Cats in flats!

[NinjaPony]

Looking to pick some HHO brains about adding a cat to my life. I love cats, always have done, and was devoted to my childhood cat-still have his picture on my bedside table. I now live alone in a ground-floor one bed flat and given that I think I may lose my beloved horse sooner rather than later, am thinking I could really use some furry companionship. Currently working from home and this is unlikely to change for the next 6 months, but could end up back in the office some days a week after that.

So, I'm having a debate about what kind of cat/where to find said cat/what set up for a cat. I want to keep it indoors, I don't have a garden currently but next flat I would look for a small garden I could turn into a catio or similar. Ideally, it would need to tolerate the presence of a small cat-friendly dog when she comes to visit occasionally, and be able to be left alone if/when I have to go back to work.

So I'm currently researching options. In many ways an older cat would suit, but I worry about health issues and being able to cope with a small dog every now and again. A kitten would get the benefit of me being at home all day at the moment. Not sure I have room for two cats so it would have to live alone at least for now.

Then we have the pedigree vs rescue debate. Would love to rescue in theory, but I'm not sure any of the rescues would rehome to me as I need an indoor cat and I rent. Should point out that I have a pet policy written into the tenancy, and would obviously double check with the landlord before going ahead. If something happened, then my mum would happily take on the cat for a few months if needed.

I definitely don't want to give money to backyard breeders, and also not convinced giving money to various 'breeders' of moggy kittens is ethical when there are so many in rescue. So should I try a rescue, or stump up the money for a pedigree? Would the average cat cope being indoors? My moggy boy ended up becoming indoors after he had diabetes, but there is a school of thought that the pedigrees tend to cope better in general.

If pedigree, then any breed suggestions? Ideally would like something fairly laid-back and low energy, given that it will be indoors in a flat for the time being (lots of play, stimulation etc of course). I've always been fond of russian blues but they are hard to get hold of!

All cat related thoughts and pictures welcome!

 

[Arzada]

Indoor/fenced in cats are available from rescue centres https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/fiv-cats. I would opt for an older cat who can't live with other cats rather than have a lone kitten. Could your cat have a separate safe room when the small dog visits?

 

[NinjaPony]

Yes, cat can go in another room no problem. I am very reluctant to take on an FIV cat... only because my last cat's condition (diabetes) was so upsetting and stressful that I really don't want a cat with known pre-existing health conditions. Obviously all pets can become unwell and develop problems, but I would rather start with a clean sheet, particularly given that both my horses have serious long term health issues.

 

[Chippers1]

I have a Ragdoll in my flat, he's indoors only and he does spend a lot of time sleeping (even when i'm here!) but does have zoomies most days
I've had him since a kitten and he's always been indoor, he's happy to sit on my balcony but if i let him out the front he won't go out unless i am watching him. If he sees i've gone back inside he comes running in!
I wanted a rescue but as I wanted to keep the cat indoor I wasn't able to get one.
Ragdolls are full of personality, mine likes to sleep on his back. There's a few people on here with ragdolls but here's a couple of pics

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

My mum got the best of both worlds, a pedigree British shorthair from our local rescue center , rescues do sometimes have cats that need to be indoor only and dont always have problems.

I got my two moggies as kittens from a rescue, they are totally fine when I go out to work (although they do have a cat flap to do as they please), as is my mums house cat.

 

[ihatework]

I would be very very reluctant to get a kitten. If it turned out to be the more active adventurous type then restriction to a small flat would be utter hell for it and you.

Id go to the rescues and tell them of your set up and let them offer adult cats suitable for you. It may be an older cat or it might just be a lazy lap cat or one that has come from an indoor situation and is happy in that set up

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Sometimes breeders sell off their ex breeding queens to indoor homes only. For a laid back cat I can recommend British Shorthairs or Exotics which is BSHxPersian. My two rescue girls were indoor cats only and although they do now go outside all they really do is bask in the sun. I initially had a catpatio for them but at 14 & 15 they no longer need it. My avatar is Holly the BSH I lost in May aged 17, as you can see completely horizontal ?

 

[HufflyPuffly]

Another vote for a Ragdoll they are the best, Huffle is happy to be curtailed to either indoors or out the back where she can't get out. The only times she bounces out of the front door (because she's naughty!) all she does is bounce round my garden and then come back in.

However, she does adore the other cats especially Squirrel so I would agree that an adult cat would be better if you cannot have two.

My aim is for Squirrel to remain an indoor/ none roaming cat too but I fear she is way more adventurous than Huffle so I'll have to wait and see how happy she will be to remain a house cat...

 

[Shady]

Really good answers already , especially LL's regarding rehoming an ex breeding queen . I would possibly think twice about an ex stud though as sometimes they continue to spray despite neutering .
Most good breeders now actually prefer their kittens to go to indoor homes. I personally have no problem with this as long as the cat is not just stuck on it's own ALL day .
Definitely Ragdolls or British/ Persian/ /exotics for indoor choices if you want lazy pedigree breeds. I;m going to add though that another Russian Blue would be an excellent choice as they are very loving and adore their owner but are very self contained cats so don't actually mind being left alone or being an only cat. You could contact the Russian Blue Association and have a chat with them. If the person in charge knows their stuff they will put you in touch with either a good breeder for a kitten or certainly a breeder who may have a female they are retiring. A good breeder will retire a queen at between 5-7 ish years old so you would get a young cat that has always lived indoors.
http://www.russianblue.org.uk/index.htm

Otherwise, yes, an older cat that has lived in. There will certainly be quite a few in the rescue centers so I would start phoning some and put your case to them.

PS. If you go for the super lazy breeds there is nothing to stop you having 2, just buy a couple of activity centers, mine absolutely love them....... Zooplus....just sayin. x

 

[FinnishLapphund]

There is of course individual differences, but in general, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and several other types of purebred cats are usually very happy to be indoors only. Whereas for example a Moggy, Abyssinian, or Norwegian Forest Cat, is more likely to also want to be able to go out.

If you want a cat who is likely to accept that dogs might visit it's home, I suggest either looking for an adult cat who has grown up living in a home with dogs, or a kitten from a cat breeder who also is a dog owner (make sure to ask about if the kitten have actually spent time around the dog, my Cornish Rex Berta came from a dog owning cat breeder, it was only afterwards I realised her Poodle hadn't been allowed to be on the same floor in the house as the kittens).
You might need to spend a bit longer time looking for a new cat which fits this criteria, but if you regularly have one or more dogs which visits your home, it will be well worth it.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Hopefully a helpful video about catify-ing your house/flat.

 

[Shady]

Hopefully a helpful video about catify-ing your house/flat.

Some good tips there
Not sure about the large vase perched on the edge of the cupboard or the litterbox in the corner of the front room though!
And what's with the flower spray..lol

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Shady, interesting you mention the blue.
I have what is either possibly a long haired Russian blue or Nebelung. A local pedigree breeder and importer/exporter of both said it would be interesting to DNA him. However, whatever E cat is, he is the most intelligent cat I've had, usually quiet in the house except for full out stair racing or beating his fluffy mouse up. Hes very easy to handle, adores lap sitting, easy to brush out too.
He now does a perfect straight recall in house or garden, with usually a good square sit to follow, thus showing up P dog... ?
Edited to add photo of E cat.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Some good tips there
Not sure about the large vase perched on the edge of the cupboard or the litterbox in the corner of the front room though!
And what's with the flower spray..lol

You mean you don't spray your house daily with flower smells?! Yes, some of the tips are better than others.

Oh I should add to the OP - don't get a Burmese. Seriously do not get a Burmese ever, ever, ever. No-one should get one as they are just the worst, they are little Hellcats, the dregs of the pits of the inferno and you will love them anyway. They will destroy your home, rule your life and render you a pitiful servant. You will forgive it all and then offer them freshly cooked chicken on a silver platter.

*I still miss our little Burmese Hellion*

 

[P3LH]

Prepare for exceptions is all I’d say. I currently have two indoor cats after years of having outdoor, I simply got sick of losing them to roads or in the last case poisoning, which was heartbreaking.

I currently have a British blue x (her mum was a british shorthair, and dad a marauding moggy who broke into the house when she was in season and thus Pearl became) who is the most laidback cat and happy indoors. She really is the most chilled creature ever.

Then I have Willow who is a silver Birman (a bimbo bred really just to be pretty, who has a chinchillia Persian grandparent to bring the silver gene into the line)She isn’t laid back as the breed is supposed to be, and has escaped out of windows once or twice as is far too curious. Her breeder can never believe it as in general, they are super chilled house cats. She is also a chronic wire chewer too, and trashes everything with zoomies when she has the chance.

 

[asmp]

Daughter recently acquired a cat from Cat s Protection. She’s 11 years old and although she has the use of a cat flap as DD lives in a maisonette, shes not really interested in going out. CP wouldn’t dismiss you if you live in a flat.

 

[NinjaPony]

Wow thanks for all the detailed and well-informed answers. Much appreciated food for thought! Both ragdolls are beautiful!

I think in an ideal world, I would adopt an adult pedigree that is happy to live alone and is used to living indoors. Then I will know if it will be laid-back and happy to fit in with my lifestyle.

Ideally I'd have two, I just don't think the flat is big enough and I think it's important for them to have their own space apart. Once I move on to a bigger flat eventually then I may add in a second, if the cat would be ok with that.

I would be very happy to take on a retired ex-breeding cat if suitable, or rehome a pedigree through the breed welfare groups. I think if I go down the pedigree route then that is the way to go, and I would stick to Birman/Ragdoll/British Shorthair. I think what I really want is a Russian Blue-thanks for the extra info Shady-because that description of them fits exactly into what I think would work for me.

I will mention teeny dog to anyone I speak to-she's not there week in week out, it's just occasional and she is very submissive to cats and only weighs 4 kilos. But certainly wouldn't want to have a cat that turned out to be terrified of dogs, that wouldn't be fair on the cat.

So I'll get in contact with the RB breed organisation and have a chat, I'll also speak to a few local rescues in case they have any suitable cats. I'm not in a huge hurry, I'm just aware that whilst I'm home working, that is the ideal time to be settling a cat in. Plus cat-hunting is a really good distraction from everything else...

 

[BeckyFlowers]

I own a two-bed ground floor flat and I had my Daisy here, however she was outdoors-indoors. I'm sorry to go against what everyone else has said, but I think it's cruel to keep an indoor-only cat in a small flat - personally, I think it's bad enough to keep indoor cats in a house, but to keep them confined to a flat is, IMO, not acceptable. Even older cats like to go for a little stroll outside in nicer weather. There may be the odd one who will genuinely be content with being confined to such a small space, much like there may be the odd horse who seems happy to be stabled 24/7 (or "institutionalised" as I prefer to call it) but I can't imagine they're the norm.

You also have to think that you can't have your doors and windows open (obvs windows can be opened a small amount) in case the cat gets out. For me, I couldn't cope with not being able to have my doors open in the summer. I'm assuming you own your flat, or have cleared it with a landlord if you rent.

I would wait until you move to a bigger flat with outdoor space until you get a cat if I were you.

 

[honetpot]

My daughter has just got rag doll kitten from a breeder and it is a delight, and will stay indoors. They live to loll. Her last cat is part bred Siamese, living in a flat was driving her mad, and the only time she let her out she went and hid in a car engine bay, so she came to live with us for the summer and stayed. She is now a country cat, its still odd to see her hunting in the paddocks, but she comes in about dusk and stays in overnight.
I can understand why people indoors, they are now so expensive, and our last long haired cat, anyone could pick her up. She would go outside and lie on the footpath at school turn out time so people would stroke her, and her how lovely she was.

 

[Shady]

Prepare for exceptions is all I’d say. I currently have two indoor cats after years of having outdoor, I simply got sick of losing them to roads or in the last case poisoning, which was heartbreaking.

I currently have a British blue x (her mum was a british shorthair, and dad a marauding moggy who broke into the house when she was in season and thus Pearl became) who is the most laidback cat and happy indoors. She really is the most chilled creature ever.

Then I have Willow who is a silver Birman (a bimbo bred really just to be pretty, who has a chinchillia Persian grandparent to bring the silver gene into the line)She isn’t laid back as the breed is supposed to be, and has escaped out of windows once or twice as is far too curious. Her breeder can never believe it as in general, they are super chilled house cats. She is also a chronic wire chewer too, and trashes everything with zoomies when she has the chance.

Absolutely gorgeous and I know both breeds very well
It doesn't surprise me at all that the Birman is not that laid back despite the Chinchilla blood. Iv'e had 4 Birmans and none were laid back, far from it, and the male had a serious badass attitude. If you locked the cat flap he'd back up to the door and kick the sh*t out of it!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

RE indoor cats. My sister keeps hers inside due to living by a busy road and it is more successful than I would have guessed having grown up with indoor/outdoor cats. Her terrace is tiny and if it was mine I would catify it more, however the temperament of her cats means that it works. Anyway, due to that I have become more open to the idea of indoor cats in small homes depending on the cat (it wouldn't suit my cat who is very timid inside - long story). Having the windows and doors shut is something that I would also struggle with. It doesn't appear to bother my sister though.

 

[P3LH]

Absolutely gorgeous and I know both breeds very well
It doesn't surprise me at all that the Birman is not that laid back despite the Chinchilla blood. Iv'e had 4 Birmans and none were laid back, far from it, and the male had a serious badass attitude. If you locked the cat flap he'd back up to the door and kick the sh*t out of it!

She has serious attitude. Her favourite game is wrestling with the corgi.

 

[Shady]

Wow thanks for all the detailed and well-informed answers. Much appreciated food for thought! Both ragdolls are beautiful!

I think in an ideal world, I would adopt an adult pedigree that is happy to live alone and is used to living indoors. Then I will know if it will be laid-back and happy to fit in with my lifestyle.

Ideally I'd have two, I just don't think the flat is big enough and I think it's important for them to have their own space apart. Once I move on to a bigger flat eventually then I may add in a second, if the cat would be ok with that.

I would be very happy to take on a retired ex-breeding cat if suitable, or rehome a pedigree through the breed welfare groups. I think if I go down the pedigree route then that is the way to go, and I would stick to Birman/Ragdoll/British Shorthair. I think what I really want is a Russian Blue-thanks for the extra info Shady-because that description of them fits exactly into what I think would work for me.

I will mention teeny dog to anyone I speak to-she's not there week in week out, it's just occasional and she is very submissive to cats and only weighs 4 kilos. But certainly wouldn't want to have a cat that turned out to be terrified of dogs, that wouldn't be fair on the cat.

So I'll get in contact with the RB breed organisation and have a chat, I'll also speak to a few local rescues in case they have any suitable cats. I'm not in a huge hurry, I'm just aware that whilst I'm home working, that is the ideal time to be settling a cat in. Plus cat-hunting is a really good distraction from everything else...

Reference RB's
Because I like to have a little look at what's what in the UK cat world I was immediately by the price of kittens and I would want to tread very very carefully if I was considering one. Anything connected to pets4homes etc would be ignored completely and I would look for somebody recommended who's been around a while and isn't having many litters. Absolutely start with the RB Association.

 

[P3LH]

For years I was firmly against indoor cats, but these two mentally are very well adjusted and (I think!) live a very fulfilled life.

The last casualty to outdoors was possibly my favourite cat ever, a huge ginger Tom called Maxwell. He was born here and the friendliest soul with an infamous reputation in the area. He walked with the dogs and I, would knock the letterbox when he wanted to come in, would come to the pub with me, and filled the feeds of many local folks Instagram seeing him trotting along behind me and the dogs.
i helped him into this world and he honestly was the most loyal and doglike cat I’ve ever met. He died in my arms after dragging himself all the way up the garden from where he collapsed at the bottom, fitted and bled from his mouth, eyes, nose and back passage. I couldn’t understand what had happened so had the vets do what they could to investigate further. They deduced poisoning via antifreeze, whether accidental or not who knows.

I was cat less for two years and it was actually a chat with our vet who, after all these years, is a good family friend now that encouraged me to get these two.

 

[BeckyFlowers]

For years I was firmly against indoor cats, but these two mentally are very well adjusted and (I think!) live a very fulfilled life.

The last casualty to outdoors was possibly my favourite cat ever, a huge ginger Tom called Maxwell. He was born here and the friendliest soul with an infamous reputation in the area. He walked with the dogs and I, would knock the letterbox when he wanted to come in, would come to the pub with me, and filled the feeds of many local folks Instagram seeing him trotting along behind me and the dogs.
i helped him into this world and he honestly was the most loyal and doglike cat I’ve ever met. He died in my arms after dragging himself all the way up the garden from where he collapsed at the bottom, fitted and bled from his mouth, eyes, nose and back passage. I couldn’t understand what had happened so had the vets do what they could to investigate further. They deduced poisoning via antifreeze, whether accidental or not who knows.

I was cat less for two years and it was actually a chat with our vet who, after all these years, is a good family friend now that encouraged me to get these two.

That's so sad, I'm really sorry to hear that happened, I would have been inconsolable.

 

[Shady]

You mean you don't spray your house daily with flower smells?! Yes, some of the tips are better than others.

Oh I should add to the OP - don't get a Burmese. Seriously do not get a Burmese ever, ever, ever. No-one should get one as they are just the worst, they are little Hellcats, the dregs of the pits of the inferno and you will love them anyway. They will destroy your home, rule your life and render you a pitiful servant. You will forgive it all and then offer them freshly cooked chicken on a silver platter.

*I still miss our little Burmese Hellion*

Lol MC , remember yonks back when I mentioned i'd had a wonderful lilac Burmese? my Lili Lucia
Oh wow was she a horror when young. She was like a wild thing and just trashed everything. Shredded wallpaper, curtains, blinds. She chewed the corners of doors and all the wires she could find. She'd also sit on top of doors and cupboards and throw herself off them onto your head .
I honestly don't know how I coped with her AND she went out back then
After about a year she turned into the most wonderful cat iv'e probably ever had ,but I don't think I would have another !!

 

[Shady]

She has serious attitude. Her favourite game is wrestling with the corgi.

My boy used to go in people's houses and sleep on their pillows. Unfortunately he wouldn't budge once settled and clapping your hands or shouting at him did absolutely fekk all except make him do his don't mess with me face !
So many times a neighbour would ask me to come and get him off their bed/sofa/clean washing......oops

 

[Shady]

Shady, interesting you mention the blue.
I have what is either a long haired Russian blue or Nebelung. A local pedigree breeder and importer/exporter of both said it would be interesting to DNA him. However, whatever E cat is, he is the most intelligent cat I've had, usually quiet in the house except for full out stair racing or beating his fluffy mouse up. Hes very easy to handle, adores lap sitting, easy to brush out too.
He now does a perfect straight recall in house or garden, with usually a good square sit to follow, thus showing up P dog... ?
Edited to add photo of E cat.
View attachment 56407

Ooh lovely
I'd have to look at a few more pics but it's possible he's a long haired British blue ,at least in part, not quite right though if I look at the eyes...
He doesn't look quite right for a Nebelung / Russian blue ( they are the same) either as they are not too common and the head is too chunky, ears too small and possibly too big in the body although obviously I can't see it here!
Id love to see some better photo's . He has an excellent angry expression. I like him a lot ! x

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Ooh lovely
I'd have to look at a few more pics but it's possible he's a long haired British blue ,at least in part, not quite right though if I look at the eyes...
He doesn't look quite right for a Nebelung / Russian blue ( they are the same) either as they are not too common and the head is too chunky, ears too small and possibly too big in the body although obviously I can't see it here!
Id love to see some better photo's . He has an excellent angry expression. I like him a lot ! x

Here you go, the last one was 2 nights ago and his face was still sore having had 3 teeth out on Friday, note his sister from other parents with feet in the air....
He was dumped at the local RSPCA in Sept 18 aged about 7 and entire. I've always had hairy cats (and moan about the hair!) And he had been there for a good 6 weeks when I saw him.
Apart from punching P dog once, he's been a v good chap to have about, apart from thieving cake or any meat left out...
Breed was just guessed at, and he was (till the last 2 weeks) a very healthy fit 7.5kg

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Berta, my Cornish Rex, would happily live in a not too small one room flat, as long as it comes with a warm bed, preferably a south facing window, a tall cat tree, and not so crowded so she can't have an occasional random crazy, very short sprint around the room.
Add plenty of food, a lap to lie in for some hours here and there, + water, litter box, some catnip toys, and occasionally some cat grass so she can throw up on your only carpet/in your cosy slippers or similar, and I'm sure she would not complain.

Or well, she would complain, but not about the lack of space, without about that the day is cloudy, that she's awake and you haven't given her breakfast, that you've changed from the warm Winter down duvet to a cooler Summer duvet, and similar such much more important things.

Honestly, as long a she's warm, and can sun bath in a window on a sunny day (preferably until her ears reaches luminous red in colour), Berta is as happy as a cat can ever be. By the way, she would very much appreciate another cat to lie close to, to help her keep warm.

Here she is, emerging from under a fleece blanket: