ChatterBank2 mins ago
Kitten
I think it's obvious from this question that my family had dogs when I was growing up and I've never owned a cat and want to get it right. Many thanks!
Answers
No best answer has yet been selected by Drusilla. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I would recommend going to a cat shelter, why pay loads of money for a pedigree when there are kittens needing a good home? Also moggys are less likely to have genetic / inherent problems caused by in breeding. It doesnt really matter if it's make or female, just make sure you get it neutered! You dont want kittens coming out of your ears lol (or to be responsible for loads of kittens in the neighbourhood) I have 2 cats though I used to have 4 :-( and they are lovely pets! Good luck and enjoy x x
Since you've never had a cat before please check out the website below
http://www.catsinternational.org/
I advocate getting a shelter or rescue animal also, ( I also try to educate persons to keep their cats indoors), when you get a cat from a breeder another cat at the shelter dies. There are plenty that need homes. Check out the website it has an amazing collection of articles which can educate you and help you with which one to get, male or female. Good Luck.
Try getting in touch with your local branch of the Cats Protection League.
They have plenty of kittens and cats that need good homes - from moggies to pedigrees, black to white, ginger to grey.....
I have over the years adopted cats from the CPL and find it so rewarding taking on a cat that nobody else wants. Follow this link: www.cats.org.uk/
The CPL will be able to offer you good free advice.
As for genetic problems with ginger toms, having owned a ginger moggie and ginger pedigree (Maine ****) I can say they had no genetic problems, but both had strong personalities.
All the very best. Let us know how you get on.xx
Just to add to all the other very sensible answers - please consider if you could take 2 cats or kittens. It's honestly no more trouble than having 1 and (especially if they are kittens) they will find it a comfort to have each other in the first few days of settling in. They are also really cute when they play together and snuggle up together.
Moggies are the best in my humble opinion - some of the breeds can have health/personality problems (eg Persians have trouble with eyes and noses because of their short noses). We have 2 tabbies and a ginger and white, all rescue cats, and they make our life complete.
I wish you all the best for your family and your new cat(s) - once you've had a cat you'll never want to be without one again, but be prepared for them to take over your life!
Love from Delilahcat.