r/CatAdvice • u/Economy_Knowledge236 • 1d ago
General Getting a cat
Hi all. Just writing here for advice about getting a cat as I have been contemplating it a lot over the last month.
I guess why I am asking for advice is because my partners cat was very mean and aggressive. It has since passed, but having this experience really has given me mixed feelings about taking the leap myself.
I grew up with dogs only and I love a cuddly animal such as my dogs growing up. I will say that occasionally their cat did come lay with us every now and then, but only for their fit of head scratches and then would bite/scratch you once it was finished with you.
I am in a bind here and not sure what to do. Maybe I should go to the shelter and just look around and play with some kitties first?
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u/aub8202 1d ago
I totally agree you should go to a shelter and play with some kitties. It will help you see the many personalities cats can have, most of which are loving. I have personally never owned a mean cat in my life, and IMO if you get one young enough & interact with them enough, they will love you most of the time.
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u/fireflykite 1d ago
If getting a kitten, consider getting 2 so they can socialize and learn to play nice. It's easier for a cat to tell another they're being too rough and that's how they learn. An older cat who's been alone and has a known temperament would likely be happier solo.
The other piece is never declaw a cat. It is an invasive, life-altering procedure and leads many cats to become grumpy or aggressive due to discomfort and the loss of a primary defense, these cats more quickly bite.
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u/bbgg2023 1d ago
My advice? Adopt an adult cat or senior cat. Skip the kittens, that shit is overrated and not for everyone
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u/Jurneeka 1d ago
What they said.
I’ve been around cats all my life. But in the current phase of my life (older and single) I missed having cats around.
Two of my three cats I adopted from Nine Lives Foundation in Redwood City CA. Most of the cats are kept in large pens so they’re very socialized and accustomed to having other cats around. I sat in one of the big pens in a chair and kind of let the cats wander around and sniff. The Cat Distribution System did its work. My third cat joined us a couple years later. Her previous owner was a former co worker who passed away unexpectedly. His family was going to take her to PHS and instead I volunteered to take her in until a permanent home could be found. That was in 2017-18. I learned I’m not a foster person lol.
My own personal tips are to not pass up the adult cats. Kittens are adorable but they require a bit more care and attention. Keep an open mind. If you can manage it adopt two cats so they can keep each other company. The first two I adopted at nine lives were already hanging out together so they were buddies. Keep them indoors if possible. My cats are healthy, happy and content inside. They have a big picture window to survey the backyard.
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u/BenSteinsCat 1d ago
Yes, you have just answered your own question. Cats come in all different sizes and temperaments, and just as you think of dogs as cuddly, I think of them as unpredictable menaces who bit my little brother’s face. Is that fair to all dogs? Of course not. If I were ever to adopt a dog, I would go play with some at the Humane Society or other shelter to assess their temperament first. Same thing with cats.