Hi, I am about to move in to my first solo apartment. I'm right out of college and haven't lived alone (without roommates) before. I have been thinking about getting a cat to keep me company, and I have always noticed that cats seem to like me and I like their quiet, peaceful, easygoing nature because that's my lifestyle. The question is, will my 766 sq. foot home and the fact that I do shift work be okay for a cat, as in...will the cat be happy with hours of alone time and a small one bedroom apartment to walk around in? Is this enough space? I am getting a cat from the shelter. Should I get 2 to keep each other company? Advice from cat-owners very appreciated!! I would love to help a shelter cat, and the company would be welcome :-)
2007-03-20 21:20:13 · 12 answers · asked by Aphrodite 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
You are to be commended for wanting to save a life! Well done!
It would be better to get two if you are going to be away, they tend to keep each other amused while you're out and they're less likely to get into mischief.
The size of your apartment isn't an issue, think of the cages they are living in now, and only getting bare essentials everyday and little attention, a shelter cat will be eternally greatful, they do know you've saved them.
During the day, they will sleep until you get home, when you're on night shifts, they may adjust and sleep then too so they're awake when you are.
Here are some things you can do to ensure they're happy while you're gone:
Environment enrichment will help, hide the food around the house, move the food bowls around, put kibble in various hiding spots around the house or use paper towel centers (cardboard), twist one end, fill it with dry food and twist the other end, then give it to them, it will amuse them trying to get the food out.
You can put a table tennis ball inside a shoe box, tape the lid shut and put a hole slightly smaller than the ball in the sides, they should spend hours trying to get the ball out and will toss the box around and wrestle it. You can suspend other mixed material toys in a larger cardboard box and cut small holes in the sides so they will try to get the toys.
Paper grocery bags are great, leave some of these around for them to play in. Table tennis balls for them to bat around are good, these fulfil the stalk hunt and kill instinct as are other toys of different textures and door knob hangers. Even cardboard boxes glued and taped together with holes cut in that they can go in and out to make a kind of kitty condo are fantastic, they're cheap and when they get tatty you can throw them out. Move the toys around from time to time, it's amazing how cats think it's a new thing to explore and rediscover it, this helps to prevent boredom.
Fishing Rod toys or feather and ribbon wands which you can make yourself easily are great for interactive play when you get home, give them about half an hour each day, maybe divided into two 15 minute increments if you can.
Make sure you have a scratching post that they can stand up and stretch right out to scratch against. Oftentimes cats who won't use the post it's just because the post is too short.
Leave plenty of dry food and water out for them and of course, the litter.
I'm sure you will provide a great home.
Good luck with your search.
2007-03-20 22:58:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I got my senior cat from a shelter and when I went there I wasn't sure if a cat would be happy with me or not for I at that time I was working and wasn't home so much. The shelter workers were very helpful to me and knew what kind of cat would be best for me going by what my standards were, it took me nearly an hour for me to find that perfect cat, actually I let it happen the other way around, I let the cat find me instead.
When you do go to a shelter I suggest that you sit down on the floor with a cat, let the cat sniff you out, let him come to you, try playing with the cat of your liking, if the cat just stays in hiding and refuses to come out, then so be it, let that cat be and find another one of your liking and repeat the steps all over again.
Cats are happy in any such space, just as long as they get food, a place to sleep, loving attention and of course a clean litter box, you shouldn't have any problems at all.
2007-03-21 04:58:12 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on your decision to adopt from a shelter. I hope you're planning for this to be an indoor only cat. He/she will live longer. A cat would be an ideal companion for you in your small space. They sleep most of the time anyway. Just get one to start with. Some are fine with that and others are not. When you pick out your cat, spend some time with the kitties to see which one you seem to get along with best, and don't simply choose one because it is the most beautiful. That little brown tabby with the huge personality may be just the one for you!
It might be a good idea to invest in a book about how to take care of cats. This would be a good reference in case something unusual happened. Of course, your friends out here in Yahoo answer-land will be happy to help you out at any time!
Have fun in your solo apartment with your new kitty!
2007-03-21 04:48:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats are usually quite fine at being on their own for hours at a time. Don't worry about working too much as long as you can find time to give them attention in between work, sleep, and social life.
Space, also, isn't that much of an issue. Just make sure it's clean and clutter-free so they can easily run back and forth to chase those things that only cats can see.
I think cats are generally best off with another cat to play with. In the ways they play with each other they get better exercise than we can give them and it does help to socialize them to both people and other animals. Plus they can entertain each other hen you aren't home.
Just do be sure that the cats you are adopting get along with each other. If you go to the shelter and they are in a cage together they'll be fine together. If they are both isolated you'll have to see how they behave together first.
Do bear in mind that cats need care. Cheap foods that you find in your supermarket don't really meet their nutritional needs. Talk with your vet to find better foods for them. When you first get them bring them to a vet for a check up. Even if the shelter has addressed any needs they may have health-wise it'll give you an opportunity to meet the vet and be sure you feel he or she is someone you feel good about. Do bring them in for check-ups once a year, no matter how much they hate it. Cats don't communicate illness as well as we do. They can be sick and seem perfectly fine. If you bring them into the vet regularly you can catch a disease while it is still treatable. And if they aren't fixed get them fixed. It will be worth it to both you and them.
If you do decide to adopt a cat he, she, or they will become wonderful parts of your life. They all have such unique personalities and are capable of so much affection. Cats have at least as much to offer you as you do them.
2007-03-21 05:37:53 · answer #4 · answered by ophelliaz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is so sweet of you to be so caring about a pet you don't have yet. Your 766sq ft home will be plenty of room. I suggest either getting two cats at the same time or just sticking to one. I have a cat and I thought due to the fact that I'm gone 8 hours a day, the cat would like another cat friend. OMG that did not work out. Both cats got in a fight and shredded my clothes, so needless to say, I have one cat who is VERY territorial.
God Bless you for rescuing a cat and giving it a forever home!
2007-03-21 08:45:27 · answer #5 · answered by MJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be great to adopt a cat. Don't worry about the space and leaving him alone for some time, he will probably sleep while waiting for you. The only problem is that if he sleeps through the day he will want to play with you in the night! lol. Getting 2 cats is not such a bad idea in general, but given your conditions of life I would say don't, unless you are really up to the commitment and the cats are already friends (I mean brother and sister or something).
2007-03-21 04:42:28 · answer #6 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thats awesome you want to give a shelter cat a second chance at life. I work in a shelter and that tugs at my heart. I would suggest getting two cats. Because you spend so much time away from home, one kitty would be lonesome. Try to get two that are already bonded. Shelters often have cats that have lived together for months and are very close. It always breaks my heart when just one of a bonded pair gets adopted. The one left behind gets so lonely and sad! Just make double sure one or both are fixed before you take them home and get them fixed asap if they are still intact, regardless if you get one male, one female, two females, or two males. You don't want a litter of kittens! Also, get them micro-chipped! I also would reccomend adult cats. They are wonderful, mellow (usually) and already have manners (hopefully). And unfortunatley, many adult cats never leave the shelter. Most people want a cute kitten and pass up fantastic adults that would make better pets for them.
Well, I think you rock for wanting to adopt from a shelter! Good luck and cherish your new friend or friends!
2007-03-21 04:33:10 · answer #7 · answered by Ariadne 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If you will be away for long hours each day, I think 2 kittens or cats that already like each other would be best. As far as space goes - a small apartment sounds much better than a small metal cage. There are many toys you could give them to play with. If they are loved and well taken care of they should be happy.
2007-03-21 04:29:59 · answer #8 · answered by eigna728 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats adjust very well to apartment and indoor living. Adopt a shelter cat and yes, 2 cats will keep one another company. Two neutered easy-going males will be ideal for you. If you decide on a female cat, she may be better off alone unless you adopt kittens and they grow up together.
2007-03-21 04:41:36 · answer #9 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shelter animals are the most grateful. Yes, please adopt a kitty cat! That's plenty room. He would enjoy a soft bench placed by a window. You could buy him a kitty condo made from wood and carpet. He'll spend hours playing with that. Leave a radio or t.v. on low for him to keep him company while you are away. There are herbs you can grow in pots that he will like to chew on. Always leave plenty fresh water for him. And leave a toy or two out for him. He'll be just fine. I'm smiling already and you and kitty will be too! Good luck!
2007-03-21 04:27:38 · answer #10 · answered by Im Listening 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋