Do you think I'd make a good cat owner?

Question

I work part-time between 8:15am and 3:30pm and I'm wondering whether that's too long to leave a cat alone. I'd buy one of those radio controlled cat flaps so at least it could get out if it wants too. What do you think?

Answer 1

Hi!

No - that's definitely not too long to leave a cat at home alone. Cats can sleep for up to 18 hours per day, and will often do this when you go out! :-)

My boyfriend and I work 12 hour days, so our cat is left alone. We installed a video camera in the hosue to make sure that he was doing ok on his own and not going stir crazy (if he was, we would have bought a second cat as a playmate). He entertained himself very well! And slept a lot!

As for the cat flap... this is of course up to you... I personally don't think cats should be allowed to roam freely outside. Cats are domesticated now, and we wouldn't let our dog roam outside alone - so I don't see why cats need to. I've had lots of advice from vets on this one, and they all agree with me. Most indoor cats live to about 18 years old - many outdoor cats only live for a few years before they get run over or catch something. You also won't have the problem of fleas and parasites with an indoor cat. You don't really want flea eggs in your carpet, do you? Lol! (shudders!) Here are a few websites to help you decide:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/your_cat_indoors_or_out.html
http://home.hiwaay.net/~keiper/indoors.htm
http://www.pawsperouspets.com/tips/catindoors.shtml
http://www.moggies.co.uk/catguide/html/indoor.html
http://www.cats.org.uk/catcare/faq_environment.asp
http://www.purrfectfence.co.uk/outdoor_cat_enclosures.asp
http://www.happinessragdolls.co.uk/catruns_155934.html

And some more websites to help you care for your new cat:
http://www.catsinfo.com/felinecare.html
http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pets4homes/home.nsf/CatCare/
http://www.petsathome.com/pcat/catcareguides

If you do decide to let your cat go outdoors, make sure you take him to the vet to get a checkup as soon as you get him and get him neutered and vaccinated before you allow him outside. You shouldn't let him outside for a little while anyway - let him get used to your home first, then gradually introduce him to the outside world (Google for more info on this). If you want to let him outside then yes, get a cat flap that is activated by your cat's collar - so that no other kitties can get in!

As long as you have the money to pay for the initial vet's bills, pet insurance and everything kitty needs, and you're prepared to take the time to house train your cat, I'm sure you'll make a great cat owner!

Good luck! :-)

xx Emmie

Answer 2

You're concerned for a cat that you don't even own yet, so I think you'll make a great owner, but no that's not ok. Like someone else said, how would you like to be left alone all day long?

If you really truly want a cat....and not a cute little kitten like so many do until they become cats and then no longer want them...get two. I got two kittens from a a local couple who rescues animals. They were not from the same litter and about a month apart in age. I wanted the older one (he was the only one left from his litter) but did not want to take him by himself so we asked if he got along with any of the kittens she had from a new litter she had just gotten. There was one that he had taken to more than the others and so those are the two that we got.

They are now 4 years old and play together, sleep together and even clean each other. Although they're right at the door when I come home from work, and very sooky in the morning when I'm getting ready because they know I'm leaving, I know that they have that constant companionship throughout the day and won't be lonely.

There's really not much difference between owning one cat versus owning two, and the best thing??? The entertainment they'll provide watching them together ;)

At the same time, keep in mind that owning a pet is a big responsibility. I've spent close to $1000 over the last month on my youngest. He's the brat and into everything and almost died when he fell on a vase and severed the muscle in his hind leg. Although this isn't always the case, these things sometimes happen and you have to be prepared. I've since removed anything remotely similar to glass within his reach, but still, you can never know what they'll get into.

Good Luck :)

Answer 3

The fact that you are giving the matter some thought bodes well for you skills as a cat owner. The cat will quickly get used to your comings and goings and they are quite self sufficient so the time you are out shouldn't be a problem. I've never tried one of those radio controlled cat flaps but I have never yet had a cat that was prepared to keep a collar on for more than about 3 days. Some people have more success in that area.

Providing you can afford to keep your cat including any potential medical expenses (don't forget to factor in regular de fleaing, de worming, injections etc) I think you'll make a great cat owner.

Answer 4

Thats Sounds Completly Fine! As Cats Are Mostly Independant Thy Keep Themselves Occupied Throughout The Day, But Are Happy To Have Company. If You Get A Cat It Will Soon Get Used To Your Routine nd May Even Start Greeting You At The Door Like A Dog (My Cat Does That) During The Week We Are All Out From Around 8am-4pm. She Always Greats Us At The Door And Likes A Fuss, But Shes Very Happy. I Think You Would Make A Brilliant Cat Owner xXx

Answer 5

8:15am to 3:30pm seems like a reasonable time. If you live in the city... I do not recommend letting your cat outside, so I would be against getting a cat flap. Your cat could get hit by a car or be tormented by people!! When cats are domesticated... they usually see humans as Ally's.... and that could be dangerous for your cat when they encounter a spiteful teenager that's passing. Your cat will be quit entertained by simply being able to look outside and get a little fresh air by keeping the window cracked. If the cat ever goes outside.... I believe you should be right there to keep them safe!!

Answer 6

It doesn't matter how long you work, as long as the cat has food, water, a bed, and some toys it can play with by itself. If you're still a little worried about it, get a cat that is naturally solitary. There are some cats that will just love you and cry when you're gone, and those probably wouldn't be the best cat for you. But some will be as aloof as wild birds and won't mind it when you're gone. You can ask a cat breeder, or go online to find out which ones do which.

Answer 7

I leave my cats alone between 8 and 5 every weekday. They're fine, they sleep while I'm gone (cats sleep A LOT). Even when I'm home on the weekend they still sleep most of the time.

I do not let my cats go outside, it's too dangerous.

You should get your new cat spayed or neutered if it isn't already.

Please do not get a cat if you're only planning on having it short term. Cats can live for 20 years, it's a big commitment. You might also look into getting vet insurance or putting away a set amount of money each month to save for medical emergencies or vet bills.

Answer 8

We can leave our cats for 4-5 days when we go out of town, and I swear they don't even notice we're gone. (Normally I'm home most of the day, but if I leave it doesn't phase them.) They're two of the most social cats I've ever seen, but they still don't mind being alone. I think your work schedule would be fine. I wouldn't get a dog, but a cat should be perfectly happy.

I'm a big believer in not letting the cats outside though. Indoor cats have much, much longer life expectancies than outdoor cats. Cars, dogs, other people, wild animals - all very dangerous to a domestic cat. My two are quite content being inside and using a litter box. I just make sure they have lots of toys to play with and keep themselves busy. Plus they can play with each other, or, when that's no fun, gang up on the dog.

EDIT: Like venus said, 2 cats are quite entertaining if you can manage it. They keep each other busy and they're hysterical to watch.

Answer 9

I think you'd make a purrfect cat owner cats are very independant creatures anyway and like to be on there own.So long as you leave food and water down for it whilst your at work it'll be fine. An adult cat would probably be better as a kitten may cause abit of trouble if it gets bored.If you feel a bit bad for leaving it when you go to work make a big fuss of it when you come home. Just remember you dont choose the cat the cat chooses you.

Answer 10

Well the good thing about cats is they're very independent and don't mind being left home alone alot. But I wouldn't let it outside because there's too many dangers out there unless you have a cattery built for it. It could be hit by a car, attacked by a dog or even taken. If you made a cattery that was locked then nobody could get to it and it would be safe. Just have to door lead to the cattery.