Cats in Flats

RE: Cats in Flats

I have 3 cats, ant dec and shadow. I have had shadow 9 years and I got him as I worked in a homeless project and someone that a resident knew was going into a hostel and shadow was going to be put down.
My other 2 ant and dec I got from the shelter. I also live in a busy scheme right on a bus route.
My cats dont get out and they are as happy cats as I have seen any.
Better indoors than having to be put to sleep, I wouldnt be without any of them.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

Jasper,

My other half brought a cat up from home when he moved to London for uni 7 years ago. He was a rescue cat andhas neverventure out much- even when he has the opportunity. We got a companion for him two years ago- I thought our flat would be too small but they really make it a home. There's nothing better to come home to and of course stroking animals is a proven stress reliever.

So from my experience, I do not think it is 'cruel' to keep cats in flats - everyone who visits comments that our cats, especially the little one, are the happiest, most content cats they have ever met!

Follow your heart and good luck with your decision,

Love, Bambam

RE: Cats in Flats

Ps Pauline - your kitties have great names!

RE: Cats in Flats

Would love to take the credit for it but no, shadow was shadow when I got him and ant and dec were named by the girl in the shelter and it stuck.
Thing is, ant and dec are from the same litter, they are so close, they are like a mirror image of each other, one is black and white, the other white and black and they arent identical but as close as you can get, sometimes they are like sitting on the same chair and they turn round and look at you and its like aaarrrgggghhh, spooky twins
My mum has 7, boysie, fluffy, rosie, big man, scooter, tiny and squeak, my brother says its like living in a Hitchcock movie, everywhere you turn, theres a cat hanging off one ledge or another.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

I shall be looking after 2 cats who are flat bound next week, the flat would shame Harrods pet dept for equipment for the cats, they have everything and seem very happy well cared for well loved pets. In fact a lot of the cats I 'sit' for are housebound pets, but I would suggest you have 2.

RE: Cats in Flats

I had shadow 7 years before ant and dec and while he was happy, he is REALLY happy now.
He has another 2 to chase and they keep each other company while I am at work.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

and when I got my cat ant, he was so shy, honestly he hid for about 2 days and he had these hiding places where no one could find him and at the moment hes now sitting on my knee purring and having a cuddle.
You could rescue a cat from a shelter and what a difference you will make. I remember saying to my mum, how am I going to cope with 3 cats, 2 years on, I would not be without the 2 wee additions.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

Feel a little better now I know some of you do keep cats in flats and they are still happy. I think we will get one, wait unitl the right one comes along.

Thought about geting one from a rescue homebut didn't know if they would let us have one because of the living situation.

One of my cats back at home was from the Blue Cross and I couldn't have asked for a nicer cat - he's got such a funny personailty and wouldn't hurt a fly, very brave aswell, bless him.

J 🙂

RE: Cats in Flats

I got mine from the SSPCA, I know that it didnt matter to them if I lived in a flat. I also tried to foster cats from cats protection but they wouldnt allow me because I didnt have a garden.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

Hi,

I just wanted to add that although Im sure there are some very happy flat cats about you should consider that the cat you get may not be happy, my cat is a very active and outdoor's cat, she only comes in when it's raining or at night we call her in, it's lovely to see her curled up in the bushes or stalking flies across the grass, she would go crazy if she was in a flat and even complain's if I shut the back door because she likes to decide what she is having, I think the optimum environment for any animal would involve some outdoor time.

Having said that my sisters 2 cats live in the house and venture our very rarely even though they have access to outside, possibly your best avenue would be to contact the cat rescue centres to find a cat needing a home who has come from a similar environment.

From past experience I think the most important thing is to think about whether you are getting a pet because you want to offer a suitable home to one, or that you just want to get a pet.

Good Luck

RE: Cats in Flats

Would it be possible to move your own cats in?

RE: Cats in Flats

The thing is, though cats adapt, I dont know the history of my wee 2 cats but I know that shadow did get out before he came to me but I have no option but to keep them in due to living in a flat and on a busy road.
Mine dont mind being in at all. Theres nothing wrong in wanting a pet to keep you company in my opinion, maybe you could look in a shelter for an older cat who is having trouble being rehomed.
Theres always someone who would be glad of the love and attention you could give.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

Could never take my other cats from my parents home. They are settled there and I know one of themwould freakif he couldn't go outside. Plus I think my Mum would disown me if I took them away.

I think we have desided to go for a cat that wouldbe ok indoors, such as a breed of cat or one that's been re-homed and wont want to go outside.

I agree with Pauline, you can never give enough love to an animal and I believe that if you feel that way you deserve to keep one. I do also agree with Red Dragon though, in that maybe you shouldn't have an animal if you can not provide a suitable living situation. Hmmmmmmm........

J 😮

RE: Cats in Flats

The thing is, what is a suitable living situation, just because you are moving into a temporary flat doesnt necessarily mean that you cant have a cat in the meantime.
Its something I feel really strongly about, when I went to the SSPCA home I was heartbroken, honestly, there were 2 sets of 2 cats, I wanted a single cat but there were none and the other pair, not ant and dec, they had been ill and were waiting to be checked over by the vet so they couldnt go.
Just as well as I could not have chosen. Some people love animals and some dont, some are not horrible human beings to animals, just careless and they dont want an animal after the novelty has worn off.
I found a cat by the roadside 2 years ago as I have probably already said, she had been kicked out a car and my mum took her.
Another animal turned up on my mums doorstep literally starving to death and you should see him now, he is a big fat cat.
You will find the cat you are looking for and I am sure you will find an indoor cat that needs a home.
I dont know what some charities policies are on putting animals to sleep but I think, well I am so glad I made a difference to my 3. I have always had cats, have grown up with them, I moved out of my mums home 10 years ago and for 9 of those years I have had my big cat and there have been times in my life I have been glad he has been around, its a 2 way thing, you love them, they also love you back.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

WellI look after peoples cats for a living, and truly they vary, some are natural born hunters, but this can be addressed in an enclosed area, just make it exciting, and allow 3 dimensional living for the cat, cupboard tops wardrobe tops etc not being out of bounds, hide toys or nibbles in empty loo rolls etc, scratching posts etc.Be very carefully of electrics though, either unplug or no trailing leads anywhere.
But some cats are happy to bask and await their slaves return, but really as long as they have clean bedding, freshly provided food, and vet checks, and somewhere to play and loo all cats are quite happy.

RE: Cats in Flats

I think a flat is ok but a busy road is dangers.My sister had a cat but it did not live very long cause they lived in a busy road.It upset her loads when she was found dead on the road.I want acat but also live near a busy road so i will wait until l live somewhere a bit more quiet. from junior:D

RE: Cats in Flats

I think its great u want to rescue a cat! but i really think u should consider the situation. cats are outdoors animals by nature - they hunt, they prowl etc............ I know someone who has 2 "indoor cats" and they were NOT happy, she finally gave them away as she herself knew it........ when those cats were shown outdoor life - they flourished........

I know if i was a cat i wouldnt like to be shut in 24/7.. would u?

Anywho, good luck in your descision

RE: Cats in Flats

The thing is though, all our experiences are different. I have had my cat 9 years and he is basically the happiest cat anyone has ever seen, he has a really good temperament.
When I got him from the person I did, it was on the understanding that I give him back when the man was settled and he phoned to come and get him, for a 2 week trial run.
My cat was so distressed at being parted from me that he pined and didnt eat. Hes half persian and a big cat and when I got him back he was skinny and his coat was dull.
Hes settled here and so have my 2 wee ones, its just a matter of finding the right cat for you.

Pauline

RE: Cats in Flats

Pauline

Yes i agree with that, it is about finding the "right" cat

RE: Cats in Flats

We are going to see a British Blue tomorrow.

Have researched a lot about them over the past couple of days and we're going to see some kittens.

Will let you know how I get on.

J 😀

RE: Cats in Flats

Just wanted to put my 2p worth in .
I had a cat "doze" moved to various different homes with me in her 24 year life span with me , she died sadly over a year ago and i still miss her terribly.
she never went outside alone till i moved to the country as i lived in built up areas with speeding traffic and lived in flats , think i moved 6-7 times in all.
I took her out from the age of about 10 weeks on a lead ...........got some funny looks granted but she loved it and even in the last 3 years of her life she was fit and healthy and kittenlike , the vet could not believe just how so !!!!!!!!! she was wonderfull.
I think no matter where you live as long as your cat is above all else loved then they will be fine .
xx[sm=cat.gif][sm=cat.gif]

RE: Cats in Flats

Jasper, put those kittens down for tick and tell us!!!Go on , do!!!:D

RE: Cats in Flats

My ex and I had a kitten when I was in Sweden and he was an aboslute angel.. when he went through puberty he got up to a lot of mischief- scratching the walls to sharpen his claws, once he was spayed he fell back into good behaviour.

We now have three cats - two which were strays, seemingly abandoned cause they were pregnant - they didn't seem to be housetrained. They would climb on the kitchen surfaces and be a right pain although they were fine using a litter box, possibly learnt whilst in the cats home.

We kept them in for a number of months due to illness. When they went blind (having been outdoor cats again for some time we were given the option of brining them inside. For our two it would have been quite cruel cause when they were indoor cats they would sit in the window gazing out, desperate to go out and play. So we took a chance and let them stay out, this has worked out perfectly.

I agree with the people here, personally I think a cat with the choice is better - however a cat indoors, I'd say go for two.. so they can have company and socialise.. is preferable.

What we used to do with ours is take them for walks on a lead so they could get out, it worked really well. The one of them, Azriel, really took to the lead and still occasionally goes for walks with me, but without the lead.

If you give your cat lots of love and attention and maybe consider a cat which has already lived indoors if it's older, or a kitten then I think you'll have a much more gelled cat in the end and a much happier one.

Hope the kittens work out.. I daren't ever look at kittens for fear of wanting to bring them home!

RE: Cats in Flats

Well we went to see the British Blue's and aftersome thinking my boyfirend andI have desided to not only have one but 2 kittens.

When we went to visit there were a litter of 5 (1 boy and4 girls), there were 2 girls left, both gorgeous. The breeders were lovely and talked to us a lot about the British Blue breed. It just seemed perfect that there were 2 left and even though we had only ever gone there with the intention of possibly getting 1, when we saw them together it seem like it was meant to be for us to have them both.

I think we both feel a lot happier now that we know we are getting two and that they will have eachother. Also, from speaking to a lot of people to get different views I feel better about the whole thing. I know now from researching the breed that they will be ok living indoors.

The kittens will not be ready until the middle of September so we have some time to prepare our flat ready for the newbies. We're having the debates on names right now lol. In the future we hope to show them as they have grand champions from both generations. We may even breed them when the time is right.

All in all, we are both very happyand feel we have done the right thing. We're so looking forward to having them here with us, can't stop thinking and talking about them - telling everyone!

Will let you know how it all goes.

Thanks for all your posts, you've all been a great help.

J xx 🙂

RE: Cats in Flats

Hiya - Glad you have decided on two kittens instead of one - you will all have so much fun!!

My tuppence worth - I have just adopted a rescue cat called Morris who had been homed with Cats Protection League for 6 months - it has been a few hard days for him and us adjusting to each other but now we are all good - He has been here only 5 days and I can't imagine not having him now. He is 6 years old and VERY overweight. We live in High Flats and he wont be going out , but as this is what he is use to I hope it won't be a problem for him.

Pauline - The Cats Protection League must have changed policy now as I also live in high flats and they allowed me to adopt Morris - although they were very interested in my veranda and how much access Morris would have - they were concernec that he may jump but I have assured them that he will have access outside when we are around and not on his own.:D

Clare

RE: Cats in Flats

What a great thread! I have recently moved to a rented house with no garden and my daughter wanted to bring her 6yr old cat. He was used to going out in the garden whenever he wanted so we bought a lead and harness so that we could let him out for a walk in the evenings (we live on a very busy road). Unfortunately when trying the harness on in the house he kept managing to wriggle out of it so we knew we couldn't take the risk of taking him outside.
But he has settled into a new routine over the past month. He hasn't cried to be let out, is used to using a closed in cat tray (kept in the downstairs loo so sometimes we end up going together lol!). I bought some 'Kitty Grass' so he has a patch of real grass that he can chew on in the morning which helps with fur balls and lots of toys with catnip in that my daughter and I spend at least an hour during the day playing with him. The rest of the time he sleeps!!

The only problem is that his claws have become very sharp because of not climbing trees/walking on concrete etc. He is not keen on scratching posts so I'm not sure how to rig something up that he will use. Does anyone have any ideas, I would be grateful!

Love and light

reikiangel

xxx

RE: Cats in Flats

Hi Reikiangel,

An idea which worked for me, and I don’t know if this would be suitable for you, is that I got a big big branch and put it in a corner of the room. I slanted it sideways and upwards so that my cat could run up it to the top. I got the branch from someone who was pruning their huge trees. My cat loved it!

It is a bit like having a permament Christmas tree, but this was a tree for the cat. And he did sharpen his claws on it. I don’t know if this would work for you, but it did help my cat once when he had to stay in for months.

I had a big pot of grass too, with lots of catnip toys around.

From time to time I put something new for the cats to discover. All my cats do go out now, but at the moment they are fascinated with a big cardboard box in my living room, which we have put on its side with two table tennis balls in there. They also sit in the box and poke their paws through the handle holes at the side!

Another thing that one of my cats loves is a sort of den made out of newspaper. He likes the newspaper in a cave shape and then he dives in it, turns round and peeps out!

Love from Flit

RE: Cats in Flats

Thank you Flit for all your great ideas!! Will be on the lookout for a branch over the weekend (and some boxes lol!).

Love and light

reikiangel

xxx

RE: Cats in Flats

Well it's finally here - we are getting our 2 little kittens on Sunday! We are both so excited you wouldn't believe (like 2 kids at christmas).

Over the past couple of weeks we've turned our flat in to a "kitten friendly zone". We got a fantastic scratch post from Pets at home, it's huge and I know they will love it. Lots of toys, food and even a cardboard box lol!

I can't believe we are really getting them, I hope they like it with us and don't miss their mum and sisters too much. I will be so sad to take them away.

J xx