biggest issue is if the car starts spraying in the house...
Alex Z said:
Get one from a cat rescue place, like this in Birmingham.
https://furbabiescatrescue.org/
They’ll ask about your lifestyle and let you know the personalities of the cats they have available.
They don’t all have distinct personality types like dogs so you’ll be dealing with chance a bit, but that’s one of the great things about cats.
Absolutely this. https://furbabiescatrescue.org/
They’ll ask about your lifestyle and let you know the personalities of the cats they have available.
They don’t all have distinct personality types like dogs so you’ll be dealing with chance a bit, but that’s one of the great things about cats.
Just get a mog. Every cat I have ever owned has been a parts bin special, and they have all been fantastic, in their own "unique" way.
I have two and half at the moment. The first two are rescues, one was in a very bad way, dumped, ear polyps, bleeding wounds and matted furr, knackered jaw. She is the most affectionate bundle you could find, a real mouser and comedy gold. The other had had more clubs than Frank Worthington before we rescued him. He took a while to settle but he now rules the roost, has a real air of indifference and does his own thing - he looks like a ginger Colin Chapman.
The half is a partially sighted farm cat that has adopted us, but on his terms.
The wife and I work with two cat rescue charities, and the sights we see are heart breaking - better to give one of these a new lease of life, than buy a pure breed.
Alex Z said:
Get one from a cat rescue place, like this in Birmingham.
https://furbabiescatrescue.org/
They’ll ask about your lifestyle and let you know the personalities of the cats they have available.
They don’t all have distinct personality types like dogs so you’ll be dealing with chance a bit, but that’s one of the great things about cats.
Take it with a pinch of salt though. Our two were supposed to be best friends, even sent home in the same (large) carrier. They could barely stand the sight of eachother. Never came to much of a conflict, and they would defend their territory (our garden) together, but they weren't friends!https://furbabiescatrescue.org/
They’ll ask about your lifestyle and let you know the personalities of the cats they have available.
They don’t all have distinct personality types like dogs so you’ll be dealing with chance a bit, but that’s one of the great things about cats.
You just don't know what you will get TBH.
Just get a box standard moggy kitten, spend a much time as possible with them on you lap etc for the first few weeks/month or so to generate a bond and go from there.
We had 2 cats (brothers), one broke its leg as a kitten and had to be put in a cage for a month or two while it's leg healed.... needless to say he was more distant than his brother, overshadowed in fact.
Unfortunately his brother had to be put down some years ago and he has now come out of his shell and spends hours on the sofa next to me sleeping all day while I work from home, he's become such a friendly devoted cat, although he can be a bit needy now and is a great hunter and provides gifts most days unfortunately.
Just get a box standard moggy kitten, spend a much time as possible with them on you lap etc for the first few weeks/month or so to generate a bond and go from there.
We had 2 cats (brothers), one broke its leg as a kitten and had to be put in a cage for a month or two while it's leg healed.... needless to say he was more distant than his brother, overshadowed in fact.
Unfortunately his brother had to be put down some years ago and he has now come out of his shell and spends hours on the sofa next to me sleeping all day while I work from home, he's become such a friendly devoted cat, although he can be a bit needy now and is a great hunter and provides gifts most days unfortunately.
Maine Coon owner here. I assume that MCs have a range of different personality traits within the general “MC personality” type. Ours:
Tribal - we are his pack and he’s not that welcoming of strangers, esp male ones. This is moderating slightly with age
Affectionate on his terms - will often hiss mildly if you gather him up to plonk him in your lap, then remembers he likes being on your lap. Will also come for lap attention spontaneously.
Big and perpetually hungry. The only “treat” he will eat from your hand is smoked salmon. Staple diet is Royal Canin, defrosted white fish fillets, tuna. Will also eat any roast meat leftovers: chicken, turkey, duck, beef, pork…
Likes to drink from a tap, not a bowl. I’ve taken to adding tap water to his tuna to force him to drink water that way. Easier than turning the tap on/off for him when it suits him.
Hates being groomed. If you want to experience putting you hand in a wood chipper, groom our cat. Difficult as they are prone to mats in their undercoat.
Goes outside occasionally. When younger he used to venture into other gardens. Now he just patrols ours occasionally. Like to sunbathe in summer.
When you get very interested in whatever you happened to be doing in the kitchen/study/around the house. Now (11 yo) seen it all.
Patient. We don’t have a flap; he will wait by the back doors to be let in/out. Only becomes vocal if there is another cat outside on his territory. Doesn’t nag for food unless the bowl is empty.
Bonus point: hypoallergenic. Not completely but quite a bit. The other family members have cat allergies in varying degrees but have always been ok with him. I would guess this may vary from breeder to breeder as it is to do with the level of a particular protein in the saliva.
We have an indoor covered litter tray plus clumping litter. Not smelly at all.
Tribal - we are his pack and he’s not that welcoming of strangers, esp male ones. This is moderating slightly with age
Affectionate on his terms - will often hiss mildly if you gather him up to plonk him in your lap, then remembers he likes being on your lap. Will also come for lap attention spontaneously.
Big and perpetually hungry. The only “treat” he will eat from your hand is smoked salmon. Staple diet is Royal Canin, defrosted white fish fillets, tuna. Will also eat any roast meat leftovers: chicken, turkey, duck, beef, pork…
Likes to drink from a tap, not a bowl. I’ve taken to adding tap water to his tuna to force him to drink water that way. Easier than turning the tap on/off for him when it suits him.
Hates being groomed. If you want to experience putting you hand in a wood chipper, groom our cat. Difficult as they are prone to mats in their undercoat.
Goes outside occasionally. When younger he used to venture into other gardens. Now he just patrols ours occasionally. Like to sunbathe in summer.
When you get very interested in whatever you happened to be doing in the kitchen/study/around the house. Now (11 yo) seen it all.
Patient. We don’t have a flap; he will wait by the back doors to be let in/out. Only becomes vocal if there is another cat outside on his territory. Doesn’t nag for food unless the bowl is empty.
Bonus point: hypoallergenic. Not completely but quite a bit. The other family members have cat allergies in varying degrees but have always been ok with him. I would guess this may vary from breeder to breeder as it is to do with the level of a particular protein in the saliva.
We have an indoor covered litter tray plus clumping litter. Not smelly at all.
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