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Responsible cat ownership

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mousey

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
432
Gaah- I think my post disappeared.
Here it is again!
I really want a cat (actually a kitten), especially now after reading the threads on pets and seeing all your cute lil creatures!
So my partner and I are finishing up our PhDs, and plan on trying to get academic jobs, so that will probably imply moving every now and then (every two years, possibly more). I want to be a responsible cat lady, so I am thinking that I can t own one until our life is more permanently based in one place. But I REALLY want one (said in whiney little girl voice while stamping foot). I wanted to ask the pet loving community if there is a breed that is relatively comfortable moving home, or if keeping the cat as indoors would help (I am sympathetic to this anyways- as a little girl one of my cats got feline aids from fighting and it was horrible to see him on meds and going downhill)? I doubt it somewhat, and I reckon I ll just have to wait- so probably this post is an example of wishful thinking.
Thanks y'all, and belated happy 4th of July.
 
We moved about every 2-3 years growing up (Dad was military) and the cats did fine. Cats dont tend to like change
and will probably be freaked out a while until they get settled in. I think you just need to find a really laid back cat/kitten.
If you picked an older kitten it may be easier to tell if they are laid back or not. My test is whether I can hold them
in my arms with their belly up. It they dont seem to mind this (some even purr) then its a good indicator (IMO). I have
two cats that both passed this test and they are both laid back. One was about 6 months when we got him and the other
was about 4 months. Got them from the SPCA and we love them sooo much.

There are purebread cats like Ragdolls that tend to be laid back. There are a lot of PSers that have them and can probably
tell you about their personalities.

Good luck.
 
Old PS ate my reply!

I say go for it. My cats take about a week to adjust to their new home each time we move, but then they're fine. If you can give a loving home to a kitty (or two - they do better in pairs, I've found), do it and don't look back!
 
Keeping kitty inside is safer, healthier, and lengthens the lifespan. As you said, you have seen what can happen with outside cats.

Cats do take time to adjust to change. I am an apartment-dweller with 2 cats (and a dog.) The cats have moved with me twice. My female cat does not have any problems with the change, but my male cat gets very upset and hides in a corner hissing for a few days. After that, everybody is fine. I'll be moving when my lease is up in November; it will be the first move for my 1.5 year old puppy. I'll be interested to see how she reacts to a new home.

Good luck with whatever you decide! Four-legged friends are good to have around, IMO! :bigsmile:
 
If you are ready to have a cat in your life, I think the biggest logistical issue (for me) is finding cat-friendly apartments, because it does limit your search. However they are out there! And you have to factor the kitty transportation into your moving plans. Flying is possible, but must be planned farther in advance, on certain airlines, etc.
 
My husband and I have 2 cats - brothers (domestic short/medium hair) which we adopted when they were 6 weeks old (they were rescues). That was 3 1/2 years ago and we have moved 3 times since then - yeah we move a lot! We transition them gradually. Usually we keep them in the area where the litter boxes plan on residing for about 3 days (24 hrs each day), then on the 4-7 days we let them out of that area to explore when we are home but we keep the doors closed to the bedrooms. Each day we open up another door for them to explore and after a week they are fully adjusted and sleeping in bed with us at night.

Also one thing that helps is when they get to come out to explore they get to see all of our same furniture so it still feels somewhat like home. I wouldn't just plop them into a new environment that doesn't have "you" in it at all, that might freak them out.

Every time we've done it this way, they've done great, haven't had any accidents and are totally happy once they're settled. Plus we're lucky because both of our boys are little love bugs so they want to be w/ mom and dad 24/7 getting some love :love:

Good luck, if you do get a kitty be sure to post pics!
 
I've seen a trend toward more apartments becoming cat-friendly in the past couple of years. Most will want a pretty hefty security deposit, or at least that's how it works here.

I have had indoor-only cats. I know people who have successfully gotten their cats to tolerate a harness, and even one whose cat will walk on a leash, to go outdoors. Mine freak out if they have any straps of any kind on them, so I guess the cat decides whether or not it can be walked, lol.

My first cat was 9 when I moved from apartment to house. He was an indoor cat, it was a large prewar apartment, and that had been the cat's only home. I expected him to be very upset by the move, but he wasn't. He located his favorite bed in the house, kind of looked around as if thinking "Cool. All of my stuff is over here." Then he took a nap on that bed. Later, he ventured out to look around the house, always became nervous, but he'd just return to that bedroom. It only took 3-4 days for him to settle in. He adapted very well.

My current 3 cats were all about 3 years old when they moved to a different house. They are also indoors-only, and they made an even smoother transition. They are the outgoing type, and very friendly, and confident. They just explored the place and apparently divvied up the new turf. One cat has the kitchen, another took the laundry room because he likes climbing the tall shelves and perching at the top to lord it over everyone, and the third one skulks the second floor hall, where he can monitor all comings and goings, whether at the front or back of the house.
 
Oh, I say GO FOR IT!!!! I think owning a pet is a life-enriching experience. So if you can swing it now, why wait?! When you need to move, just move Kitty with you.

Here's the thing: yes, cats can be quite territorial and do become very accustomed to their "space"... BUT, they also become very attached to their *people*... and as long as YOU go wherever THEY go (to help them adjust to their new surroundings) they will be FINE! I promise!!! There MAY be a brief period of adjustment, etc., where the kitty MAY not eat/play/etc., quite as usual... BUT there's also good chance that the cat's natural curiosity may make any move simply an ADVENTURE (new places to check out, sniff, and explore) without any adjustment issues at all.

A few random thoughts... I firmly believe that cats should be INDOOR only pets. Give them toys, window perches with bird feeders outside (if possible), and a cat condo for climbing and napping up high (cats LOVE height!) and s/he will THRIVE, even in a "small" apartment. Letting a cat go outside is NOT necessary for a full, enriching life - and in fact, just puts the cat at risk for diseases, accidents, etc. Please don't do it!

And lastly... as the proud and delighted owner of two Ragdolls, of course I am partial to the breed. They are laid back, docile, gentle, friendly and loving animals. I think both of my boys would handle a move without skipping a beat. But shelters and rescue groups are also full of wonderful, loving cats that need a home. Of course the choice is up to you.

Just (in the words of Nike! ;)) )... DO IT!!! :devil: :bigsmile:
 
Would you be willing to foster a cat or kitten? My area has a lot of different organizations which are always looking for people to be foster cat parents. Perhaps that would help with your kitten craving if you prefer to wait until getting a forever kitty. I have been thinking about doing this myself, but haven't actually pulled the trigger. (I'm not sure about how I'll feel when the kitten gets adopted.)
 
I thought I replied to this thread- weird, it must have been eaten!!
Thanks so much ladies for the helpful replies... I really thought people would be 'no, don t do it' so it fills me with hope to think I am not being inconsiderate thinking about doing this!
LynnB- the pic of your cat is a prime example of what is motivating me in thinking about getting one- s/he is soooooo cute!
Ariann- don t know if I could foster.... The thought of bonding and then giving up is so upsetting!
Thanks everyone else again!
 
mousey said:
I thought I replied to this thread- weird, it must have been eaten!!
Thanks so much ladies for the helpful replies... I really thought people would be 'no, don t do it' so it fills me with hope to think I am not being inconsiderate thinking about doing this!
LynnB- the pic of your cat is a prime example of what is motivating me in thinking about getting one- s/he is soooooo cute!
Ariann- don t know if I could foster.... The thought of bonding and then giving up is so upsetting!
Thanks everyone else again!
Click to expand...

"Being inconsiderate" for wanting to love an animal give him/her a forever home??! You silly girl! :wacko:

Mousey, if you do a search for "Ragdoll parents, this thread's for you..." and/or "Bentley Edmund Spencer" you'll get two threads (with LOTS of pics) about my two Raggies... and lots of other Raggies loved by PS members, too.

<-- BTW, the kitty in my avatar is Boo, my male 3.5 year old seal bicolor Ragdoll.
 
I agree, you should get one! We just got a kitten(while we were house sitting for 3 weeks,) and almost everyday I keep telling BF about how happy I am that we got our Salvatore. Everything he does is just so stinking cute! I think getting a kitten for your first pet is a great move too. We've always wanted to get a dog, but I think kind of easing into the maintenance of a pet with a cat is really working for us. Plus it's just so much fun having our kitten!
So I think you can still a responsible pet owner and move later.
 
Mousey,

I just wanted to give you my experience on cat flexibility... We adopted 2 cats at 6 months old & have moved 10 times in 8 years. Not exactly ideal for any of us, but the cats have taken it all in stride. They've lived in tiny & huge apartments & full houses, adapting very rapidly to all of it. I'd say it took about a week each time for them to really settle in. They'd wander & meow alot, but figure out all the good napping spots really quickly :)) Also, I personally don't think it matters what breed you get -- ours are mutts... american domestic shorthairs... More important how you raise 'em ;))

Finding apartments is definitely trickier, but it always works out, even with short notice... Just be persistent! If you can, get a reference for your cat(!) before you leave one apartment... it'll make it easier as you look for new ones later on.

Best of luck -- do share pictures if you find a new friend!
 
Thanks little monster- that is exactly the sort of story I wanted to hear! Moving is such a pain. We have moved 5 times in the last many years- not as bad as you, but I feel your pain!
One more question for you cat lovers- so say you have an indoor cat. Does that mean STRICTLY indoor, or do you let him/her into the garden under supervision? I really do think it is the way to go with cats (feline aids is too prevalent, and it was so sad seeing my cat Claudius die of it), but it just seems so sad to think they would never enjoy the sunshine....
OK- off to enjoy the thread about the rag dolls.
 
Bentley and Boo are stunning!!!! OK so now I want a ragdoll. So onto convincing the FH..... :Up_to_something:
 
Mousey -- I also posted a response to your earlier thread, but apparently it got caught in the presto-change o warp!

I have always had indoor-outdoor cats. However, under your circumstances, I'd suggest a cat only if you can make it an indoors-only cat. Gets to get territorial, and indoor-outdoor cats have been known to escape and try to return to their previous homes after a move. The cat I as a child did that. The old house was only one or two miles from the new one and it turned out OK, but it could just as easily ended up with us losing the cat or the cat losing her life.

If you know you'll be moving around a bit, be sure you choose a cat based solely on its personality. Some cats are by nature shy and retiring, and a cat like that could easily end up spending most of its time hiding under beds if it's subjected to frequent moves. A good shelter or foster situation can help you choose a cat with a more outgoing and resilient personality that is more likely to adapt well to frequent changes.

I know you've already considered that having a cat may limit your housing options and complicate travel and move arrangements. One other thing to consider is that it might limit your choice in future locales. I believe Hawaii and some foreign countries require lengthy quarantine periods in approved facilities for "incoming" house pets. Aside from the cost associated with this, a quarantine would also force you and your cat to be separated for a long time... which could be stressful for all three of you!

Hmmn... can't figure out how to include a quote. Anyhow re the outdoors under supervision question... this is total speculation on my part, but I think "in the garden on a leash" might be an option... maybe the cat would be less territorial if it realizes that you're in charge of where it goes? Getting the cat used to the idea that garden = leash would also help if you find yourselves in housing where the garden is not as secure as, say, the prior house, where in the garden under supervision might have been enough to ensure your cat's safety.
 
My cats are indoor only, but allowed on our screened in porch. They enjoy that, but it's the only way I'm comfortable letting them "out". I hate the idea of anything happening to them. :blackeye:
 
I agree with what everyone has said. My cat is not laid back at all and even she has very little problems moving. She's very skiddish and it takes her a day or two to get used to a new space but as long as she knows someone there, she tends to do very well. She also flips out when you put her in a carrier (even when on sedatives) so that is the hardest part about moving her, but she usually calms down after a few minutes.

It will definitely cost you a bit more as you'll have to pay for security deposits at each new place you live, but if your main concern is just the process of moving, I wouldn't worry about it so much. I definitely vote for rescuing a cat or kitten from a shelter and also recommend keeping it indoors especially if you plan on moving often. It would be very bad to live in an apt where she can go outside and then move somewhere that she can't. My cat is an indoor cat, but I've heard that kind of transition is very difficult.

Hope you can convince him to get a kitty!
 
My Dh and I have moved 7 times since we got our oldest cat (students). She is indoors and after 3 days at the new place, she is all set. It takes our younger one about a week, but then they forget there was ever anywhere else and settle right in. I have never known a cat who had a breakdown over moving and my aunt has the world's most neurotic cat, if Violet can do it, any cat can.
If it really bothers you, I have heard that siamese tend to better movers than other cats because they like a change of scenery, but I have never had one so I can't say. Definitely keep them indoors. They are just as happy, live longer and are a lot cheaper to take care of. Although occasionally we have had problems, we have always been able to find places to live that take cats.

Go for it! I wouldn't foster to start with since the cats/kittens you get usually take more attention than an average cat and if you are not experienced with cats, that can be hard.
 
mousey said:
...
One more question for you cat lovers- so say you have an indoor cat. Does that mean STRICTLY indoor, or do you let him/her into the garden under supervision? I really do think it is the way to go with cats (feline aids is too prevalent, and it was so sad seeing my cat Claudius die of it), but it just seems so sad to think they would never enjoy the sunshine....
OK- off to enjoy the thread about the rag dolls.
Click to expand...

Yep Mousey... strictly, totally indoors is what I mean. When we first got Boo, I took him out occasionally (always on a leash and with close, direct supervision) --or-- in a totally enclosed mesh "cabana" (like a kitty play pen, only closed on all sides, top and bottom, and yes, he LOVED it. Loved the sights, the smells, etc., and I thought I was being very responsible. But I found that he began to get a little tooooo comfortable with going outside... and he'd lurk by the door... and it was starting to get VERY HARD to be sure he wasn't going to sneak out, even under our careful watch (bringing in groceries, etc...) and especially when we had company over, friends with kids, etc. I was a nervous wreck worrying they'd let him out. There are dogs in our neighborhood, and a few outdoor cats, not to mention the street. What I learned is that once cats have gone outside, they get naturally more familiar with it... and if they do get out accidentally, they will likely roam MUCH farther and MUCH faster than they ever would if they had never been out before. That scared the crap outta me!!!

So we stopped the going outside two summers ago, and honestly, I don't think Boo even remembers it now. He doesn't show any interest anymore in the front door, or in going outside. When weather permits, I open up the windows (with safe, locked, tight-fitting screens) and both boys LOVE that... they get the fresh air and the nice breeze, but they are safely inside. Except for his trip home, and trips to the vet in his covered carrier, Bentley has never been out.

If I had a totally screened in patio or porch, I would probably consider that... but I would still make the door to outside completely OFF LIMITS to the cats!

I know we can kind of humanize the situation and feel like our beloved furkids are somehow *missing something* by having a totally indoor life... but believe me, that's not true! They can have VERY good, very stimulating (and best of all, SAFE!) lives indoors.
 
mousey said:
Bentley and Boo are stunning!!!! OK so now I want a ragdoll. So onto convincing the FH..... :Up_to_something:
Click to expand...

Why, thank you! I am completely in love and smitten with them, that's for sure!!! :love: :love:
 
Ditto PPs, cats are fine with moving - they don't like it, but they'll adjust. I too believe cats do best as indoor-pets - give them toys and an open window or a screened door to laze in front of and they'll be happy ::)


Actually if you know that both you and FI are going to be away from the house for long periods of time together, I would recommend getting either one older cat or two kittens, as they tend to be more needy and rambunctious and would benefit from having a playmate.


The shelters I work at will not adopt kittens or bonded cats unless in pairs.
 
Here's the story of our cats. We have two, and both area American Short Hair. We adopted one from the animal rescue league at 9 weeks, just after she was spayed. We were thinking of getting a companion for her when someone gave us a male kitten 2 months later. He was about 7 weeks old when we got him; he was found under a porch. I feel kind of bad about this but both kittens (cats now) had siblings, but we didn't take either sibling. We didn't take the brother of the first kitten we got because the people at the animal rescue league said that he wasn't the friendliest of cats. We didn't take the sister of the male kitten we got later on, simply because we already had one female kitten at home. If it wasn't for her, we would have taken both of them at the same time.

I thought I had read somewhere that having 2 female cats might not be the best idea. When we saw the brother and sister together, we decided to get the brother because of the female we had at home. If you decide to get 2 (which I highly recommend! They keep each other company.), look into getting siblings. Our cats do well with each other, but they're not as bonded as I imagine siblings would be.

Both of our cats are indoor only. They have their claws, but we don't ever let them outside. They're micro-chipped (which I also highly recommend, just in case...) but we still don't want to take the chance of letting them go. Sometimes I feel bad that they're cooped up in the house all day but I think I'm the one bothered by it. They're fine, really.

Cats don't like change, but I think some adjust better than others. We've had two big moves in a one year time frame. They took a while to get used to the changes the first time around, but they handled it like pros the second time (this one was just recently).
 
I forgot to mention pet fees. We just moved into a condo and this one doesn't charge a pet fee. We had also looked at apartments, and one in particular charged $400 for a pet fee. We've seen one-time pet fees go as high as $600, and this type of fee is usually required to be paid when you first move in. I don't mind paying a fee, whether it's a one-time only or a monthly $25 per pet type of thing. I understand the need to charge a bit extra. Heck, we own a condo that we rent out, and our tenant pays a fee each month (pet rent!). I do have a problem when the fees get ridiculously high though. I can't justify it, even if it's a one-time thing. So, this is my very long-winded way of saying that this is something to ask about and really consider before deciding on a place to live. It certainly threw me for a loop the first time we rented an apartment after getting our cats.
 
My earlier post got lost in the transition warp, but my DH and I take our cat to my parents' house a couple times per year when we go away for long periods of time. It gives us more peace of mind than putting him in a kennel. Anyway, he doesn't like the trip and usually hides out for a couple days when he first gets there, but after he gets done sulking, he emerges to rule their house just like he rules ours. I'm sure it's a bit disruptive for him, but it's never caused any real problems other than just a day or two of very cranky kitty. He's pretty laid-back and basically accepts whatever happens with only minor complaints, so I wouldn't worry about moving with him. If you had a very high-maintenance cat, it might be different, but I think most of them adapt fairly well.

Good luck!
 
I think that just you asking is a great start to responsible cat ownership. I have 4 and we've moved pretty often. They are fine with it. We basically do what Asscher_girl said. Make sure we have our stuff and smells moved in before transferring the cats. It helps a lot. But even if you can't do that, most will take it in stride. We drove cross country with 3 of ours staying at hotels and they got over it. Honestly, in my experience most 'mutt' cats are pretty well adjusted and pretty healthy. Plus, rescues are usually pretty resilient. I'd just go to the shelter and see who strikes your fancy. If you can get two siblings or two compatible cats (a responsible shelter will tell you who gets on with who) they will keep each other company.

There are a TON of ideas on the net to help you keep your indoor cat healthy and happy. All of mine are strictly indoors. It's much safer. If they get used to going out, even with you as company will keep them interested in the outdoors and make them bolder about getting out.

I love my kitties, they make life so much brighter. Hope to see pics of yours soon!
 
My 2 cents- if you're going to keep the cat inside at all times, which I think one should do anyway, there isn't anything irresponsible about getting a cat and moving as necessary. The cat is bonded with you, you control the parameters of its care and feeding. The house or apartment per se isn't going to make much difference nor is moving, as long as you give the cat the requisite care and attention. If you really want to do it, then I say do it. And, yes, there have been a lot of cute kitten pictures here lately!
 
I say go for it! I did. ::)

I got my kittens about 9 months ago when I was just starting my last year of law school (I got two - littermates). Like you, I'm a student, and I'm living in a 700 sq ft apartment. I keep the kittens indoors.

Since I got them, they've traveled with me to my parents' house twice (8 hours travel each way via two plane flights) and they did great, at both settling into my parents' house for a few weeks, then coming back home. I'm going to be moving again in a month, and possibly again within the next 2-3 years after that. I think (and hope) they'll do great.

I don't know if this is an option money, care home-wise, but if you can, I would get two. I think having each other reduces the stress on moving, traveling, and adjusting to new places a LOT for my boys. They also have tons of fun playing together, and the time spent playing with each other and not being in your hair could be super valuable if you're going to be studying :)

ETA: Here is my thread from last summer when I was trying to find a kitten - https://www.pricescope.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=118351

And here is my thread with all the pictures of them since I got them last fall - https://www.pricescope.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=126240
 
We have two cats (my boys) who are both Burmese. They are indoor cats but we also have a bird aviary that we have converted into an outdoor cat cage for during the day when the sun is out. They do go a little stir crazy if they haven't been outside for a few days straight.
I don't let them out on their own because a) i would hate for anything to happen to them and b) they are killers by nature and i have a pond with frogs that i know they would get straight into.

We haven't moved house but the boys do go and stay with my mum if we go on holidays and they handle it very well. They both don't mind the car and will sit on a lap and look out the window. My mum's burmese (they are all related) will come and stay with us if she goes away and he is fine with it as well, he is also an indoor cat and my mum has a cage for him to go in to and she also tethers him to a post when he is in his harness. He is quite well trained!!

Cats will get used to anything if you do it reguarly enough. We used to have a cat that LOVED to go for rides in the car. HE would travel up to the airport with us to pick my dad up and then we would go through the drive thru for burgers on the way home and he would hang out the window waiting for his beef patty. He used to live between my mum and dads place (about 2kms) and when he had had enough of being at one place he would jump on the tractor and meow till dad drove him around to ours! He was the best cat ever. :))

Don't let the fact that you may be moving a few times put you off getting a kitty. They really are the best pets to have.
 
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