Should I get a cat?

Question

I live in a one bedroom flat, and I'm at work 12 hours a day. I know I am being selfish, but are there any brands of cat that don't mind being on their own all day yet are friendly and affectionate when I do come home? I am so selfish! I'm not going to get one, it's too mean. What do you all think?

Answer 1

I got a moggy. I usually work at least that long (although I sometimes go home for lunch break); my kitten is wonderful to me though. Make sure that you do spend quality time with your cat - grooming and playing with him/her, and paying attention to the needs, etc., and the kitty should be OK. And s/he should have toys to play with while you are at work.

Be mindful - if you don't play with your cat in the evening, s/he, who is likely to have slept through the day, can wake you up in the middle of the night with a burst of energy. I like to tire up my cat before we go to bed. In that case he is usually content to sleep through most of the night, and has, I think, a burst of energy sometimes during the day too, judging by the position of his toys. You can, by paying attention to your cat, adjust his timetable so it suits you both, he gets enough love and care and exercise, and you profit by the companionship and also get your night's sleep.

I'd definitely advise you to get a cat. Just do it the right way (with all due care, and some research).

Oh, and either get a fixed cat, or make care to have her/him fixed - it's a health benefit, and also has some good influence on behaviour - like not trying to run away, not having the drive to spray, etc.

Good luck!!

P.S. I don't let my kitten (I got him at five months) go outside, ever (I live in the centre of a large town, I wouldn't dream of letting him out on the street). He doesn't trash my flat at all, he took maybe a week to learn what he could play with, and what not, and he hasn't given me any trouble since.

Answer 2

There are some breads of cats that dont mind staying in but it is a tough on as cats are used to going out. Maybe you should consider going to a cat shelter and looking for an older one that has to stay in. I would say that maybe being away for 12 hours is too long. But its your choice. Dont go out and buy a kitten as they need constant attention and it would be a little unkind. If you go to a pet shelter they often can help you with ones that have to stay in with a litter tray ect, they are the best peaple for advice i was given two brothers who could not be seperated and thats the best thing i ever did as they were 3 years old when i got them and they have eachothers company but i live in a house that is miles from no with a large garden so its a little different

Answer 3

I have two cats, usually they entertain each other. The good thing about cats is that they usually don't need much room. And there are small breeds that need room even less. The bad thing is your apartment might be too small for you and the litter box.

If you're going to be gone for 12 hours at a time, this might not be the best time to get a kitten as they need more attention than older cats. But with cats the house training is much easier than puppies.

You're biggest worry is that everyone is comfortable.

Answer 4

Cats are self sufficent to a degree. They all like affection and company on their own terms "When they want it". Your feelings really don't matter to them is my experience. I have three cats and work 12 hour shifts as well and they are happy cats. Cats like to have a sunny place to lie down and they love to sleep. A good scratching post is a must and some play time with you and just about anything else ie: paper balls, pulling straws across the floor, chasing the beam of a flashlight. Some cats are very moody and will give you the cold shoulder but a good game of chase the light or a chin/ear rub will usally win them back.

Answer 5

I think getting a cat is always a good idea! Most cats don't mind being on their own, although I cannot give you a specific breed. I advise that you just get whichever cat you like best. It is not mean to get a cat!!! Your cat will love you if you are nice to it. You really should get one. Try to get one from the pound or somewhere, not the pet store. The cats can be less expensive in the pound.)

Answer 6

get an older cat maybe 2 years old or more, they need homes too. they can pretty much take care of themselves.

first before you do anything make sure you have the time, space and money for this cat. older cats aren't as demanding for attention as kittens. you can get your cat a bunch of toys to bat around while you are at work. cats sleep most of the day anyways.

you can feed your cat when you wake up and when you get home and they will be fine, get a drink well pet fountain with the additional water thingy and you can go days with out having to refill it and your cat will always have fresh water.

it's up to you as long as you feel you have the time, space and money.

Answer 7

In short, do not get a cat. Cats are social beings and need regular interaction.

There is a breed call 'ragg-doll' who are basically the laziest cat know to man and considered to be an indoor cat. I suggest that if you can't live without a cat, buy two rag-doll cats, so they can socialise with each other instead of going insane or wrecking the furniture!

Answer 8

All cats are different. Most cat though, become aloof. They are super fun as tots but then when you walk in they want fed and are back to their lives.

That said, they are a good choice if you are gone all day. They don't need you to keep them entertained the way a dog does. String some toys from the ceiling, leave some on the floor, a cat box and some water/food. That's it! They don't need another cat either, one is fine.

Good luck.

Answer 9

If you were contemplating getting a dog, I would say that you are being selfish, but not with a cat. Cats are very independent and do not require the amount of attention that a dog would. I think a cat would make a perfect pet for the life style that you described. Just be sure to give it a lot of love and affection when you are home.

Answer 10

I think cats are always a nice pet to have but if u are at work 12 hours day i would not get it as there is no one to feed it or play with it