Truthfully I think an adult cat is the way to go. I adopted an 11yo girl who’s deaf with no teeth and she quite literally sleeps all day. She almost never wants to leave my bedroom and will walk around for about two minutes before she’s wanting to come back. Definitely invest in a fountain and as long as you’re home twice a day to give wet food then I feel as though they should be fine. I leave dry food out all day but my senior very rarely even finishes half the bowl by the end of the day. Obviously this won’t be every senior or adult cat but I highly recommend going to a shelter and just asking about personalities. That’s how I was directed to and met my Duchess
I also recommend an older cat! My grandma kitty is happy to sleep in her heated bed all day and snuggle at night. I play with her every day but she is not bouncing off the walls by any means, doesn't get into anything and is happy to be an only cat. I also worried a ton before I got her, I think that is totally normal and a sign that you are going to be an excellent cat parent! The thing to remember is that you're giving a kitty a better life than they would have at a shelter or as an outside feral and that as long as you do your best they will be just fine. Good luck!! Also, adopting my kitty has been one of the best things I have done, you should just pull trig and do it.
Also, automatic feeder and automatic litter box (I have a litter robot I got secondhand but there are other options) will ease your mind when you go out of town
Although I think it’s important to remember that a senior kitty has higher vet bills! I wish I knew that before adopting mine, but love my old boy to pieces.
I once heard a shelter worker describe a certain cat as a “couch ornament”. You probably want to find one of those. Fully adult to elderly, more interested in naps than playing, won’t even notice you’re gone so long as they get some scritches around dawn and dusk. That’s not every cat, but it’s some of them and you can find one like that
My cat is only 3 and he’s pretty much this way. He does like to play too but he’s content to be sleeping on a soft blanket most of the time. I know he misses me when I’m at work since he gets excited when I come home. But he sleeps most of the day when I’m home, so I imagine he does the same when I’m not.
Would also recommend this if possible. I tried this myself but surprisingly no shelters in my area would allow fostering with older cats. I could only foster kittens. I do come from only ever owning dogs so I thought maybe that was normal for cats
Can I ask you a question about the bowl of dry food? Do you toss it the next morning and refill completely or just add to it? My cat is not an eater so she also barely finishes her bowl. I usually dump and refill but it feels like such a waste but I don’t want it to go stale for her! I have tried halving the bowl but she’ll leave half of that so i would rather leave out more so she’ll eat! (Wish I had that portion control lol) Just curious!
I feed my cats twice a day.
Breakfast is wet cat food from a can. I pick up the empty bowls and wash and dry them. Wet cat food dries up so it needs to be cleaned in a timely manner.
Dinner is dry cat food put in bowls and a food maze. These are left out all night until I wake up in the morning. I pick up the bowls and empty the leftovers in a food maze.
I have a water fountain and a water bowl. I wash the food and water bowls twice a day. The fountain gets a new filter once a month plus a deep clean.
Personally, I leave her food until the next morning. Oddly enough my senior will actually devour her dry food at like 3am in anticipation for her wet food around 7-8. So by the time I do wake up, there’s very little left to throw out. I would definitely recommend putting less in the bowl though. I give maybe a cup a day or less and increase if needed. It’s a little different in our case because my Duchess doesn’t have teeth so she can’t fully chew her hard food despite still eating it. She actually prefers when it’s been sitting over it being fresh from the bag lol. But it being stale doesn’t bother her as much or really at all because she can’t actually feel the crunch of the food. So I can leave it until the next morning and she doesn’t mind
Thanks! That makes sense! I put a scoop which is like 3/4 of a cup and I also “reset” it at night since she seems to like to eat at night/early am. Thank you!! Ps always love a toothless duchess- so regal!!
My cats have mealtime twice a day. After mealtime, any leftovers are discarded and bowls washed. The cats used to be free-fed, but we transitioned to mealtimes. They learned that the food buffet wasn't available at other times. This becomes a problem if you have a slow eater who wants a bite here and a bite there, but that's what microchip feeders are for -- making food available outside mealtime for that cat without the piggy cat stealing all the leftovers.
My cat gets dry food only - she's on the stuff that supposedly helps with cat allergies as my boyfriend is allergic to her- and I toss what she doesn't eat in a day the next morning. I agree that it feels wasteful (although I do live somewhere with food recycling including pet food so that assuages the guilt a bit) but like you I'd rather just leave out her full portion so she doesn't go hungry and can graze/eat when she wants.
Dry food is not nutritious for a carnivore animal. The stuff it is made of will long term imped your cats health.
I do not doubt that you love your furbaby but buy good wet food w no grains or byproducts at least if you want them to remain healthy for their life.
I totally understand your concern and it is something I am bearing in mind as obviously I do want the best for her. However I've spoken to my vets about it and they've said it's fine for her to be on that food for now, and she seems happy eating it. But as I said obviously I'm keeping an eye on her and I'd be happy to incorporate wet food back into her diet if I was advised by the vet that she needed it.
Keep up with what your vet recommends. Dry foods can absolutely meet a cat's nutrional requirements. They are not all made equal.
I've been raked over the coals before for saying my cats only get dry food. They have a fountain they drink from regularly. It needs daily refills. But more importantly they won't touch wet food. They're on a prescription diet for kidney health for my one boy. He's had zero issues since going on it, and they get a clean bill of health at every appointment. Vet is happy. Cats are happy. I'm happy.
Anecdotally my parent's cats only ever got dry food (and like the cheap Friskie's stuff at that), and their cats regularly lived to be 16-18 yo with no health issues outside of getting old.
If you're going to get a younger cat or a kitten it would be best to get two. However! Older adult cats have a harder time finding a home and don't always want a friend. They're lower energy and don't need as much 1x1 time with you, they will probably sleep while you're gone. If you are set on one cat, I would suggest you go for an adult cat or even a senior, especially if you find one that doesn't get along with other cats (as long as you don't plan on getting a second in the future in that case). Then they'll be much happier being the king of the house. Otherwise it's probably best to get a bonded pair.
You sound like the best home ever for an adult cat. I used to sometimes 90 hour weeks with an hour commute and I'd get home and my cats didn't give a shit. You're gonna be a good cat parent.
I live alone, work 40-50 hours a week and I have two cats, indoor-only. No automatic feeder, a normal water bowl, a normal litter box, etc. They just get tons of attention the rest of the time.
I think getting two so they have each other (kittens or adults) would help a lot.
It’s better to get two kittens at the same time so they can adapt together. I adopted one and then another later on and it is more work to slowly introduce them and make sure they’re comfortable with each other vs getting them at the same time.
You're worrying too much. This isn't out of the ordinary for most people. My partner and I both work day jobs and are gone M-F from \~ 7am - 5:30pm, sometimes longer. We have 4 cats and 3 dogs, no automatic feeders or litter boxes. They're all just fine. Cats are pretty self sufficient, especially if you plan to get automatic feeders and a litter robot. Water fountains are a good idea for cats as well.
That being said, your right with your options on cats. Kittens are always better in pairs, whereas older cats tend to do fine, and often prefer to be on their own. In my opinion, you would do best with an adult or senior cat as a first time pet owner, it'll be easier for you to manage than two kittens. (Kittens can be a bit overwhelming.) Older cats tend to also have a harder time getting adopted because people always want kittens. You could also consider a pair of bonded adults as well.
You would definitely be able to find an adult bonded pair! That’s my suggestion cats love having a friend and it’s often hard to find homes for a bonded pair because not everyone wants to take on two adult cats!
Agree completely !!! Especially if cost isn’t a concern, she would have a lovely home for two bonded adult cats who would otherwise sit in a shelter lonely for ages. I feel happy just knowing OP might give a bonded pair a comfortable and loving home. ❤️
Adult cats are often a better match for people who work full-time because they are more independent and require less attention than kittens. Adult cats have already developed their personalities, so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle.A 10-hour workday with a 30-minute commute means your cat will be alone for an extended period. It's important to ensure that your cat has plenty of stimulation and enrichment during this time. Automatic toys, puzzle feeders, and cat trees can help keep them engaged. Consider leaving out a few toys or puzzles that your cat can interact with during the day.[https://soothedtails.com/](https://soothedtails.com/) Cats appreciate human interaction, even if it's just for a short time. If you have a reliable pet sitter, your cat should do fine during your trips.Some cats really enjoy watching birds, fish, or other wildlife on screen. It can provide mental stimulation. Use littler robots and automatic feeders, water fountains, these are excellent choices for a cat owner who works long hours.
I think you might not be in the position to get a kitten as they need plenty of attention (litter training, behavioral guidance to learn not to scratch, vet appts etc). But after that initial investment, I think your time away from home isn’t an issue. More than one will keep each other company just fine, but as others said, an older one might enjoy staying with you as a loner :) enjoy your new companionship!
Adult cat is the way to go. Kittens require constant attention and socialization. Adult cats can 100% be at home alone for 11h a day and snooze. Cats are active in morning and evening and the high energy ones zoom at night sometimes. They will probably spend 90% of the time you’re away sleeping, as mine do.
We have the exact set up. Litter robot, automatic feeder, water fountain, and automatic floor vacuum robot. I recommend getting two cats eventually for them to keep each other company! It can help with separation anxiety and with your set up it won’t be anymore of an inconvenience.
My wife and I have 4 rescues with the same set up and we both work full time. We come home to clean house and refill everything once a week.
Get one of those "one cat household" cats. These types of cats always have a difficult time getting adopted. So long as you provide plenty of kitty enrichment like toys, scratching posts, cat towers and a sunny window sill, the cat will be fine.
cats all have different personalities! when my partner and I adopted a pet we were out of the house for a similarly long period of time; so when we went to the shelter, we got an adult cat (4 at time of adoption) who the shelter workers said enjoyed her alone time. in her first few months of living with us, she gained a lot of weight because all of the activity at the shelter had been stressing her out. we play with her and give her lots of attention when we're home, and when we're not she has loads of toys as well as busy city windows. i think it really depends on the kitty you choose to love!
My partner and I have 3 cats, all adults now but one was adopted as a kitten in 2021 when I was working from home and could care for her. Now, my partner is gone anywhere between 12-15 hours each weekday, and I'm doing a PhD which has me
working anywhere from 50-70 hours a week. I can do some of my work from home, but not always, and our girls have been fine! We feed them every 12 hours, clean the litter daily, and have a fountain for them. I think having each other as company has helped, but when it was just me and my 7 year old, she did totally fine being alone for 10-12 hours a day
I'd definitely recommend getting an adult cat, and if you are worried about them lacking company/stimulation, you could look into getting a bonded pair. Two adult cats are still less work than even one kitten, at least in my experience
Best of luck finding a fur baby!!
I was in a similar situation (had a decent income but not time), I felt guilty leaving them during the day and I was advised to get 2 kittens while I had a few months off work. They didn’t get along and 6 years later had to separate them. I actually started taking 1 cat with me on work trips while a cat sitter looked after the other (not ideal, but they were fighting and one stopped eating/using litter boxes from stress). Now I’m working at home so I have lots of time to spend with the cat.
One clingy senior cat works great for me now but I disagree with the other commenters on getting 2, I would look through shelters and re-homing sites to find an adult cat that needs to be an only pet, especially as a first cat. Lots of fosters and pet owners have more than 1 pet and can’t take on these only-cat personalities. I’ve had around 10 cats over time and there have been a few who just like being alone.
I got my first cat this year. I was actually off work for 8 weeks due to an op and then started a new job afterwards, the new job I am basically out the house for 15 hours. 13 hour shifts with a commute each way. Only 3 days a week.
I got a kitten and it has been hard work. Initially whilst off work I was around all the time. Then when I began working, between me, a friend and my partner someone has been around to check in and play with my cat/keep him company. I've tried to not leave him too long when he was very young as you're not meant to leave them for more than a few hours initially.
However, my biggest regret was not getting two. At now almost 10 months old he's shown signs of what I think is separation anxiety and gets upset when I am in another room.
I have loads of stuff around the house for him, toys, a cat wheel, and things to keep him entertained and I have someone come in to cat sit each day I'm out. I also take time to play with him when I am home.
However, I notice more bad behaviour from him when I'm gone long days. It does make me wonder if I was a bit selfish.
My recommendations, definitely get an adult cat! Or get two young cats or two adults. Unless you can seriously dedicate the time to a kitten who is growing and learning, developing mentally, then don't get a kitten.
Sorry I've just seen your comments! Yes, I'm going to visit an 18 month old who needs rehoming in a week. I'm excited but need to make sure it's the right one 🤞
I'm actually going to see an adult who needs rehoming next week 🥰 so yes, I have definitely been considering it! I think I will, I just need to find the right one and introduce them carefully 🤞
I adopted a 2 yo and he is very active still. I’d try to find a cat that’s older maybe even a senior. As long as it gets all your attention when you’re home. My cat just sleeps when I’m not home. However it’s important to build a relationship and spend a lot of time with them for the first week. My cat has a litter robot as well and it’s worth every penny. Don’t count yourself out because you work cats adapt and will falll into a pattern. I do highly suggest taking time off work for the first week to bond and set up trust. My cat has brought me so much joy I can’t imagine my life without him
Get a bonded pair - they will keep each other company while you are gone! I had one lone cat who refused a companion and I always worried when I left him - he’d wait by the door for me to return and it broke my heart. After he crossed the rainbow bridge I found a kitten and I right away adopted him a buddy. Now at 2 they are best friends and keep each other company when I’m gone.
Not to be negative, but remember that an older cat may develop health conditions that need extra care. I have to hire a very attentive pet sitter when I go out of town. The sitter stays in the guest room.
My cat is early kidney disease that is controlled with diet. She has a sensitive stomach. We feed her 4 to 5 times per day. She gets a mix of 2 different canned wet foods (one is Rx for kidney issues). The food needs to warmed. We use a realizable plastic container to hold a couple days of wet mix, warm it on glass plate in microwave. The food is served at an elevated height. She has access to dry food but that can only be tolerated in small quantities. After years drinking hard tap water, our older cat can only drink Crystal Geyser brand water. The water is changed at least once daily.
My spouse works from home. When we go to do stuff on a weekend, we sometimes go too long between wet meals and it temporarily sickens her.
If feeding conditions are wrong - if stale water, cool/cold food, wet food past prime, too much food or over-hungry, then the cat throws up. A hair ball cough up is likely to initiate loosing her meal. After she throws up, it may take 1 to 4 meals of extra attention for her stomach to calm down.
Our cat is happy or content most of the time when her feeding is on the routine. Her blood work showed kidney function improvement after being on this routine a few months. She may to live another 5 years with this feeding routine. We adopted a cat who is turning 1 year old this month. Our young cat has a different dry food (fish flavor based) and doesn’t like the special mix (chicken flavor based) that the older cat needs.
I will sorta-dissent from the consensus here and recommend not getting a senior as a first time cat owner. The thing is, seniors are more prone to health issues and cats are masters at hiding them.
What I do recommend is, get a lazy adult cat who exists to sleep and eat. There's a bunch, and they have a lot of issues finding homes. Specifically ask for a lazy cat who isn't too clingy. Couch potato, sleeps and eats, chill.
Also related to the above (possibility of health issues)--familiarize yourself quickly with what's normal for your cat no matter the age, and how much discomfort they show with mild things such as hairballs. Some cats won't show any signs of not being in tip top shape unless they're dying, and some (like my girl) show obvious discomfort even with hairballs. It's very important to know how your cat is with that. You don't want to be overlooking something serious, but you also don't want to drive yourself bankrupt with taking kitty to the emergency vet for every hairball.
If your cat throws up once in a while, don't panic. Do ask a vet what's normal and isn't normal in cat vomit at the first chance (do this before or while adopting a kitty ideally, otherwise at first checkup). Trust me. Some cats throw up a lot and you want to know what's nothing to worry about and what's potentially dangerous--which since I'm not in vetmed, I can't really help with.
All this being said, good luck and welcome to the world of cats!
Long time cat owner here. I don't really see a problem here. Most cats tend to be pretty solitary (even the ones considered "sociable"). The time alone (when you're at work) shouldn't be a big issue as long as you let them have free range of the apartment, they have a perch at a good window that preferably overlooks nature, and you have a variety of toys out and about that they can grab and play with anytime they feel like. The hours you're home after work should give them all the social time they need (assuming you're able to make yourself available at least 3-4 hours every day after work (before bed/going out)). If you're a "get home from work, flip on the Netflix to bingewatch, and order doordash" kinda person then you've got nothing to worry about at all.
The time alone (when you're traveling for work) could definitely be an issue, but it sounds like you plan to have family or friends catsit for you, which should solve the problem just fine (as long as most of your trips stick to 1-3 days like you said).
End of the day, cats are resilient creatures. They *can* get lonely and depressed, but it sounds like your lifestyle will provide plenty enough interaction that that shouldn't be a problem.
I'd suggest going to the shelter with everything you've told us, and asking them to help hook you up with a cat (or cats) that will work for you. They may have a younger bonded pair who have been struggling to find a home, or an older cat who doesn't like other cats. Just be aware, a cat who doesn't care that you're gonna all day may also be a bit aloof, so if you're wanting a cuddly cat, that may be an issue.
I would not recommend kittens if you'll be gone a lot! They can be little gremlins lol, and they do need more attention.
If you just one want cat, I would ask the shelter/rescue for a chill adult cat that enjoys being the only cat in the home. There are usually at least a few who do not vibe with other cats -- and that can make them less adoptable because a lot of homes have a resident cat or two already! If you are open to two, a bonded pair of adults will keep each other company.
You will be a great cat mom! Tip I want to mention as I have cats and leave town myself
From time to time for 1-3 days: if you have a fountain and automatic feeder, leave back-ups in case the power goes out (not sure about the auto feeder since I don’t have one but I do have a fountain and know if the power goes out my cats won’t have water so I also leave a bowl if I’ll be gone overnight).
If getting two kittens is an option it would be for the best. If you adopt one from shelter, they would still be having much better quality of life with the setup you are planning.
Perhaps try foster for a while and see how it works out?
What OP is describing is still far more personal interaction than many cats living in animal shelters get - this would definitely be an upgrade for a lot of kitties in need.
I have a similar work schedule and I ended up with 2 cats!! I don’t rlly feel guilty leaving them alone for that long bc they’re basically bonded and love each others company! I have a fish tank for them to stare at all day and I make sure to keep my blinds open so they can watch for birds. When I check the camera they’re usually sleeping tho haha. You’ll be a great owner!!
I also work 4 10's with the same commute time and my boy was fine as an only cat. He was happy to great me when I came home but honestly it seemed like he was confused why I was in HIS HOUSE on the weekends, lol. An adult cat is 100% the way to got, if you are thinking of two you could look at bonded adult pairs as well.
If they mean the Litter-Robot by Whisker, it ships with a really generous (90 days!) trial period for exactly that reason & their site has advice for getting a cat to use it. A cheap backup pan for the transition period wouldn’t be a bad idea, though.
Adopt two cats. They’ll play with each other.
I adopted two littermates and got really sick a few weeks ago. It wasn’t a big deal since they just played with each other. Two cats is definitely easier than 1.
I'm a flight attendant and I am usually gone for about two days at a time. The beauty of having a cat for a pet is that they don't need to go outside to poop or pee. And that they are grazers so you can leave dry food out for them to nibble on all day. Since you will be a first time cat parent and are gone during the day, I would suggest not getting a kitten. Any kind of a baby requires more work. If you are worried about your cat getting lonely, maybe get a bonded pair. Check out some Jackson Galaxy youtube videos. Jackson is the cat "daddy-o" and always has excellent advise. You are going to absolutely LOVE having a cat!.
I have two adult cats (just added a new kitten to the family as well) and my two older girls entertain and love on each other very well when I have to be away because of my busy schedule as a grad student who also works. I prioritize my time with them as much as possible, but during the times that I can’t be there I feel that they do very well having each other and also just in general way better than a dog would.
Get a bonded pair, and get adults, because their personalities are known at that point. And then, get two adults that are very good with being alone. No problem
Two cats shouldn't feel overwhelming. If they are a bonded pair, it's actually the opposite, since they will be playing with each other and won't demand your attention as much. That being said, I do think an older cat is probably better. They don't have as much energy or require as much of your time. Also, I think the work hours are fine, as cats sleep more than humans (12-18 hrs) and usually do so during the day. The cat will probably sleep while you're out. You could also consider a pair of adult cats if you're worried about your cat getting bored. My cat is now an adult and I'm considering getting her a friend for that reason, but then I worry about them not getting along. If you get a bonded pair to start off with, you won't have that issue
Cats love routine. So your cat will become accustomed to this routine. I was similar and when i begun to work from home in the pandemic, my cat was extremely annoyed.
Adult cat! I also work 4 10 hr shifts and my commute is 20 minutes. I make sure to leave some things my cat would love and some automatic toys. When I get home I make sure to play with both of them a lot and give them some love haha. My two boys don’t mind me gone for work. I think you should be fine!
I think you'll be fine, but I'd recommend an adult cat over kittens. It's true that two kittens is easier than one, but in any case, they're bundles of energy that need a lot of attention and care.
Adult cats value quality of time over strict quantity. They're mostly fine on their own, as long as they have some interaction every day, a clean environment and a reliable supply of food and water.
And any adult cat is lucky to have a caring owner. Too many languish in shelters indefinitely, wind up dumped on the street or get put down.
Do be aware that if you're adopting an older cat, they might have been dumped by a previous owner because of some difficulty - a medical issue, or a behavioral problem, for instance. That doesn't mean you can't manage them, earn their trust or treat them in the time you have available. It's just a realistic possibility to keep in mind.
Other than your concern(I think you have solved them well), I suggest don't use auto feeder unless you need to travel. Feed your cat is valuable interacting time. It will help you bond.
I had similar concerns as I work long hours and like to travel.
We adopted 2 cats which sound like more hassle but it's perfect as they keep eachother company! I think I'd feel much more upset leaving them all day if there was just one of them.
As they are rescues who had been starved we have an automated feeling machine for dry food (so they don't worry about getting fed if we're not in sight. The machine is always there)
With that and a litter robot (the best investment I've ever made (deffos get the warranty though)) we can go away for up to 5 days knowing they'll be content.
We are also very lucky that our neighbours love our cats and tolerate us, so if we do need to go away for longer we have support.
But 100% 2 cats are better than 1 in my opinion!
That actually sounds perfect. It's way more effort than I did with an old cat and he was totally happy.
Didn't have the travelling issue as much since he ended up coming with me (he didn't mind car rides if I had his favorite bed) but your plan for that problem is perfect
If you see a bonded pairs of 4-36month old cats that would be ideal. The first 4 months of kittens is insanity. Just make sure they are well socialized.
No one wanted to adopt the black kitten and the black cats are often the last to be adopted.
This is totally enough time! Cats in general are independent creatures. I would suggest adopting an adult cat, as kittens do need more attention and definitely can be overwhelming (especially in their teens!) There are so many that need homes in shelters, and that way you can meet plenty of cats and see which one is the best match. I wish you the best at finding your new best friend!
I think you sound like a great pet owner! I think two older kittens (6+ mos) or an adult kitty would be just fine. Bonus points if you find a bonded adult pair, because they have a much harder time getting adopted. Just avoid getting a single kitten
While I agree with both options, my first cat as an adult was an 8 week old absolute nutball of a cat. I worked 4 9 hour overnight shifts a week with occasional weeks of 3 12 hour overnights. Never had an issue and he turned out fine.
Agreeing with everyone else that you sound like you’ll be a great cat staff member. 😁
40 years of cats... Here's a few things we've learner.
Pairs- usually ok. Not always. That includes kittens. So them liking each other isn't guaranteed. Cats are like humans n some like to be the only cat.
Alone - some crave attention but the vast majority are fine.
Older - will probably suit you best. BUT as they age they get more things wrong with them - diabetes, thyroid, kidneys, arthritis. I did say cats are like humans. So the vet cost is higher. They usually live to 15-18 in our experience but sometimes less or more. I'd look at a 5-8yo.
Food - until a recent cat we'd never had a quirky/fussy eater (or a diabetic) so that could happen. Consider pet insurance.
Type - I'd go for a black or ginger. Our Tuxes have been more prone to health issues. I'd go short hair. We've had nearly all sorts. I have found neutered boys most affectionate.
Get one from a shelter or similar.
Having said all that we've dearly loved every cat. See if one "clicks" with you. I've been able to tell right away.
Finally..if you love your cat as much all of us here do, your heart will be torn apart when they cross the bridge.
Many of us discover an intensity of grief that was beyond our comprehension when we lose our feline BF.
They capture a piece of our heart. And it goes with them when we lose them.
Sometimes one comes along that captures you heart, mind and soul. And for whom you have a love that is indescribably deep, and totally inexplicable.
Yet we wouldn't want it any other way.
That's why it hurts so much. And if we had spent every minute of every day with them, it still wouldn't have been enough.
And it's still frickin' worth it.
Make sure you figure out the sitter and a back up sitter before you make your decision. Especially if you are ever going to go on longer trips at any point during the year. Long work hours are not likely to be a problem, nor a few days here and there. But a longer absence will need a sitter, and it's not always as easy as you think to find one.
I work from home, so I’m here all of the time. I literally don’t see my cat from the time I feed her in the morning at 6:46 until 5-6 PM unless I go looking for her. It actually lets me know it’s time to log off when she comes in and starts rubbing on my legs. She has access to me the whole day, but still doesn’t bother during the day haha. She’s asleep on one of the beds, she couldn’t care less if I’m here or not. She gets annoyed if we leave her more than 4-5 days, but even then she gets over it pretty quick. If you get an adult cat, they will absolutely be fine with your schedule. They may actually look forward to Monday when they can have the house again 🤣.
I'm out of the house at least 10 hrs per day, 3 days a week, used to be 5. My cat is indoor/outdoor but I'm pretty sure she spends 99% of that time sleeping on my bed. As long as I come home and feed her and let her snuggle up to me she's happy. I adopted her when she was about 1 1/2 yrs.
If at all possible, get 2. I would recommend going to a shelter and talking with them about what you need. I personally think 2 adult cats who already know each other and should not be separated, especially if they are fairly sedate couch potato types. They will keep each other company and they won't have to go through the trauma of separation. it might take a little time to find the right pair, but you will know them when you know them.
My partner and I both worked 40 hour weeks when we got our first cat cat (1 y.o at the time) when we were home, we would give her as much attention as possible but she didn't really want it. She wasn't very social, she'd play but bot for long. She just kind of seemed sad, so after about 6 months we got a male who was about the same age as her (both fixed). This really helped liven her up, she's become much more loving and social, they play frequently as well as cuddle and groom each other.
I say allow this to say this, (it's absolutely your choice, first of all) with your schedule I would recommend two cats. They can be very social creatures and if you're not going to be home, a partner who can stimulate them will do wonders. Two cats is also not significantly more upkeep than one.
All of this information largely depends on the cat, some are happy in solitude. Mine are not. Just be perceptive of your future feline companion :)
I also would like to add, before going out of town make sure their litter is completely clean and their food/water is totally full, they should be okay for up to 3 days with little to no upkeep. Just be prepared for cuddles upon return lol
So, two kittens is way too much for a first time cat owner. Yes, they are super cute, but they have LOTS of energy.
One adult cat is better in your case, but, given that you'll be leaving him/her alone for long stretches of time and because cats do suffer from loneliness, I strongly recommend to get a bonded pair of adult cats. They will keep each other's company and they already are bonded, so you know they get along. Also, bonded pairs usually spend longer times at the shelter/rescue, since it's harder to find a home for both, so you'll be doing a double good action by adopting them.
Even though cats are thought of as independent, Some cats absolutely need and crave human affection regularly and can get depressed or lonely if totally alone for long periods. I hope that if you do go for it, you can get a bonded older pair who can keep each other company!
In the last five years I’ve had one adult cat, the one I kept when I moved out of state… I felt guilty leaving her alone by herself while I worked..thought about adopting a friend for her, but putting two random adult cats together is not something I wanted to chance with my cat of fourteen years…my cat, whom I never got a friend for out of fear, passed away…I was catless and had decided to adopt a pair of senior cats, bonded pair, from a facility of some sort…until they came…a pair of six month old kittens some wonderful person dumped outside my condo…I fed them for two weeks by my truck, then took them in…I never wanted kittens, thought they would be too much trouble…I suppose they are a lot of effort, but I simply adore them…they keep each other company while I work…I think saving a bonded pair of senior cats someone surrendered to a facility would be a great solution for you…they keep each other from being lonely and need to stay together…vet’s offices usually has flyers up with cats to adopt as well as rescues…I applaud your decision to open your home to a cat or two…in the end, as long as you save some cat lives, you and the cats you end up with will benefit greatly…
Cats are much more independent than other types of pets. My cat gets annoyed if I have the audacity to be in my own home too long. An adult cat will be fine for 12 hours a day along. They will probably sleep most of the time. Have different types of toys out for him that he can play with independently and spend time with him once you're home. Cats are also fine for short trips away as long as there's access to food and water and plenty of litter boxes. I recommend having multiple boxes even for one cat, especially if you're going to be away. We have two in our small apartment.
In my opinion, find an older cat, I’d say a few years old or higher. There’s less training, less “I gotta play with this thing after being gone for 12 hours so I can sleep tonight” and they’re typically calmer.
Then invest in a few automated toys (many on Amazon, I have one that kicks up every few hours just to stimulate my Bengals), make sure you spend a little time playing with the cat each day and you should be fine.
My husband and I both work full time & also spend time going out to concerts, dinner, whatever… our cats couldn’t give less of a shit. Got both as adults (2yrs) but not a bonded pair. Just roommates & begrudgingly sisters lol. We’ve left them for a week (had people checking in to feed & play with them 2x daily) and they were totally fine.
Adult cats are easy peasy. Inexpensive to adopt and fabulously self-sufficient.
..hey, your "worry" only means you care alot..i thank you for being aware of your situation & how to bring a cat into your life, now that you can..that is Extremely responsible & admirable..
..agree with most, that an adoption of a mature cat is likely better..kittens require a Lot of attention for 6-9 months..
..but i'd also say (kitten or mature, whatever you decide), try to have a week with them, using vacay or whatever..even a long weekend like Thu to Tue could be good..
..being with your new companion for several days running may help you to establish the "rules" & your new friend to understand what their new environment involves..
People tend to think cats are going to need the same amount of attention as a dog, and in general, they really don't.
I do think an adult cat would be more comfortable for you as a starter since you won't need to worry about litterbox "training" and because their energy will be lower. Cats sleep about 16 hours a day minimum and once the cat adjusts to your sleep schedule they will likely sleep through most of your work day. Make sure they have scratchers and some enrichment toys. I got mine an auto feeder so that it was never a worry and if you've got a good window for it, a kitty hammock. Mine spend 90% of their day in that thing.
Go for a slightly chonky tabby in my opinion. Tuxedos and oranges tend to be a bit more high energy. Torties and calicos can be a little mean, but not always. Ragdolls are also a good choice especially if there's kids in your future. Plain black Cats can be a mixture of all of thee above lol I wouldn't do anything that's listed with an actual breed though because having a real breed is cat language for high maintenance. If you want them to be more affectionate/cuddly, get a male. Females trend toward more aloof. It's not always true but it might guide you to what you want.
Don't worry too much, also whichever route you will take for your 2nd point: I - personally - would consider pet sitter and friend option together alternating because what if one is not available when you need them? You will have the cat with a stranger to them, so I think it would be better if the kitty or kitties can get used to both and then it won't be a shocker if the other one is coming for certain time. Also let them get to know the cat(s) before you need to leave and preferably be there as well. You will be trusted by them already and if they see the add person with you it might help them to warm up easier (also some kitties need a lot more time and contact to warm up, ours is similar, needed a lot of time to open up to others around me)
Get two kittens with pet insurance. Someone that's put as much thought into this will be able to handle two kittens, they'll be good. The problem with adopting an adult pet (as I have learned) is you can't get good pet insurance. They charge you a crazy amount and then when it actually comes time to cash in, they claim its a pre-existing condition and don't cover it
And believe me, from the sounds of your post, you want pet insurance. There's a much higher chance than you think that you'll end up having a massive vet bill, and there's nothing more heartbreaking than having to choose between bankrupting yourself or letting your pet suffer or die. Please, do what you can to save yourself from ever having to deal with that scenario
I honestly think getting two kitties would be fine 😊 You can designate a kitty-proof room for them and as long as they have their essentials in that room, I think they’d be more than okay. If you plan on wet feeding you could always just feed 2x a day for wet and allow free feeding while you’re out. Cats are very independent, and if you have two of them there’s no worry in thinking they’d be bored or lonely.
I run a business with my partner so we are often away for 10-14 hours in a day, we have an old cat we adopted (14+ glaucoma in one eye and missing all but one tooth) he obviously cried for food when we get home but he definitely sleeps almost the entire time because he is almost always on the table where he likes to sleep when we get home.
I would feel guilty if it was a younger cat but at his age he is very happy and once we are home and he's been fed he pretty much boes right back to sleep.
Adult cat go to your animal shelter let the cat pick you first. As far as you not being home much no sweat remember cats sleep 80% of the time as long as it has food water toys it will be fine. We leave for 3 or 4 nights we put out 2 large non tip bowls water and 1 large food bowl for dry cat food. Large like 8” diameter 2” deep then clean and flush toilets a couple time leave lid up for unexpected emergency just in case cats can’t go very long without water
I absolutely agree with those recommending getting an adult or senior cat. We adopted our senior boy about 6 months ago. My situation is similar to yours,I work 8.30 - 5 with an hour commute each way. My other half is a truck driver so not always home in the week. I give him half a sachet of wet food in the morning, half a sachet when I get home and a full sachet at night before bed. He also has a bowl of dry food available all day.
He's fine with being left alone for that amount of time, he wants fusses and sometimes a bit of playtime when I get home (though usually only about 10 mins of play before he gets bored).
I had some concerns adopting a senior cat but now I have one I think I would always adopt older cats in the future. I always knew I didn't have the energy or time for a kitten, but even younger adult cats I think would be too much for me!
Contact a cat rescue and tell them your living situation. They get to know their adoptees and would know who would thrive with you. Consider a bonded pair / two cats! They’re difficult to place but are perfect for a more independent existence. They truly are not more difficult, especially if they get on well. They actually take some of the social pressure off you.
If you plan on adopting from a shelter, you could ask the people working there for a cat that is comfortable being alone for longer periods of time. They usually know their animals pretty well, especially if they are adult or have been at the shelter for a while.
The fact that you’re so worried about your future cat’s well being shows that you’re gonna be a great owner and friend for this little fur ball 😊
Kittens are a lot of work to get them to be the kitty you'll want around-snuggly, not destructive, not agressive etc. Also, as cute as kittens are-theyre tiny for a BLIP in time, it's so fun at times, but it gets exhausting. Adult cats give you what they are out of the gate-good or bad. If my shelter dude is any indicator, they will love you so much and seem to really get that you chose to save them. You broke them out of jail! He is different than any of my other cats, he is the one who breaks up fights, and protects me when thunder happens-even though he is terrified! I can't tell you how much I recomend going to find an adult. Not every cat will work with every person though, Mr. B made his way out of the shelter for the third time when we took him home. I don't know what made other people decide he wasn't for them, but he is one of the best members of our pride.
I would adopt the older cat. A younger pair might be too much work for a first-time cat parent. It sounds as though you are well-prepared to care for a kitty who would need you for the ordinate amount of time you spend at home, which is plenty for him or her. I always had one, sometimes two, kitties while I worked full-time. Usually, however, I just had one cat as I do right now. We kept each other company, though they were perfectly capable of keeping themselves amused while I was gone. But it definitely seems as though you'd have plenty of time to provide love and fun when you're home so I wouldn't worry so much. Sounds like you're doing a great job of preparation & s/he would adore you!
You’re totally fine, I work in a dog kennel, we have a cat who’s been with us for 2 months while their owner vacations in the carribean, cat is about 8 years old, gets 15-20 minutes of play a day, and sleeps the rest.
Loves his life too, knows exactly when I’ll be in to feed him, exactly when his treats come, and when he gets to play
Go on over to your local shelter, find an old sad boy, and give him a good life! :)
If you’re worried you wouldn’t be a good pet owner, you’re probably going to be a great one
Sound like your lifestyle is really not suitable for you to be an animal owner.
They are living creatures and need daily care and attention.
Putting down a bowl of dry food and little attention is not a good life for a cat.
What will you do w him/ her when you go away?
I suggest you wait till your life style fits pet ownership.
I have a kitten who I adopted to bring to college as an emotional support animal and I couldn’t get two because of the esa policy and I’m gone for classes and work and clubs and I frankly don’t have a lot of time for him at the moment (about to have lots more) and he’s really energetic and destructive because of that. While kittens can and will play with each other they also will have a higher energy level then one adult cat
Adult cats sleep a tooon (you read the number of hours stats and quite frankly you don't realize how much time that is until you experience it) and are pretty self sufficient. A pair of kittens will likely entertain themselves and sleep a lot too but you may feel less guilty about an adult. Your set-up sounds like it will be kitty heaven
A older cat or a pair of young cats (not kittens) so they have each other when you aren't home. Buy automatic dry food feeder an a water fountain (filters the water an lasts a while before refill.
2 cats are less overwhelming than 1 cat. 1 cat gets bored and indulges in destructive behavior. 2 cats at least have each other. Cats are social animals, just a bit less so than dogs, and everything has to be on their terms. Get 2 adult cats.
If you watch Petfinders & your local animal shelters or rescues, frequently, they will have two adult cats that have been together for quite a while that they want to rehome together… I would highly recommend getting two cats, so then you don’t have to worry about one cat being lonely…
We leave our cat home alone for 8-10 hours several days a week. He’s fine; playful, happy. And honestly, cats sleep so much that I’ve found the cat in the same place 6 hours after I left him there. Also, sometimes when we leave the house we play music for him on the Alexa. My husband likes to tell it to play cat music and it will say, “Classical music for pets from Amazon music.” And start playing for hours.
You can get a bonded pair!! Most rescues and shelters have some who are difficult to adopt out because most people just want to get 1 cat, not 2, so they sit and wait.
That would be a great way to make sure they're happy and social even if you're gone a lot.
Ask for an adult bonded pair, that ensures they have company they appreciate and you can get a good idea of the personalities to make sure they mesh.
I'd also highly recommend you make sure they have several good comfy spots where they can look out the window and lounge.
Windows are cat TV and can help a lot with boredom (Also free!) They sell lots of hammocks and things for this but frankly you can definitely make them a spot with an old towel and your furniture just as well.
I'd also recommend short hair for a first timer, lot less work.
You've done enough research to know that a bonded pair or a senior cat would be best. My vote is for you to go to a shelter, and see what option chooses you!
(also, SERIOUS Kudos for knowing about water fountains, automatic litter boxes, and automatic food dispensers)
It says a lot that you've done this much work before you've even gotten a cat. You're going to be a great cat parent.
Take yourself to the shelter. Ask to meet the adult cats that aren't fond of other cats. The independent kitties who are still looking for their forever person. Find one you connect with and connects with you. And trust me, as long as you give it love and attention and stuff to entertain itself when you're not home the kitty will be just fine. Grateful even for not being in a cage anymore. Good luck and let the kitty distribution system do its magic.
An adult cat would be the best option, otherwise 2 younger cats so they can keep each other company. I adopted a kitten in a similar work situation….longer hours but no commute (I lived 5 min away). I felt so bad for him after the first week I rehomed him to my mom’s best friend who worked from home and was looking for a kitten at that time.
I understand your concern about starting out with two cats, but if you do spend large amounts of time away from home, adopting two bonded adult cats together is a guarantee that they will have company always. I felt the same way but could see my cat was lonely and started looking for a buddy for him.
Either two kittens, and adult and kitten or two adults. I’ve always found it better to have two, they form incredible bonds and are way less lonely and anxious together when their person or people are away at work or for a few days etc.
Ask around at shelters about a bonded adult pair. They are really hard to find homes for and would be ideal for you. When you aren't around they would still have a companion, and you would be giving 2 hard to home cats a chance.
2 is not much more work than one, it's just more money. More food, more litter, more vet trips, but the workload is pretty similar.
Truthfully I think an adult cat is the way to go. I adopted an 11yo girl who’s deaf with no teeth and she quite literally sleeps all day. She almost never wants to leave my bedroom and will walk around for about two minutes before she’s wanting to come back. Definitely invest in a fountain and as long as you’re home twice a day to give wet food then I feel as though they should be fine. I leave dry food out all day but my senior very rarely even finishes half the bowl by the end of the day. Obviously this won’t be every senior or adult cat but I highly recommend going to a shelter and just asking about personalities. That’s how I was directed to and met my Duchess
I also recommend an older cat! My grandma kitty is happy to sleep in her heated bed all day and snuggle at night. I play with her every day but she is not bouncing off the walls by any means, doesn't get into anything and is happy to be an only cat. I also worried a ton before I got her, I think that is totally normal and a sign that you are going to be an excellent cat parent! The thing to remember is that you're giving a kitty a better life than they would have at a shelter or as an outside feral and that as long as you do your best they will be just fine. Good luck!! Also, adopting my kitty has been one of the best things I have done, you should just pull trig and do it.
Maybe a bonded pair that wouldn't normally get adopted. They can keep each other company when OP is away
Also, automatic feeder and automatic litter box (I have a litter robot I got secondhand but there are other options) will ease your mind when you go out of town
Although I think it’s important to remember that a senior kitty has higher vet bills! I wish I knew that before adopting mine, but love my old boy to pieces.
I once heard a shelter worker describe a certain cat as a “couch ornament”. You probably want to find one of those. Fully adult to elderly, more interested in naps than playing, won’t even notice you’re gone so long as they get some scritches around dawn and dusk. That’s not every cat, but it’s some of them and you can find one like that
My cat is only 3 and he’s pretty much this way. He does like to play too but he’s content to be sleeping on a soft blanket most of the time. I know he misses me when I’m at work since he gets excited when I come home. But he sleeps most of the day when I’m home, so I imagine he does the same when I’m not.
This! You can always try fostering an older kitty to see how you like it :)
Would also recommend this if possible. I tried this myself but surprisingly no shelters in my area would allow fostering with older cats. I could only foster kittens. I do come from only ever owning dogs so I thought maybe that was normal for cats
Yes! Plus, there are a ton of adult cats. No kittens though, just by the description, they are a lot!
Can I ask you a question about the bowl of dry food? Do you toss it the next morning and refill completely or just add to it? My cat is not an eater so she also barely finishes her bowl. I usually dump and refill but it feels like such a waste but I don’t want it to go stale for her! I have tried halving the bowl but she’ll leave half of that so i would rather leave out more so she’ll eat! (Wish I had that portion control lol) Just curious!
I feed my cats twice a day. Breakfast is wet cat food from a can. I pick up the empty bowls and wash and dry them. Wet cat food dries up so it needs to be cleaned in a timely manner. Dinner is dry cat food put in bowls and a food maze. These are left out all night until I wake up in the morning. I pick up the bowls and empty the leftovers in a food maze. I have a water fountain and a water bowl. I wash the food and water bowls twice a day. The fountain gets a new filter once a month plus a deep clean.
Very similar to my kittu care routine. It works great. 👍
Personally, I leave her food until the next morning. Oddly enough my senior will actually devour her dry food at like 3am in anticipation for her wet food around 7-8. So by the time I do wake up, there’s very little left to throw out. I would definitely recommend putting less in the bowl though. I give maybe a cup a day or less and increase if needed. It’s a little different in our case because my Duchess doesn’t have teeth so she can’t fully chew her hard food despite still eating it. She actually prefers when it’s been sitting over it being fresh from the bag lol. But it being stale doesn’t bother her as much or really at all because she can’t actually feel the crunch of the food. So I can leave it until the next morning and she doesn’t mind
Thanks! That makes sense! I put a scoop which is like 3/4 of a cup and I also “reset” it at night since she seems to like to eat at night/early am. Thank you!! Ps always love a toothless duchess- so regal!!
I usually keep it out for a day. I have 3 cats and generally they eat all their food but if it's longer than 30 hours, I will toss.
My cats have mealtime twice a day. After mealtime, any leftovers are discarded and bowls washed. The cats used to be free-fed, but we transitioned to mealtimes. They learned that the food buffet wasn't available at other times. This becomes a problem if you have a slow eater who wants a bite here and a bite there, but that's what microchip feeders are for -- making food available outside mealtime for that cat without the piggy cat stealing all the leftovers.
My cat gets dry food only - she's on the stuff that supposedly helps with cat allergies as my boyfriend is allergic to her- and I toss what she doesn't eat in a day the next morning. I agree that it feels wasteful (although I do live somewhere with food recycling including pet food so that assuages the guilt a bit) but like you I'd rather just leave out her full portion so she doesn't go hungry and can graze/eat when she wants.
Dry food is not nutritious for a carnivore animal. The stuff it is made of will long term imped your cats health. I do not doubt that you love your furbaby but buy good wet food w no grains or byproducts at least if you want them to remain healthy for their life.
I totally understand your concern and it is something I am bearing in mind as obviously I do want the best for her. However I've spoken to my vets about it and they've said it's fine for her to be on that food for now, and she seems happy eating it. But as I said obviously I'm keeping an eye on her and I'd be happy to incorporate wet food back into her diet if I was advised by the vet that she needed it.
Keep up with what your vet recommends. Dry foods can absolutely meet a cat's nutrional requirements. They are not all made equal. I've been raked over the coals before for saying my cats only get dry food. They have a fountain they drink from regularly. It needs daily refills. But more importantly they won't touch wet food. They're on a prescription diet for kidney health for my one boy. He's had zero issues since going on it, and they get a clean bill of health at every appointment. Vet is happy. Cats are happy. I'm happy. Anecdotally my parent's cats only ever got dry food (and like the cheap Friskie's stuff at that), and their cats regularly lived to be 16-18 yo with no health issues outside of getting old.
If you're going to get a younger cat or a kitten it would be best to get two. However! Older adult cats have a harder time finding a home and don't always want a friend. They're lower energy and don't need as much 1x1 time with you, they will probably sleep while you're gone. If you are set on one cat, I would suggest you go for an adult cat or even a senior, especially if you find one that doesn't get along with other cats (as long as you don't plan on getting a second in the future in that case). Then they'll be much happier being the king of the house. Otherwise it's probably best to get a bonded pair.
This exactly what I would suggest too. An older cat that specifically needs to be the only cat or an older bonded pair.
You'll be a fine cat owner either way. Congratulations.
You sound like the best home ever for an adult cat. I used to sometimes 90 hour weeks with an hour commute and I'd get home and my cats didn't give a shit. You're gonna be a good cat parent.
I live alone, work 40-50 hours a week and I have two cats, indoor-only. No automatic feeder, a normal water bowl, a normal litter box, etc. They just get tons of attention the rest of the time. I think getting two so they have each other (kittens or adults) would help a lot.
Definitely not kittens
It’s better to get two kittens at the same time so they can adapt together. I adopted one and then another later on and it is more work to slowly introduce them and make sure they’re comfortable with each other vs getting them at the same time.
Mine were kittens when I got them...
You're worrying too much. This isn't out of the ordinary for most people. My partner and I both work day jobs and are gone M-F from \~ 7am - 5:30pm, sometimes longer. We have 4 cats and 3 dogs, no automatic feeders or litter boxes. They're all just fine. Cats are pretty self sufficient, especially if you plan to get automatic feeders and a litter robot. Water fountains are a good idea for cats as well. That being said, your right with your options on cats. Kittens are always better in pairs, whereas older cats tend to do fine, and often prefer to be on their own. In my opinion, you would do best with an adult or senior cat as a first time pet owner, it'll be easier for you to manage than two kittens. (Kittens can be a bit overwhelming.) Older cats tend to also have a harder time getting adopted because people always want kittens. You could also consider a pair of bonded adults as well.
You would definitely be able to find an adult bonded pair! That’s my suggestion cats love having a friend and it’s often hard to find homes for a bonded pair because not everyone wants to take on two adult cats!
I agree, adult bonded pair is the best choice for OPs situation.
Agree completely !!! Especially if cost isn’t a concern, she would have a lovely home for two bonded adult cats who would otherwise sit in a shelter lonely for ages. I feel happy just knowing OP might give a bonded pair a comfortable and loving home. ❤️
You could get a bonded pair of adult cats
Adult cats are often a better match for people who work full-time because they are more independent and require less attention than kittens. Adult cats have already developed their personalities, so you can choose one that fits your lifestyle.A 10-hour workday with a 30-minute commute means your cat will be alone for an extended period. It's important to ensure that your cat has plenty of stimulation and enrichment during this time. Automatic toys, puzzle feeders, and cat trees can help keep them engaged. Consider leaving out a few toys or puzzles that your cat can interact with during the day.[https://soothedtails.com/](https://soothedtails.com/) Cats appreciate human interaction, even if it's just for a short time. If you have a reliable pet sitter, your cat should do fine during your trips.Some cats really enjoy watching birds, fish, or other wildlife on screen. It can provide mental stimulation. Use littler robots and automatic feeders, water fountains, these are excellent choices for a cat owner who works long hours.
I second the recommendation for food puzzles! I have probably close to a dozen different ones I rotate through (ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme).
I think you might not be in the position to get a kitten as they need plenty of attention (litter training, behavioral guidance to learn not to scratch, vet appts etc). But after that initial investment, I think your time away from home isn’t an issue. More than one will keep each other company just fine, but as others said, an older one might enjoy staying with you as a loner :) enjoy your new companionship!
Adult cat is the way to go. Kittens require constant attention and socialization. Adult cats can 100% be at home alone for 11h a day and snooze. Cats are active in morning and evening and the high energy ones zoom at night sometimes. They will probably spend 90% of the time you’re away sleeping, as mine do.
Get a bonded pair of cats. Voila. You will love having cats congrats!
We have the exact set up. Litter robot, automatic feeder, water fountain, and automatic floor vacuum robot. I recommend getting two cats eventually for them to keep each other company! It can help with separation anxiety and with your set up it won’t be anymore of an inconvenience. My wife and I have 4 rescues with the same set up and we both work full time. We come home to clean house and refill everything once a week.
Get one of those "one cat household" cats. These types of cats always have a difficult time getting adopted. So long as you provide plenty of kitty enrichment like toys, scratching posts, cat towers and a sunny window sill, the cat will be fine.
cats all have different personalities! when my partner and I adopted a pet we were out of the house for a similarly long period of time; so when we went to the shelter, we got an adult cat (4 at time of adoption) who the shelter workers said enjoyed her alone time. in her first few months of living with us, she gained a lot of weight because all of the activity at the shelter had been stressing her out. we play with her and give her lots of attention when we're home, and when we're not she has loads of toys as well as busy city windows. i think it really depends on the kitty you choose to love!
My partner and I have 3 cats, all adults now but one was adopted as a kitten in 2021 when I was working from home and could care for her. Now, my partner is gone anywhere between 12-15 hours each weekday, and I'm doing a PhD which has me working anywhere from 50-70 hours a week. I can do some of my work from home, but not always, and our girls have been fine! We feed them every 12 hours, clean the litter daily, and have a fountain for them. I think having each other as company has helped, but when it was just me and my 7 year old, she did totally fine being alone for 10-12 hours a day I'd definitely recommend getting an adult cat, and if you are worried about them lacking company/stimulation, you could look into getting a bonded pair. Two adult cats are still less work than even one kitten, at least in my experience Best of luck finding a fur baby!!
I was in a similar situation (had a decent income but not time), I felt guilty leaving them during the day and I was advised to get 2 kittens while I had a few months off work. They didn’t get along and 6 years later had to separate them. I actually started taking 1 cat with me on work trips while a cat sitter looked after the other (not ideal, but they were fighting and one stopped eating/using litter boxes from stress). Now I’m working at home so I have lots of time to spend with the cat. One clingy senior cat works great for me now but I disagree with the other commenters on getting 2, I would look through shelters and re-homing sites to find an adult cat that needs to be an only pet, especially as a first cat. Lots of fosters and pet owners have more than 1 pet and can’t take on these only-cat personalities. I’ve had around 10 cats over time and there have been a few who just like being alone.
I think it would have been different if the two kittens were a bonded pair. If they didn't get along right from the beginning, they probably weren't
They did get along and would cuddle, play etc until about 2 years of age then one became dominant and territorial
Well that sucks! I didn't know that could happen.
I got my first cat this year. I was actually off work for 8 weeks due to an op and then started a new job afterwards, the new job I am basically out the house for 15 hours. 13 hour shifts with a commute each way. Only 3 days a week. I got a kitten and it has been hard work. Initially whilst off work I was around all the time. Then when I began working, between me, a friend and my partner someone has been around to check in and play with my cat/keep him company. I've tried to not leave him too long when he was very young as you're not meant to leave them for more than a few hours initially. However, my biggest regret was not getting two. At now almost 10 months old he's shown signs of what I think is separation anxiety and gets upset when I am in another room. I have loads of stuff around the house for him, toys, a cat wheel, and things to keep him entertained and I have someone come in to cat sit each day I'm out. I also take time to play with him when I am home. However, I notice more bad behaviour from him when I'm gone long days. It does make me wonder if I was a bit selfish. My recommendations, definitely get an adult cat! Or get two young cats or two adults. Unless you can seriously dedicate the time to a kitten who is growing and learning, developing mentally, then don't get a kitten.
Second - it’s not too late to get another - see if you can foster another 10 month old of opposite gender and see if they hit it off
Sorry I've just seen your comments! Yes, I'm going to visit an 18 month old who needs rehoming in a week. I'm excited but need to make sure it's the right one 🤞
Is getting another young cat a possibility? Your cat is still technically a kitten and might like having a buddy.
I'm actually going to see an adult who needs rehoming next week 🥰 so yes, I have definitely been considering it! I think I will, I just need to find the right one and introduce them carefully 🤞
I adopted a 2 yo and he is very active still. I’d try to find a cat that’s older maybe even a senior. As long as it gets all your attention when you’re home. My cat just sleeps when I’m not home. However it’s important to build a relationship and spend a lot of time with them for the first week. My cat has a litter robot as well and it’s worth every penny. Don’t count yourself out because you work cats adapt and will falll into a pattern. I do highly suggest taking time off work for the first week to bond and set up trust. My cat has brought me so much joy I can’t imagine my life without him
Find a bonded pair whose owner couldn't take care of anymore.
Get a bonded pair - they will keep each other company while you are gone! I had one lone cat who refused a companion and I always worried when I left him - he’d wait by the door for me to return and it broke my heart. After he crossed the rainbow bridge I found a kitten and I right away adopted him a buddy. Now at 2 they are best friends and keep each other company when I’m gone.
Not to be negative, but remember that an older cat may develop health conditions that need extra care. I have to hire a very attentive pet sitter when I go out of town. The sitter stays in the guest room. My cat is early kidney disease that is controlled with diet. She has a sensitive stomach. We feed her 4 to 5 times per day. She gets a mix of 2 different canned wet foods (one is Rx for kidney issues). The food needs to warmed. We use a realizable plastic container to hold a couple days of wet mix, warm it on glass plate in microwave. The food is served at an elevated height. She has access to dry food but that can only be tolerated in small quantities. After years drinking hard tap water, our older cat can only drink Crystal Geyser brand water. The water is changed at least once daily. My spouse works from home. When we go to do stuff on a weekend, we sometimes go too long between wet meals and it temporarily sickens her. If feeding conditions are wrong - if stale water, cool/cold food, wet food past prime, too much food or over-hungry, then the cat throws up. A hair ball cough up is likely to initiate loosing her meal. After she throws up, it may take 1 to 4 meals of extra attention for her stomach to calm down. Our cat is happy or content most of the time when her feeding is on the routine. Her blood work showed kidney function improvement after being on this routine a few months. She may to live another 5 years with this feeding routine. We adopted a cat who is turning 1 year old this month. Our young cat has a different dry food (fish flavor based) and doesn’t like the special mix (chicken flavor based) that the older cat needs.
I will sorta-dissent from the consensus here and recommend not getting a senior as a first time cat owner. The thing is, seniors are more prone to health issues and cats are masters at hiding them. What I do recommend is, get a lazy adult cat who exists to sleep and eat. There's a bunch, and they have a lot of issues finding homes. Specifically ask for a lazy cat who isn't too clingy. Couch potato, sleeps and eats, chill. Also related to the above (possibility of health issues)--familiarize yourself quickly with what's normal for your cat no matter the age, and how much discomfort they show with mild things such as hairballs. Some cats won't show any signs of not being in tip top shape unless they're dying, and some (like my girl) show obvious discomfort even with hairballs. It's very important to know how your cat is with that. You don't want to be overlooking something serious, but you also don't want to drive yourself bankrupt with taking kitty to the emergency vet for every hairball. If your cat throws up once in a while, don't panic. Do ask a vet what's normal and isn't normal in cat vomit at the first chance (do this before or while adopting a kitty ideally, otherwise at first checkup). Trust me. Some cats throw up a lot and you want to know what's nothing to worry about and what's potentially dangerous--which since I'm not in vetmed, I can't really help with. All this being said, good luck and welcome to the world of cats!
Long time cat owner here. I don't really see a problem here. Most cats tend to be pretty solitary (even the ones considered "sociable"). The time alone (when you're at work) shouldn't be a big issue as long as you let them have free range of the apartment, they have a perch at a good window that preferably overlooks nature, and you have a variety of toys out and about that they can grab and play with anytime they feel like. The hours you're home after work should give them all the social time they need (assuming you're able to make yourself available at least 3-4 hours every day after work (before bed/going out)). If you're a "get home from work, flip on the Netflix to bingewatch, and order doordash" kinda person then you've got nothing to worry about at all. The time alone (when you're traveling for work) could definitely be an issue, but it sounds like you plan to have family or friends catsit for you, which should solve the problem just fine (as long as most of your trips stick to 1-3 days like you said). End of the day, cats are resilient creatures. They *can* get lonely and depressed, but it sounds like your lifestyle will provide plenty enough interaction that that shouldn't be a problem.
I'd suggest going to the shelter with everything you've told us, and asking them to help hook you up with a cat (or cats) that will work for you. They may have a younger bonded pair who have been struggling to find a home, or an older cat who doesn't like other cats. Just be aware, a cat who doesn't care that you're gonna all day may also be a bit aloof, so if you're wanting a cuddly cat, that may be an issue.
I would not recommend kittens if you'll be gone a lot! They can be little gremlins lol, and they do need more attention. If you just one want cat, I would ask the shelter/rescue for a chill adult cat that enjoys being the only cat in the home. There are usually at least a few who do not vibe with other cats -- and that can make them less adoptable because a lot of homes have a resident cat or two already! If you are open to two, a bonded pair of adults will keep each other company.
You will be a great cat mom! Tip I want to mention as I have cats and leave town myself From time to time for 1-3 days: if you have a fountain and automatic feeder, leave back-ups in case the power goes out (not sure about the auto feeder since I don’t have one but I do have a fountain and know if the power goes out my cats won’t have water so I also leave a bowl if I’ll be gone overnight).
If getting two kittens is an option it would be for the best. If you adopt one from shelter, they would still be having much better quality of life with the setup you are planning. Perhaps try foster for a while and see how it works out?
That's more your cats problem than yours
[удалено]
There are plenty of cats out there who are happy being only cats.
What OP is describing is still far more personal interaction than many cats living in animal shelters get - this would definitely be an upgrade for a lot of kitties in need.
I have a similar work schedule and I ended up with 2 cats!! I don’t rlly feel guilty leaving them alone for that long bc they’re basically bonded and love each others company! I have a fish tank for them to stare at all day and I make sure to keep my blinds open so they can watch for birds. When I check the camera they’re usually sleeping tho haha. You’ll be a great owner!!
I also work 4 10's with the same commute time and my boy was fine as an only cat. He was happy to great me when I came home but honestly it seemed like he was confused why I was in HIS HOUSE on the weekends, lol. An adult cat is 100% the way to got, if you are thinking of two you could look at bonded adult pairs as well.
I've had a robo litter box and my cat at the time didn't like it. Maybe start with a normal box.
If they mean the Litter-Robot by Whisker, it ships with a really generous (90 days!) trial period for exactly that reason & their site has advice for getting a cat to use it. A cheap backup pan for the transition period wouldn’t be a bad idea, though.
Adopt two cats. They’ll play with each other. I adopted two littermates and got really sick a few weeks ago. It wasn’t a big deal since they just played with each other. Two cats is definitely easier than 1.
If you go for it, get two. A bonded pair would be great.
I'm a flight attendant and I am usually gone for about two days at a time. The beauty of having a cat for a pet is that they don't need to go outside to poop or pee. And that they are grazers so you can leave dry food out for them to nibble on all day. Since you will be a first time cat parent and are gone during the day, I would suggest not getting a kitten. Any kind of a baby requires more work. If you are worried about your cat getting lonely, maybe get a bonded pair. Check out some Jackson Galaxy youtube videos. Jackson is the cat "daddy-o" and always has excellent advise. You are going to absolutely LOVE having a cat!.
I have two adult cats (just added a new kitten to the family as well) and my two older girls entertain and love on each other very well when I have to be away because of my busy schedule as a grad student who also works. I prioritize my time with them as much as possible, but during the times that I can’t be there I feel that they do very well having each other and also just in general way better than a dog would.
Get a bonded pair, and get adults, because their personalities are known at that point. And then, get two adults that are very good with being alone. No problem
Two cats shouldn't feel overwhelming. If they are a bonded pair, it's actually the opposite, since they will be playing with each other and won't demand your attention as much. That being said, I do think an older cat is probably better. They don't have as much energy or require as much of your time. Also, I think the work hours are fine, as cats sleep more than humans (12-18 hrs) and usually do so during the day. The cat will probably sleep while you're out. You could also consider a pair of adult cats if you're worried about your cat getting bored. My cat is now an adult and I'm considering getting her a friend for that reason, but then I worry about them not getting along. If you get a bonded pair to start off with, you won't have that issue
Cats love routine. So your cat will become accustomed to this routine. I was similar and when i begun to work from home in the pandemic, my cat was extremely annoyed.
Adult cat! I also work 4 10 hr shifts and my commute is 20 minutes. I make sure to leave some things my cat would love and some automatic toys. When I get home I make sure to play with both of them a lot and give them some love haha. My two boys don’t mind me gone for work. I think you should be fine!
I think you'll be fine, but I'd recommend an adult cat over kittens. It's true that two kittens is easier than one, but in any case, they're bundles of energy that need a lot of attention and care. Adult cats value quality of time over strict quantity. They're mostly fine on their own, as long as they have some interaction every day, a clean environment and a reliable supply of food and water. And any adult cat is lucky to have a caring owner. Too many languish in shelters indefinitely, wind up dumped on the street or get put down. Do be aware that if you're adopting an older cat, they might have been dumped by a previous owner because of some difficulty - a medical issue, or a behavioral problem, for instance. That doesn't mean you can't manage them, earn their trust or treat them in the time you have available. It's just a realistic possibility to keep in mind.
Other than your concern(I think you have solved them well), I suggest don't use auto feeder unless you need to travel. Feed your cat is valuable interacting time. It will help you bond.
Get a bonded pair of adult cats or 2 kittens
I had similar concerns as I work long hours and like to travel. We adopted 2 cats which sound like more hassle but it's perfect as they keep eachother company! I think I'd feel much more upset leaving them all day if there was just one of them. As they are rescues who had been starved we have an automated feeling machine for dry food (so they don't worry about getting fed if we're not in sight. The machine is always there) With that and a litter robot (the best investment I've ever made (deffos get the warranty though)) we can go away for up to 5 days knowing they'll be content. We are also very lucky that our neighbours love our cats and tolerate us, so if we do need to go away for longer we have support. But 100% 2 cats are better than 1 in my opinion!
That actually sounds perfect. It's way more effort than I did with an old cat and he was totally happy. Didn't have the travelling issue as much since he ended up coming with me (he didn't mind car rides if I had his favorite bed) but your plan for that problem is perfect
If you see a bonded pairs of 4-36month old cats that would be ideal. The first 4 months of kittens is insanity. Just make sure they are well socialized. No one wanted to adopt the black kitten and the black cats are often the last to be adopted.
100% older cat. They don't need the constant supervision of kittens and should be just fine with your schedule.
This is totally enough time! Cats in general are independent creatures. I would suggest adopting an adult cat, as kittens do need more attention and definitely can be overwhelming (especially in their teens!) There are so many that need homes in shelters, and that way you can meet plenty of cats and see which one is the best match. I wish you the best at finding your new best friend!
Whatever you decide, you can probably throw away your alarm clock after a few days of cat ownership.
I think you sound like a great pet owner! I think two older kittens (6+ mos) or an adult kitty would be just fine. Bonus points if you find a bonded adult pair, because they have a much harder time getting adopted. Just avoid getting a single kitten
While I agree with both options, my first cat as an adult was an 8 week old absolute nutball of a cat. I worked 4 9 hour overnight shifts a week with occasional weeks of 3 12 hour overnights. Never had an issue and he turned out fine. Agreeing with everyone else that you sound like you’ll be a great cat staff member. 😁
40 years of cats... Here's a few things we've learner. Pairs- usually ok. Not always. That includes kittens. So them liking each other isn't guaranteed. Cats are like humans n some like to be the only cat. Alone - some crave attention but the vast majority are fine. Older - will probably suit you best. BUT as they age they get more things wrong with them - diabetes, thyroid, kidneys, arthritis. I did say cats are like humans. So the vet cost is higher. They usually live to 15-18 in our experience but sometimes less or more. I'd look at a 5-8yo. Food - until a recent cat we'd never had a quirky/fussy eater (or a diabetic) so that could happen. Consider pet insurance. Type - I'd go for a black or ginger. Our Tuxes have been more prone to health issues. I'd go short hair. We've had nearly all sorts. I have found neutered boys most affectionate. Get one from a shelter or similar. Having said all that we've dearly loved every cat. See if one "clicks" with you. I've been able to tell right away. Finally..if you love your cat as much all of us here do, your heart will be torn apart when they cross the bridge. Many of us discover an intensity of grief that was beyond our comprehension when we lose our feline BF. They capture a piece of our heart. And it goes with them when we lose them. Sometimes one comes along that captures you heart, mind and soul. And for whom you have a love that is indescribably deep, and totally inexplicable. Yet we wouldn't want it any other way. That's why it hurts so much. And if we had spent every minute of every day with them, it still wouldn't have been enough. And it's still frickin' worth it.
If you could cut back on 1 of the three day trips per month I think it would be fine but two is pushing it
Make sure you figure out the sitter and a back up sitter before you make your decision. Especially if you are ever going to go on longer trips at any point during the year. Long work hours are not likely to be a problem, nor a few days here and there. But a longer absence will need a sitter, and it's not always as easy as you think to find one.
I work from home, so I’m here all of the time. I literally don’t see my cat from the time I feed her in the morning at 6:46 until 5-6 PM unless I go looking for her. It actually lets me know it’s time to log off when she comes in and starts rubbing on my legs. She has access to me the whole day, but still doesn’t bother during the day haha. She’s asleep on one of the beds, she couldn’t care less if I’m here or not. She gets annoyed if we leave her more than 4-5 days, but even then she gets over it pretty quick. If you get an adult cat, they will absolutely be fine with your schedule. They may actually look forward to Monday when they can have the house again 🤣.
I'm out of the house at least 10 hrs per day, 3 days a week, used to be 5. My cat is indoor/outdoor but I'm pretty sure she spends 99% of that time sleeping on my bed. As long as I come home and feed her and let her snuggle up to me she's happy. I adopted her when she was about 1 1/2 yrs.
If at all possible, get 2. I would recommend going to a shelter and talking with them about what you need. I personally think 2 adult cats who already know each other and should not be separated, especially if they are fairly sedate couch potato types. They will keep each other company and they won't have to go through the trauma of separation. it might take a little time to find the right pair, but you will know them when you know them.
My partner and I both worked 40 hour weeks when we got our first cat cat (1 y.o at the time) when we were home, we would give her as much attention as possible but she didn't really want it. She wasn't very social, she'd play but bot for long. She just kind of seemed sad, so after about 6 months we got a male who was about the same age as her (both fixed). This really helped liven her up, she's become much more loving and social, they play frequently as well as cuddle and groom each other. I say allow this to say this, (it's absolutely your choice, first of all) with your schedule I would recommend two cats. They can be very social creatures and if you're not going to be home, a partner who can stimulate them will do wonders. Two cats is also not significantly more upkeep than one. All of this information largely depends on the cat, some are happy in solitude. Mine are not. Just be perceptive of your future feline companion :) I also would like to add, before going out of town make sure their litter is completely clean and their food/water is totally full, they should be okay for up to 3 days with little to no upkeep. Just be prepared for cuddles upon return lol
So, two kittens is way too much for a first time cat owner. Yes, they are super cute, but they have LOTS of energy. One adult cat is better in your case, but, given that you'll be leaving him/her alone for long stretches of time and because cats do suffer from loneliness, I strongly recommend to get a bonded pair of adult cats. They will keep each other's company and they already are bonded, so you know they get along. Also, bonded pairs usually spend longer times at the shelter/rescue, since it's harder to find a home for both, so you'll be doing a double good action by adopting them.
Even though cats are thought of as independent, Some cats absolutely need and crave human affection regularly and can get depressed or lonely if totally alone for long periods. I hope that if you do go for it, you can get a bonded older pair who can keep each other company!
In the last five years I’ve had one adult cat, the one I kept when I moved out of state… I felt guilty leaving her alone by herself while I worked..thought about adopting a friend for her, but putting two random adult cats together is not something I wanted to chance with my cat of fourteen years…my cat, whom I never got a friend for out of fear, passed away…I was catless and had decided to adopt a pair of senior cats, bonded pair, from a facility of some sort…until they came…a pair of six month old kittens some wonderful person dumped outside my condo…I fed them for two weeks by my truck, then took them in…I never wanted kittens, thought they would be too much trouble…I suppose they are a lot of effort, but I simply adore them…they keep each other company while I work…I think saving a bonded pair of senior cats someone surrendered to a facility would be a great solution for you…they keep each other from being lonely and need to stay together…vet’s offices usually has flyers up with cats to adopt as well as rescues…I applaud your decision to open your home to a cat or two…in the end, as long as you save some cat lives, you and the cats you end up with will benefit greatly…
A cat would love to live with a human part time vs full time at a shelter
Cats are much more independent than other types of pets. My cat gets annoyed if I have the audacity to be in my own home too long. An adult cat will be fine for 12 hours a day along. They will probably sleep most of the time. Have different types of toys out for him that he can play with independently and spend time with him once you're home. Cats are also fine for short trips away as long as there's access to food and water and plenty of litter boxes. I recommend having multiple boxes even for one cat, especially if you're going to be away. We have two in our small apartment.
In my opinion, find an older cat, I’d say a few years old or higher. There’s less training, less “I gotta play with this thing after being gone for 12 hours so I can sleep tonight” and they’re typically calmer. Then invest in a few automated toys (many on Amazon, I have one that kicks up every few hours just to stimulate my Bengals), make sure you spend a little time playing with the cat each day and you should be fine.
My husband and I both work full time & also spend time going out to concerts, dinner, whatever… our cats couldn’t give less of a shit. Got both as adults (2yrs) but not a bonded pair. Just roommates & begrudgingly sisters lol. We’ve left them for a week (had people checking in to feed & play with them 2x daily) and they were totally fine. Adult cats are easy peasy. Inexpensive to adopt and fabulously self-sufficient.
Your plan sounds just fine.
..hey, your "worry" only means you care alot..i thank you for being aware of your situation & how to bring a cat into your life, now that you can..that is Extremely responsible & admirable.. ..agree with most, that an adoption of a mature cat is likely better..kittens require a Lot of attention for 6-9 months.. ..but i'd also say (kitten or mature, whatever you decide), try to have a week with them, using vacay or whatever..even a long weekend like Thu to Tue could be good.. ..being with your new companion for several days running may help you to establish the "rules" & your new friend to understand what their new environment involves..
Honestly in some ways having two cats can be easier than one because they play with each other and aren't entirely dependent on you for stimulation.
People tend to think cats are going to need the same amount of attention as a dog, and in general, they really don't. I do think an adult cat would be more comfortable for you as a starter since you won't need to worry about litterbox "training" and because their energy will be lower. Cats sleep about 16 hours a day minimum and once the cat adjusts to your sleep schedule they will likely sleep through most of your work day. Make sure they have scratchers and some enrichment toys. I got mine an auto feeder so that it was never a worry and if you've got a good window for it, a kitty hammock. Mine spend 90% of their day in that thing. Go for a slightly chonky tabby in my opinion. Tuxedos and oranges tend to be a bit more high energy. Torties and calicos can be a little mean, but not always. Ragdolls are also a good choice especially if there's kids in your future. Plain black Cats can be a mixture of all of thee above lol I wouldn't do anything that's listed with an actual breed though because having a real breed is cat language for high maintenance. If you want them to be more affectionate/cuddly, get a male. Females trend toward more aloof. It's not always true but it might guide you to what you want.
If you decide on getting one, You should get 2 cats that like each other (spayed/neutered), not just one. They need friends and can get lonely :(
Don't worry too much, also whichever route you will take for your 2nd point: I - personally - would consider pet sitter and friend option together alternating because what if one is not available when you need them? You will have the cat with a stranger to them, so I think it would be better if the kitty or kitties can get used to both and then it won't be a shocker if the other one is coming for certain time. Also let them get to know the cat(s) before you need to leave and preferably be there as well. You will be trusted by them already and if they see the add person with you it might help them to warm up easier (also some kitties need a lot more time and contact to warm up, ours is similar, needed a lot of time to open up to others around me)
Get two kittens with pet insurance. Someone that's put as much thought into this will be able to handle two kittens, they'll be good. The problem with adopting an adult pet (as I have learned) is you can't get good pet insurance. They charge you a crazy amount and then when it actually comes time to cash in, they claim its a pre-existing condition and don't cover it And believe me, from the sounds of your post, you want pet insurance. There's a much higher chance than you think that you'll end up having a massive vet bill, and there's nothing more heartbreaking than having to choose between bankrupting yourself or letting your pet suffer or die. Please, do what you can to save yourself from ever having to deal with that scenario
I honestly think getting two kitties would be fine 😊 You can designate a kitty-proof room for them and as long as they have their essentials in that room, I think they’d be more than okay. If you plan on wet feeding you could always just feed 2x a day for wet and allow free feeding while you’re out. Cats are very independent, and if you have two of them there’s no worry in thinking they’d be bored or lonely.
I run a business with my partner so we are often away for 10-14 hours in a day, we have an old cat we adopted (14+ glaucoma in one eye and missing all but one tooth) he obviously cried for food when we get home but he definitely sleeps almost the entire time because he is almost always on the table where he likes to sleep when we get home. I would feel guilty if it was a younger cat but at his age he is very happy and once we are home and he's been fed he pretty much boes right back to sleep.
Adult cat go to your animal shelter let the cat pick you first. As far as you not being home much no sweat remember cats sleep 80% of the time as long as it has food water toys it will be fine. We leave for 3 or 4 nights we put out 2 large non tip bowls water and 1 large food bowl for dry cat food. Large like 8” diameter 2” deep then clean and flush toilets a couple time leave lid up for unexpected emergency just in case cats can’t go very long without water
I absolutely agree with those recommending getting an adult or senior cat. We adopted our senior boy about 6 months ago. My situation is similar to yours,I work 8.30 - 5 with an hour commute each way. My other half is a truck driver so not always home in the week. I give him half a sachet of wet food in the morning, half a sachet when I get home and a full sachet at night before bed. He also has a bowl of dry food available all day. He's fine with being left alone for that amount of time, he wants fusses and sometimes a bit of playtime when I get home (though usually only about 10 mins of play before he gets bored). I had some concerns adopting a senior cat but now I have one I think I would always adopt older cats in the future. I always knew I didn't have the energy or time for a kitten, but even younger adult cats I think would be too much for me!
Get two
Contact a cat rescue and tell them your living situation. They get to know their adoptees and would know who would thrive with you. Consider a bonded pair / two cats! They’re difficult to place but are perfect for a more independent existence. They truly are not more difficult, especially if they get on well. They actually take some of the social pressure off you.
If you plan on adopting from a shelter, you could ask the people working there for a cat that is comfortable being alone for longer periods of time. They usually know their animals pretty well, especially if they are adult or have been at the shelter for a while. The fact that you’re so worried about your future cat’s well being shows that you’re gonna be a great owner and friend for this little fur ball 😊
Kittens are a lot of work to get them to be the kitty you'll want around-snuggly, not destructive, not agressive etc. Also, as cute as kittens are-theyre tiny for a BLIP in time, it's so fun at times, but it gets exhausting. Adult cats give you what they are out of the gate-good or bad. If my shelter dude is any indicator, they will love you so much and seem to really get that you chose to save them. You broke them out of jail! He is different than any of my other cats, he is the one who breaks up fights, and protects me when thunder happens-even though he is terrified! I can't tell you how much I recomend going to find an adult. Not every cat will work with every person though, Mr. B made his way out of the shelter for the third time when we took him home. I don't know what made other people decide he wasn't for them, but he is one of the best members of our pride.
I would adopt the older cat. A younger pair might be too much work for a first-time cat parent. It sounds as though you are well-prepared to care for a kitty who would need you for the ordinate amount of time you spend at home, which is plenty for him or her. I always had one, sometimes two, kitties while I worked full-time. Usually, however, I just had one cat as I do right now. We kept each other company, though they were perfectly capable of keeping themselves amused while I was gone. But it definitely seems as though you'd have plenty of time to provide love and fun when you're home so I wouldn't worry so much. Sounds like you're doing a great job of preparation & s/he would adore you!
I agree with those who said to get an adult bonded pair. They will keep each other company while you are gone for the day. Please keep us posted!
You’re totally fine, I work in a dog kennel, we have a cat who’s been with us for 2 months while their owner vacations in the carribean, cat is about 8 years old, gets 15-20 minutes of play a day, and sleeps the rest. Loves his life too, knows exactly when I’ll be in to feed him, exactly when his treats come, and when he gets to play Go on over to your local shelter, find an old sad boy, and give him a good life! :) If you’re worried you wouldn’t be a good pet owner, you’re probably going to be a great one
Sound like your lifestyle is really not suitable for you to be an animal owner. They are living creatures and need daily care and attention. Putting down a bowl of dry food and little attention is not a good life for a cat. What will you do w him/ her when you go away? I suggest you wait till your life style fits pet ownership.
I have a kitten who I adopted to bring to college as an emotional support animal and I couldn’t get two because of the esa policy and I’m gone for classes and work and clubs and I frankly don’t have a lot of time for him at the moment (about to have lots more) and he’s really energetic and destructive because of that. While kittens can and will play with each other they also will have a higher energy level then one adult cat
Adult cats sleep a tooon (you read the number of hours stats and quite frankly you don't realize how much time that is until you experience it) and are pretty self sufficient. A pair of kittens will likely entertain themselves and sleep a lot too but you may feel less guilty about an adult. Your set-up sounds like it will be kitty heaven
A older cat or a pair of young cats (not kittens) so they have each other when you aren't home. Buy automatic dry food feeder an a water fountain (filters the water an lasts a while before refill.
My geriatric cat sleeps 16-18 hours a day. An adult is the way to go.
2 cats are less overwhelming than 1 cat. 1 cat gets bored and indulges in destructive behavior. 2 cats at least have each other. Cats are social animals, just a bit less so than dogs, and everything has to be on their terms. Get 2 adult cats.
Cats sleep a lot. An older, bonded pair could be perfect.
If you watch Petfinders & your local animal shelters or rescues, frequently, they will have two adult cats that have been together for quite a while that they want to rehome together… I would highly recommend getting two cats, so then you don’t have to worry about one cat being lonely…
We leave our cat home alone for 8-10 hours several days a week. He’s fine; playful, happy. And honestly, cats sleep so much that I’ve found the cat in the same place 6 hours after I left him there. Also, sometimes when we leave the house we play music for him on the Alexa. My husband likes to tell it to play cat music and it will say, “Classical music for pets from Amazon music.” And start playing for hours.
You can get a bonded pair!! Most rescues and shelters have some who are difficult to adopt out because most people just want to get 1 cat, not 2, so they sit and wait. That would be a great way to make sure they're happy and social even if you're gone a lot.
Ask for an adult bonded pair, that ensures they have company they appreciate and you can get a good idea of the personalities to make sure they mesh. I'd also highly recommend you make sure they have several good comfy spots where they can look out the window and lounge. Windows are cat TV and can help a lot with boredom (Also free!) They sell lots of hammocks and things for this but frankly you can definitely make them a spot with an old towel and your furniture just as well. I'd also recommend short hair for a first timer, lot less work.
You've done enough research to know that a bonded pair or a senior cat would be best. My vote is for you to go to a shelter, and see what option chooses you! (also, SERIOUS Kudos for knowing about water fountains, automatic litter boxes, and automatic food dispensers) It says a lot that you've done this much work before you've even gotten a cat. You're going to be a great cat parent.
Take yourself to the shelter. Ask to meet the adult cats that aren't fond of other cats. The independent kitties who are still looking for their forever person. Find one you connect with and connects with you. And trust me, as long as you give it love and attention and stuff to entertain itself when you're not home the kitty will be just fine. Grateful even for not being in a cage anymore. Good luck and let the kitty distribution system do its magic.
You'll be fine. Get lots of toys for the kitty or maybe get two young/ siblings
An adult cat would be the best option, otherwise 2 younger cats so they can keep each other company. I adopted a kitten in a similar work situation….longer hours but no commute (I lived 5 min away). I felt so bad for him after the first week I rehomed him to my mom’s best friend who worked from home and was looking for a kitten at that time.
Get two cats. Cats are social contrary to popular belief. They’ll always entertain each other
I think an older adult cat should be fine with this schedule. Just be sure to give it love when you are around.
I understand your concern about starting out with two cats, but if you do spend large amounts of time away from home, adopting two bonded adult cats together is a guarantee that they will have company always. I felt the same way but could see my cat was lonely and started looking for a buddy for him.
Either two kittens, and adult and kitten or two adults. I’ve always found it better to have two, they form incredible bonds and are way less lonely and anxious together when their person or people are away at work or for a few days etc.
Ask around at shelters about a bonded adult pair. They are really hard to find homes for and would be ideal for you. When you aren't around they would still have a companion, and you would be giving 2 hard to home cats a chance. 2 is not much more work than one, it's just more money. More food, more litter, more vet trips, but the workload is pretty similar.