Considering acquisition of feliform companionship

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Admittedly only peripherally related to GAD, but since it relates to alleviating loneliness, I figured it might go here. Move as appropriate. That being said:

I'm considering getting a cat, but I have some concerns and the supposed expert opinions I'm encountering are frequently conflicting. I'd like some input.

I live alone and work 75%, so the cat would be alone in my apartment between 7:30 and 15:30 or so on weekdays. The breed I have in mind is consistently described as very intelligent, but with conflicting conclusions drawn from that fact; "cat is very intelligent, and thus needs to be challenged and stimulated, preferrably by a person or another cat" and "cat is very intelligent and will find ways to amuse itself independent of humans and other pets". It's also quite territorial, as cats are wont to be, so getting a companion cat might be an active detriment. I'd hate to get two pets and then have to make a choice between them. What are you experiences with cats, solo or in pairs, and how much more work would you say two cats is compared to one?

I know some things about cats.

1.) A cat will have no problem managing on its own for 8 hours. In fact, they are less active in the middle of the day so he'll scarcely know if you're gone.

2.) It's possible that if you get two kittens and they grow up together, they'll be friends. But don't count on it.

3.) Where you live, would it be possible for the cat to get outdoors? Is there any greenery in your neighborhood? I hold the contrarian view that cats should be allowed outside, one reason is:

4.) Cats will scratch furniture. Training them to not do is much easier said than done. But if the cat can go outside and scratch trees, you'll probably have less of a problem. Also male cats may have an issue with "spraying" even if neutered. Also the fur may get on your clothes esp. knit jumpers. There are gadgets you can get to help you clean it.

5.) Some people hate cats or are violently allergic to them. If you had the prospect of a woman moving in with you, having a cat could be a deal breaker.

6.) You should learn the proper way to maintain a litter box.

7.) Oh and there are lots of books on the topic. You should read at least one.

All that occurs to me ATM. I need to make my coffee (just 07:25 here).

The litter box is top priority. Get decent cat litter that “clumps” waste. You can use kitty litter to melt ice on driveways, too.

Your cat will probably instinctively learn how to use the litter box.

Leave both dry and wet food while you’re gone. And clean water.

Don’t get a longhair if you’re not really good at hands-on care.

Cats take awhile to get used to new surroundings.

One way they bond with you is going on your chest while you lie down.

I'm glad to hear that. It's kind of hard to know what counts as "alone for extended periods of time". It'd be some cruel irony to get a cat to alleviate loneliness, only to have the cat get lonely instead




Kittens/cats here are typically reserved and then actually move in when they're at least 3-4 months old, having then had their shots, been litterbox-trained and socialized with their siblings, parents and whetever else the breeder has at home. My fear was getting two young cats who then grow up a bit and the territorial instinct kicks in and they suddenly can't stand each other.




There is enough greenery around (plus a small grove of massive ancient oaks) that I'd be comfortable walking outside with the cat on a leash, but there is enough traffic around that I wouldn't let her out alone (plus I live on the third floor, so she couldn't come and go as she wished)



Very single right now, though that could be a consideration for the future.




Part of the reason I'll aim to get a female cat. That and all my prospective cat names are female. Cat will of course have one if not multiple scratching implements.




Forgot to mention, my parents have a cat, and I did help care for him when I lived at home and when they're travelling, so I know how to manage a litter box, cut claws and give medicine etc. The greater responsibility of cat ownership fell to my mother, so that's what I'm trying to get a grip on now.



Much obliged, and I hope your coffee was exellent.




Not a problem.



Of course. Will also see about getting one of those toys that dispense food if you bap it the right way. Plus a water fountain so the water flows.



I think the breed I'm looking at is considered a semi-longhair, but with a particularly low-maintenance coat. Hands-on care not really a problem.

EDIT: nope, it's a proper long-hair



Don't we all?




That sounds nice.

I definitely think you should consider getting a cat. They are wonderful companions. I am a lifelong cat lover and can attest to the fact that they are great pets. What breed is the cat you intend to get? Is it a Siamese type?

I've fallen more than a little in love with the Turkish Angora. They seem like they can be pretty intense and demanding, but I mean...look at them!



Theyre supposedly the origin of the long-hair gene in domestic cats, owing to their heritage as wild mountain cats.

Would LOVE to have a kitty companion , grew up around them . Hard learned lesson was my allergy.
Now learned alittle more about a wooded environment .. and learnt about ticks and fleas . Could not be outside . I miss Whiskers .

So sad. I'm sorry!

@Wolfram87 you seem well qualified to keep a cat. I would just be hesitant about getting two. One should be enough. Good luck!

Gorgeous cat, Wolfram! I know why you're so in love with that breed.

wondering here if i could find out if am allergic to a Lynx .. they are pretty .. same dander as a feline. .? MAYBE NOT .? Plus i would n-t worry about it getting mauled by another cat? Prolly eats too much food ?
Do cats help you to remember to feed yourself ? Vicariously?

I've fallen more than a little in love with the Turkish Angora. They seem like they can be pretty intense and demanding, but I mean...look at them!



Beautiful kitty ! I have 2 ragdoll cats - highly intelligent, and their fur is that of a rabbits'. They are very dog-like in that they follow you everywhere you go. I created an outdoor kitty condo for them via a tunnel running from the laundry to a safe enclosure outdoors. They have "World's Best Cat Litter" which clumps well, and two litter trays, one upstairs, the other in the laundry ...
Omega Paw Self Cleaning Litter Tray

I had a Turkish Van, similar but short hair. He was an awesome cat but impossible to keep inside.

We adopted an older cat. She was ten or so when she moved in with us. We believe she is an Angora. She is so very, very soft. I’ve never felt another like her! She is black and white with bright green eyes. Ive never met a cat as clever either and I had cats for the first thirty odd years of my life. She likes my husband best and sleeps on his chest. Her original owner had her declawed. I think she would be quite the climber if she had claws. She is always looking up at things. She can’t claw her way up, but she sure can jump. We love her so much.

Very Large Smile...!

She sounds like an adorable cat.

Declawing is a barbaric act and I'm glad it's illegal here in Australia. Whenever I see people on Facebook talk about getting their cats declawed, I tell them what I think of them.

I can't help but think I'd get two young kitties were I the OP. They keep each other amused during the day and will probably sleep curled up together. It's more expensive, yes, but I think worth it.

Thank you all for your input! I am now on the mailing list for a litter of Angoras planned for early 2020 or so.