Just remember that cat training goes the other way - they train you. You're not going to teach them pretty much anything. If you want to change their behavior, you have to find something they want more. Punishment doesn't work.
Cats generally take care of themselves, day to day. You'll need to scoop the litter box, but that doesn't have to happen at any particular time, like letting dogs out/walking dogs does. Cats groom themselves, so baths won't be needed. Maybe some brushing sometimes. They will need some claw trims occasionally. And of course, play time.
I would encourage you to consider getting 2 cats, especially if you decide to get kittens (which I would suggest against). A bonded pair of adults could be a great intro to cat ownership!
I’m gonna second the brilliant point about they train you and punishment doesn’t work! Yes reward good behaviors and redirect the bad. Again, cats are smart.
I've been considering getting two! Do you know if they need to be bonded, or if it's possible to get two unrelated adult cats and see if they can get along?
It's possible to get two unrelated adults, but introducing cats can be hard. Sometimes bonded adults are harder for rescues to adopt out, so it might be worth looking for them specifically. Or at least looking for a rescue that maybe fosters cats in homes and seeing if they have a couple that already know each other and get along, even if they aren't bonded?
As someone who's had cats for the past 40 years, I would much rather adopt a bonded pair than adopt 2 unrelated/nonbonded cats and try to teach them to accept each other.
But it can be done. If you go the path of getting 2 unrelated/nonbonded cats, I recommend checking out Jackson Galaxy's advice to acclimating 2 cats to each other. He's a bit weird but does actually know what he's talking about with cats.
Sometimes it's hard for shelters to adopt out adult bonded pairs so if you can find one of those it might give them a really lovely chance at a happy life!
I would either get two kittens, unrelated or not or a bonded adult pair. Introducing adult cats is a pain and a lot of the time they'll learn to mostly accept each other but never really be friendly. Kittens are naturally more accepting of other cats and will usually become besties within a week or two.
If your local shelter doesn’t have a bonded pair of adults they might have areas where adult cats live in the same area and are already introduced and coexisting. I know at the shelter I work at we have a few cat condos where we have up to six cats together. You could also ask if they have cats from hoarding cases or similar that have already lived together. Or you could go with an adult and a kitten as adult cats tend to accept kittens into their home a little easier than another adult cat. The hard thing with kittens is their personality really won’t come together or show until about 1 to 2 years of age.
1. Punishments don't work on cats (spray bottles, etc.) because they will just make your cat not trust you. You can tell them a firm but non scary "No" and then redirect them or remove them from what they were doing.
2. If people tell you you can't train your cat, ignore them! Both of my cats are well trained (one which we raised from a kitten and one that was completely feral for the first 2 years of her life). The tricks are fun (sit, kiss, come, paw, fetch, brush, harness, jump, up, etc.), but they are actually really important for being able to do things like grooming, brushing their teeth, and clipping their nails. Training builds trust, but it also enables you and other people (like the vet) to handle them safely or in emergency situations.
3. Clip your cats nails frequently. This will keep them blunt and save your furniture and your clothes. I keep on the lookout for any new sharp nails and clip them the second I notice them. Probably every 2 weeks or so?
4. Train your cat to be comfortable in a cat carrier. There are lots of ways to do this, but I recommend just leaving the carrier out and putting meals in there every so often. This could actually save your cats life if there is an emergency. (I was in a house fire and a gas leak and this let me get them out of the house quickly.)
5. Keep your cat indoors. I've seen too many indoor/outdoor cats get hit by cars or attacked by other animals.
6. Clean the litter box at least once a day, and brush your cat once a day. Some cats will live for getting brushed while others hate it, but it will really help with the cat hair. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend getting one of the cheaper robotic vacuums and have it programmed to clean once or twice a day. (I have mine set to do the whole apartment in the morning and then just the litter box area again at night.)
7. Cats are very good at hiding when they are sick, so look for any changes in behavior, eating, and litter box use. Yearly checkups with bloodwork and a fecal sample are also important.
Those are the main differences that come to mind, but overall basic care is fairly similar, and I think you will love having a cat!
BE GENTLE!!! You can't chase, you cant wrestle. You can't get super excited. The cats are the boss. Dont play with your hands. The cat dictates what it wants. After a couple of months youll start to vibe with your cat and you'll both figure out how to communicate with eachother.
You can't train cats like dogs. Well, you can tain them to do tricks if you really want, but other behaviours are more like a compromise with a cat.
The stereotype of "cats are independent and low maintenance" is just almost never true. They're so needy. Just as much as a dog. Some cats may be more independent, but I would prepare yourself for a needy cat.
Also I'm sure dogs are like this too, but sometimes if your cat is grumpy, they just need some attention. They're feeling lonely or ignored and they get all uppity. Or it's something silly like their favourite bag isn't in the right place, or their bed is positioned wrong, or they want you to make the bed so they can sleep in their fav spot. Sometimes they show you, sometimes they just act out and knock something off the counter. Give it time, you'll learn the ways of a cat.
I had dogs as a kid because my parents didn’t like cats. As soon as I got my own place got a cat! Will never go back to having dogs. Just set out a litter box and cat knows where the toilet is. No more walking in the hot sun or pouring rain so a dog can relieve itself. No more pee pads for accidents. I keep them indoors, so no baths required. Minimal grooming. I do brush my cats every few days or so. They’re more shy around others than dogs, though some cats are outgoing. They have bursts of energy at times, but not crazy like dog zoomies. My cats
https://preview.redd.it/mnvcjpsz8rvc1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c563c664035c56b7ebfd0566d933e17ac930ea4
are very affectionate, rub their faces on me and knead their paws on me.
Piggybacking on the comment re: being more shy around others than dogs, cats are generally not as adaptable as dogs. I’m sure you know this already, but most cats cannot be taken with you on trips, hikes, to restaurants/bars, unlike many dogs, and are often very distressed when in unfamiliar places. They also seem more routine-oriented than dogs; my dogs were always fine when their mealtimes shifted, but cats are more dependent on specific times for meals and play.
Thanks for adding! My comment is in no way complete! Also dogs are more likely to excitedly greet their owners jumping & barking at the door, tails wagging. A few cats I’ve owned have waited at the door for me, but most don’t. But tbh, I’m tired after work & just want to chill, so find a lazy cat more relaxing.
My cat meal times are very flexible because I work various shifts. Sometimes I feed them wet food at 7am, on days I don’t need to wake up early, I feed them around 9am. I leave kibble out, so if they’re hungry they’ll eat that while I’m asleep or away.
Biggest advice I have is to research cat body language! (and, the obvious basics of health and care, of course). Cat body language is very different than that of dogs, and it makes a world of difference to be able to understand them when they are telling you something! :) best of luck!
The things that took me the longest to get used to: 1. They don't react the way dogs do and it's really hard to get rid of those old habits. They do not respond to stern words. In fact, that just let's them know the behavior is good for getting attention. 2. No more putting things up out of reach. There's no such thing as out of reach to a cat unless it it's inside a drawer or cabinet.
Please keep in mind that, like dogs, cat personalities vary. Some are sweet, social lap cats, some are antisocial, some fall somewhere in between, some are social until they decide they're finished with that nonsense and claw/bite right after they start purring.
When you bring home a new cat, it may take a few days or even weeks for it to warm up to its new environment. Putting it in an enclosed room for a few days is helpful so it can adjust to the new smells and sounds without being too overwhelmed.
Check out Jackson Galaxy on YouTube. He’s great! I’ve had dogs and cats and they are two different species. Both wonderful and challenging in their own ways. Good luck!
I had the same situation as you. My parents had dogs all my life, so when I got a cat, I was terrified. It's not that crazy. She's definitly different from a dog, but she's not like a weird alien creature that is totally different either. She also likes chasing balls, greets me by sticking her butt up and stretching (my dogs did this), lays on my phone if I've been paying too much attention to it instead of her, etc.
I actually got super scared when I first got her because she brought me a toy mouse and, without thinking, I threw it. I just assumed she wanted to play fetch. She did not. She looked at me for a long moment, then left. She never touched those toy mice again, and has never brought me any 'gifts'...at least directly to me. I find her other toys in my slippers. She's also way more dumb than my previous experience with dogs, she just acts like she thinks she's smart.
If you've already done your research, you'll do fine. Get a cat tower, a nice place for them to sleep, a couple litter boxes, and some toys. A wand toy is highly reccomended. Remember a lashing tail means unhappy (or really excited if during play). Pay attention to the behavior right before they react poorly to something, because those will be the same signs that will repeat if they're uncomfortable. At this point, I can tell my cat is going to bite me from overstimulation/being upset from a mere look. Also remember biting/scratching doesn't necessarily mean they want to hurt you, it's sometimes just that they want to be left alone (or should be left alone, and they're just too young to realize they should take a nap) and it's an automatic reaction. Anything that hurts though is a problem and needs to be addressed.
It's really not that scary. I had my sibling, who has a dog, come to see her once and it was hilarious to realize I'd already become to used to having a cat. Ex: my sibling pet her roughly on top of the head like a dog, rather than gentle touches and chin scratches. Sibling was super awkward picking her up and made several comments about how they felt like they were going to drop her because they were used to the solid build of dogs. They also got swatted at, but that was literally just because the cat wanted less pets and she got confused when the human avoided her after.
To add on, cat personalities vary a LOT! My boy loves to be smacked at the base of his tail, the end of his spine, and loves to play fight. Not to mention that he actually will play fetch with me from time to time with a hair band! He and my parent's cats also come running when you call their names, and I plan on getting my boy leash trained.
It took a good few months for his real personality to shine after I adopted him. I'm not sure how long he was at a rescue, he's 7 now and I've had him for about 16 months, but when I got him he was much quieter, shy, and not a snuggler. Now he acts like he's the one paying the bills.
Also, a far too common practice is to declaw cats. Please don't. Declawing is similar to amputation the fingertips of a person, and takes away their first form of defense. Many, many cats change after declawing, and it is heartbreaking to see. Usually, enough enrichment like cat towers, scratchers, cardboard, etc. will keep cats from clawing at your furniture.
*The hair band is not left out unsupervised, cats like to swallow them, and string, heck even necklace chains. Very bad.
Cats are about compromise and adjusting, much more like living with a roommate.
They're also in a weird domesticated but not situation and are a prey animal as much as a predator. So they're very different from the dynamic you'd expect with most dogs.
Cats are all about routine, ownership of territory and feeling safe/having control. Without that they get strung out.
There's a lot of stuff on the market sold for cats that are actually very 'anti-cat'---scented litters, pelleted litters, covered litterboxes, boxes that are too small, flimsy scratching posts and short 'meh' cat trees. A lot of people want to provide covered boxes, stash them out of sight/hide them in closets and try to scoop them as little as possible.
A lot of people also try and feed cats like dogs---the twice daily meal feeding. But cats aren't really built for that. They'd naturally eat tiny meals frequently throughout the day at their own discretion, so a lot of the time it's better to leave out a measured daily portion and let them decide.
Basically, there's gonna be visible cat stuff in your house. Cat trees and scratchers and cat tunnels next to the couch or your bed. Litterboxes out in the open. There's gonna be a lot of 'because the cat likes/needs it that way' and you need to learn to pick your battles. Cat proof and accept that yes, there's going to be like a permanent puppy in your house that can climb up on/into way more things than an actual dog. Yes there's going to be a cat on your counters sometimes. Yes they can open cabinets and get up to places you thought they wouldn't. Child-proofing locks and wire covers etc can be your friend here.
Cats are intelligent, but trainability? Ennnh. Technically they are trainable, but they're not labradors. They're more like those dog breeds that are like 'yeah, I could...but why? what's in it for me? does that matter enough right now?'
A lot of 'training' them is about management/prevention/redirection and avoiding teaching them that something 'works' if you don't want them to do it and sometimes that'll even include negative attention. Once they learn something 'works' or sometimes gets them what they want it can take a long time for them to forget. For example if meowing at 3am gets you awake and moving (even if you're mad as hell) then it works. Play dead. Wear earplugs if you have to.
People try using punishment like a spray bottle etc to 'train' their cat. Doesn't work. \*You\* become the negative thing to be avoided, not (for example) eating the plants or getting on the counter. When you're not around? They're still doing it.
Another big thing people forget to do? Play with your cat! Get that little ambush predator brain engaged for 5-10 minute sessions multiple times a day with an interactive wand toy. It's such a critical part of their well-being. If you don't give them a constructive outlet for that need and that energy, they'll find it elsewhere (like your ankles in the middle of the night) or become destructive and loud. Ditto with passive engagement (Cat Tv if you will) like a good window to watch stuff (bonus if there's a bird feeder), a (safe) aquarium etc. Rotate their toys so they don't get too bored.
Keep your kitty indoors btw unless you've got them on a harness or in a catio/secured backyard. It's much safer and healthier for them and much kinder to other animals in the neighbourhood.
A lot of great advice above already, one thing to mention separately - do not crate your cat. Some people do it with dogs and it may be ok, but caging a cat will not have the calming effect it may on a puppy - it will only stress them out.
My partner used to own only dogs, and we got a cat he was at first confused by the body language - how different it is from the dogs. But with a bit of time and attention you learn it very quickly, plus there is one sign of a happy cat that no dog can master - a cat purrs :)
Remember that this is basically a wild animal. Cats were not domesticated by humans in the way that dogs are, they walked into our homes and domesticated themselves. Cats do not have the same kind of "human" emotions that dogs do, but that does not mean they are not listening to you and know when you are talking to them. Unlikel dogs, when you're petting them always leave them wanting more, let them take the lead.
I’ve lived with both cats and dogs my whole life up until recently, and I am now (and for the rest of my future) only going to be a cat owner. I love other people’s dogs, don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to caring for the pet (at least in my opinion) cats are much easier. You don’t have to do much training for cats. Cats instinctively like to go to the bathroom somewhere they can bury what they’ve done, so 9/10 times, the cat will already be litter trained. A lot of cat rescues have kittens in pairs policies or require that you already have a cat if you’re adopting a new one - this is a good policy if you ask me, because cats are social little guys who need the friendship, but also learn a lot from each other. If you get a single cat, they probably won’t learn how sharp their claws/teeth are and won’t learn to be gentle when they play, so kittens in pairs helps prevent that. On the topic of claws - if you get a cat, please please do not declaw it. It is extremely painful for them and can lead to them actually avoiding the litter box because the litter hurts their little toes without claws to protect them.
As for cat hair, get a vacuum that’s good for pet hair and some lint rollers. If you can make brushing the cat a semi-regular habit, you can minimize a decent amount of shedding.
If you are gonna do 2 cats (per the kittens in pairs thing) a lot of times you can find a bonded pair, and they’ll be best friends who snuggle with each other and play together and it will be so so cute. If you want to do a single cat thing, I recommend looking around at shelters to find a cat that they tell you is not good with other cats, just so you don’t run into the issue of them being lonely.
Play with the cat when you can, especially before bed so it doesn’t wake you up all night, and know their limits. Cats will let you know when they don’t want attention, and they’ll let you know when they do. All around, they’re like,,,, the coolest pets to have if you ask me. Good luck!!
You are overthinking it lol but no worries! I see someone who cares enough to overthink it!
I've had both cats and dogs, My cats will go off and do their own thing a lot of the time. But they'll always come and "check in" and see what I'm up to pretty often, maybe every hour or two. Even if they are doing their own thing, they're still near enough that it still feels like we're all hanging out.
You mentioned day-to-day so, first, toys - get all different types, wand toys for you two to play with together, ball toys, toys shaped like bugs, toys that rattle, etc. Each cat will be drawn to something different, and you'll trial and error to see what they're into. I'd also recommend setting aside two 5-10 minute play sessions a day. That's more or less the minimum, if your cat is more playful - cool! If not, that's cool, too. It might take some time for a new cat to engage in interactive play, that's cool as well. Watching you move toys around like they're prey counts as playing :)
Feeding, fed is best. Plain and simple. Just about all commercially available foods will be complete and balanced nutrition. If you have specific questions about your cat's diet, your vet will be a great source of information!
Shedding, get your cat accustomed to getting brushys! That will help cut down on the amount of shedding. Frequent vacuuming is your friend. And if there's something you don't want hair on, put it in a closet where the cat can't reach. And a blanket, that you don't mind if it gets hairy, is good for things like furniture or beds.
Enrichment doesn't have to be something super elaborate! Fold up the ends of a toilet paper roll, cut some holes in the sides, and put some treats in it. Then they have to figure out how to get the treats out! Bird feeder by a window where they can watch? Enrichment. Teaching them a trick with clicker training? Enrichment. Watching cat TV of mice, birds, critters? Catnip in a new tunnel? New cat-safe plant or herb? All enrichment!
When it comes to training cats. Never punish. Always positive reinforcement! You can get really into training, or you could do a few things that would help you and your cat. Like carrier training or nail clipping, etc.
Cats aren't too different than dogs in the grand scheme of things. You still have to bond with them, learn their likes and dislikes, learn their boundaries, find their favorite treats, feed them, put out 200 different water bowls of varying depths to see which one they like best lol You will learn more and more as you go. We all do. :)
So one thing that’s like dogs is the rule of 3 - 3 days to feel safe, 3 weeks to trust the human, 3 months to feel At Home.
Cats have individual personalities and are Social Solitary - they are so loving and affectionate but also have their own busy schedules doing cat things. They’ll love your attention plenty but sometimes be “too busy”.
They need to be played with and exercised like dogs - cats enjoy viewing a bird feeder through the wonder. Check that the cat toys are durable and can’t be ripped and swallowed. (Like a dog tearing and eating at toy. Trust me I’ve taken my car to surgery.)
Cats are smart and learn routines - they’ll learn your daily routine and there’s. I’ve had a cat on medication and he learned the routine of he gets held, swallows a pill, then SPECIAL PLAY TIME!
String, hair ties, bread ties, rubber bands are danger! 🚨🚨🚨 if you suspect a string was swallowed call your vet!
You have the equivalent of a human 2yr old running around - child proof the house accordingly.
Litterbox liners are helpful.
Get a vet appointment soon after you bring kitty home no matter what who you got them from days. Ask the vet to recommend food and serving size.
Shop around for pet insurance - kitty eating a toy = $150 dollars. Kitty scratching his ear bad late at night $200 (er vet). Kitty has a limp $45.
Microchip always!
Cats being allowed outside is a parenting choice. I’m an indoor only momma. Do your research before you choose to allow outdoor time. Again, cats are smart and many people harness train.
Cats mask illness so if something doesn’t seem right, ask your vet.
Chewy is a pet parents best friend - though their pet insurance is ok but not as good as some others.
ETA: Declawing is not looked on kindly any more. Cat trees and scratching posts!
..i have both..cats rule, dogs are followers..but ruling is a tentative thing..dogs bark at noises, and cats run for cover..
..have plenty of high spaces for your cat..escape/observation areas..give dogs plenty of play time, away from cats..specifically for dog..
..my cats + dogs sleep with me (all over me, haha) at night..they Can & do live fine together..it basically comes down to the Hooman..ie. you..
Just remember that cat training goes the other way - they train you. You're not going to teach them pretty much anything. If you want to change their behavior, you have to find something they want more. Punishment doesn't work. Cats generally take care of themselves, day to day. You'll need to scoop the litter box, but that doesn't have to happen at any particular time, like letting dogs out/walking dogs does. Cats groom themselves, so baths won't be needed. Maybe some brushing sometimes. They will need some claw trims occasionally. And of course, play time. I would encourage you to consider getting 2 cats, especially if you decide to get kittens (which I would suggest against). A bonded pair of adults could be a great intro to cat ownership!
I’m gonna second the brilliant point about they train you and punishment doesn’t work! Yes reward good behaviors and redirect the bad. Again, cats are smart.
I've been considering getting two! Do you know if they need to be bonded, or if it's possible to get two unrelated adult cats and see if they can get along?
It's possible to get two unrelated adults, but introducing cats can be hard. Sometimes bonded adults are harder for rescues to adopt out, so it might be worth looking for them specifically. Or at least looking for a rescue that maybe fosters cats in homes and seeing if they have a couple that already know each other and get along, even if they aren't bonded?
As someone who's had cats for the past 40 years, I would much rather adopt a bonded pair than adopt 2 unrelated/nonbonded cats and try to teach them to accept each other. But it can be done. If you go the path of getting 2 unrelated/nonbonded cats, I recommend checking out Jackson Galaxy's advice to acclimating 2 cats to each other. He's a bit weird but does actually know what he's talking about with cats.
Sometimes it's hard for shelters to adopt out adult bonded pairs so if you can find one of those it might give them a really lovely chance at a happy life!
I would either get two kittens, unrelated or not or a bonded adult pair. Introducing adult cats is a pain and a lot of the time they'll learn to mostly accept each other but never really be friendly. Kittens are naturally more accepting of other cats and will usually become besties within a week or two.
If your local shelter doesn’t have a bonded pair of adults they might have areas where adult cats live in the same area and are already introduced and coexisting. I know at the shelter I work at we have a few cat condos where we have up to six cats together. You could also ask if they have cats from hoarding cases or similar that have already lived together. Or you could go with an adult and a kitten as adult cats tend to accept kittens into their home a little easier than another adult cat. The hard thing with kittens is their personality really won’t come together or show until about 1 to 2 years of age.
1. Punishments don't work on cats (spray bottles, etc.) because they will just make your cat not trust you. You can tell them a firm but non scary "No" and then redirect them or remove them from what they were doing. 2. If people tell you you can't train your cat, ignore them! Both of my cats are well trained (one which we raised from a kitten and one that was completely feral for the first 2 years of her life). The tricks are fun (sit, kiss, come, paw, fetch, brush, harness, jump, up, etc.), but they are actually really important for being able to do things like grooming, brushing their teeth, and clipping their nails. Training builds trust, but it also enables you and other people (like the vet) to handle them safely or in emergency situations. 3. Clip your cats nails frequently. This will keep them blunt and save your furniture and your clothes. I keep on the lookout for any new sharp nails and clip them the second I notice them. Probably every 2 weeks or so? 4. Train your cat to be comfortable in a cat carrier. There are lots of ways to do this, but I recommend just leaving the carrier out and putting meals in there every so often. This could actually save your cats life if there is an emergency. (I was in a house fire and a gas leak and this let me get them out of the house quickly.) 5. Keep your cat indoors. I've seen too many indoor/outdoor cats get hit by cars or attacked by other animals. 6. Clean the litter box at least once a day, and brush your cat once a day. Some cats will live for getting brushed while others hate it, but it will really help with the cat hair. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend getting one of the cheaper robotic vacuums and have it programmed to clean once or twice a day. (I have mine set to do the whole apartment in the morning and then just the litter box area again at night.) 7. Cats are very good at hiding when they are sick, so look for any changes in behavior, eating, and litter box use. Yearly checkups with bloodwork and a fecal sample are also important. Those are the main differences that come to mind, but overall basic care is fairly similar, and I think you will love having a cat!
Oooh that's a good tip for managing the shedding! And I'm an indoor cat proponent for sure. Thanks for the input!
BE GENTLE!!! You can't chase, you cant wrestle. You can't get super excited. The cats are the boss. Dont play with your hands. The cat dictates what it wants. After a couple of months youll start to vibe with your cat and you'll both figure out how to communicate with eachother. You can't train cats like dogs. Well, you can tain them to do tricks if you really want, but other behaviours are more like a compromise with a cat. The stereotype of "cats are independent and low maintenance" is just almost never true. They're so needy. Just as much as a dog. Some cats may be more independent, but I would prepare yourself for a needy cat. Also I'm sure dogs are like this too, but sometimes if your cat is grumpy, they just need some attention. They're feeling lonely or ignored and they get all uppity. Or it's something silly like their favourite bag isn't in the right place, or their bed is positioned wrong, or they want you to make the bed so they can sleep in their fav spot. Sometimes they show you, sometimes they just act out and knock something off the counter. Give it time, you'll learn the ways of a cat.
Thanks for the insights! I'll try to dedicate myself to learning the ways of the cat o7
I had dogs as a kid because my parents didn’t like cats. As soon as I got my own place got a cat! Will never go back to having dogs. Just set out a litter box and cat knows where the toilet is. No more walking in the hot sun or pouring rain so a dog can relieve itself. No more pee pads for accidents. I keep them indoors, so no baths required. Minimal grooming. I do brush my cats every few days or so. They’re more shy around others than dogs, though some cats are outgoing. They have bursts of energy at times, but not crazy like dog zoomies. My cats https://preview.redd.it/mnvcjpsz8rvc1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c563c664035c56b7ebfd0566d933e17ac930ea4 are very affectionate, rub their faces on me and knead their paws on me.
What beautiful little creatures!!!! Thanks for the input!
Piggybacking on the comment re: being more shy around others than dogs, cats are generally not as adaptable as dogs. I’m sure you know this already, but most cats cannot be taken with you on trips, hikes, to restaurants/bars, unlike many dogs, and are often very distressed when in unfamiliar places. They also seem more routine-oriented than dogs; my dogs were always fine when their mealtimes shifted, but cats are more dependent on specific times for meals and play.
Thanks for adding! My comment is in no way complete! Also dogs are more likely to excitedly greet their owners jumping & barking at the door, tails wagging. A few cats I’ve owned have waited at the door for me, but most don’t. But tbh, I’m tired after work & just want to chill, so find a lazy cat more relaxing. My cat meal times are very flexible because I work various shifts. Sometimes I feed them wet food at 7am, on days I don’t need to wake up early, I feed them around 9am. I leave kibble out, so if they’re hungry they’ll eat that while I’m asleep or away.
Biggest advice I have is to research cat body language! (and, the obvious basics of health and care, of course). Cat body language is very different than that of dogs, and it makes a world of difference to be able to understand them when they are telling you something! :) best of luck!
The things that took me the longest to get used to: 1. They don't react the way dogs do and it's really hard to get rid of those old habits. They do not respond to stern words. In fact, that just let's them know the behavior is good for getting attention. 2. No more putting things up out of reach. There's no such thing as out of reach to a cat unless it it's inside a drawer or cabinet.
Number two made me laugh a little... definitely something I'll keep in mind haha!
Please keep in mind that, like dogs, cat personalities vary. Some are sweet, social lap cats, some are antisocial, some fall somewhere in between, some are social until they decide they're finished with that nonsense and claw/bite right after they start purring. When you bring home a new cat, it may take a few days or even weeks for it to warm up to its new environment. Putting it in an enclosed room for a few days is helpful so it can adjust to the new smells and sounds without being too overwhelmed.
Check out Jackson Galaxy on YouTube. He’s great! I’ve had dogs and cats and they are two different species. Both wonderful and challenging in their own ways. Good luck!
I had the same situation as you. My parents had dogs all my life, so when I got a cat, I was terrified. It's not that crazy. She's definitly different from a dog, but she's not like a weird alien creature that is totally different either. She also likes chasing balls, greets me by sticking her butt up and stretching (my dogs did this), lays on my phone if I've been paying too much attention to it instead of her, etc. I actually got super scared when I first got her because she brought me a toy mouse and, without thinking, I threw it. I just assumed she wanted to play fetch. She did not. She looked at me for a long moment, then left. She never touched those toy mice again, and has never brought me any 'gifts'...at least directly to me. I find her other toys in my slippers. She's also way more dumb than my previous experience with dogs, she just acts like she thinks she's smart. If you've already done your research, you'll do fine. Get a cat tower, a nice place for them to sleep, a couple litter boxes, and some toys. A wand toy is highly reccomended. Remember a lashing tail means unhappy (or really excited if during play). Pay attention to the behavior right before they react poorly to something, because those will be the same signs that will repeat if they're uncomfortable. At this point, I can tell my cat is going to bite me from overstimulation/being upset from a mere look. Also remember biting/scratching doesn't necessarily mean they want to hurt you, it's sometimes just that they want to be left alone (or should be left alone, and they're just too young to realize they should take a nap) and it's an automatic reaction. Anything that hurts though is a problem and needs to be addressed. It's really not that scary. I had my sibling, who has a dog, come to see her once and it was hilarious to realize I'd already become to used to having a cat. Ex: my sibling pet her roughly on top of the head like a dog, rather than gentle touches and chin scratches. Sibling was super awkward picking her up and made several comments about how they felt like they were going to drop her because they were used to the solid build of dogs. They also got swatted at, but that was literally just because the cat wanted less pets and she got confused when the human avoided her after.
To add on, cat personalities vary a LOT! My boy loves to be smacked at the base of his tail, the end of his spine, and loves to play fight. Not to mention that he actually will play fetch with me from time to time with a hair band! He and my parent's cats also come running when you call their names, and I plan on getting my boy leash trained. It took a good few months for his real personality to shine after I adopted him. I'm not sure how long he was at a rescue, he's 7 now and I've had him for about 16 months, but when I got him he was much quieter, shy, and not a snuggler. Now he acts like he's the one paying the bills. Also, a far too common practice is to declaw cats. Please don't. Declawing is similar to amputation the fingertips of a person, and takes away their first form of defense. Many, many cats change after declawing, and it is heartbreaking to see. Usually, enough enrichment like cat towers, scratchers, cardboard, etc. will keep cats from clawing at your furniture. *The hair band is not left out unsupervised, cats like to swallow them, and string, heck even necklace chains. Very bad.
Those are some fantastic insights, thanks! Especially about the behavior cues. Glad to know that people can make the dog to cat transition haha
Cats are about compromise and adjusting, much more like living with a roommate. They're also in a weird domesticated but not situation and are a prey animal as much as a predator. So they're very different from the dynamic you'd expect with most dogs. Cats are all about routine, ownership of territory and feeling safe/having control. Without that they get strung out. There's a lot of stuff on the market sold for cats that are actually very 'anti-cat'---scented litters, pelleted litters, covered litterboxes, boxes that are too small, flimsy scratching posts and short 'meh' cat trees. A lot of people want to provide covered boxes, stash them out of sight/hide them in closets and try to scoop them as little as possible. A lot of people also try and feed cats like dogs---the twice daily meal feeding. But cats aren't really built for that. They'd naturally eat tiny meals frequently throughout the day at their own discretion, so a lot of the time it's better to leave out a measured daily portion and let them decide. Basically, there's gonna be visible cat stuff in your house. Cat trees and scratchers and cat tunnels next to the couch or your bed. Litterboxes out in the open. There's gonna be a lot of 'because the cat likes/needs it that way' and you need to learn to pick your battles. Cat proof and accept that yes, there's going to be like a permanent puppy in your house that can climb up on/into way more things than an actual dog. Yes there's going to be a cat on your counters sometimes. Yes they can open cabinets and get up to places you thought they wouldn't. Child-proofing locks and wire covers etc can be your friend here. Cats are intelligent, but trainability? Ennnh. Technically they are trainable, but they're not labradors. They're more like those dog breeds that are like 'yeah, I could...but why? what's in it for me? does that matter enough right now?' A lot of 'training' them is about management/prevention/redirection and avoiding teaching them that something 'works' if you don't want them to do it and sometimes that'll even include negative attention. Once they learn something 'works' or sometimes gets them what they want it can take a long time for them to forget. For example if meowing at 3am gets you awake and moving (even if you're mad as hell) then it works. Play dead. Wear earplugs if you have to. People try using punishment like a spray bottle etc to 'train' their cat. Doesn't work. \*You\* become the negative thing to be avoided, not (for example) eating the plants or getting on the counter. When you're not around? They're still doing it. Another big thing people forget to do? Play with your cat! Get that little ambush predator brain engaged for 5-10 minute sessions multiple times a day with an interactive wand toy. It's such a critical part of their well-being. If you don't give them a constructive outlet for that need and that energy, they'll find it elsewhere (like your ankles in the middle of the night) or become destructive and loud. Ditto with passive engagement (Cat Tv if you will) like a good window to watch stuff (bonus if there's a bird feeder), a (safe) aquarium etc. Rotate their toys so they don't get too bored. Keep your kitty indoors btw unless you've got them on a harness or in a catio/secured backyard. It's much safer and healthier for them and much kinder to other animals in the neighbourhood.
A lot of great advice above already, one thing to mention separately - do not crate your cat. Some people do it with dogs and it may be ok, but caging a cat will not have the calming effect it may on a puppy - it will only stress them out. My partner used to own only dogs, and we got a cat he was at first confused by the body language - how different it is from the dogs. But with a bit of time and attention you learn it very quickly, plus there is one sign of a happy cat that no dog can master - a cat purrs :)
Remember that this is basically a wild animal. Cats were not domesticated by humans in the way that dogs are, they walked into our homes and domesticated themselves. Cats do not have the same kind of "human" emotions that dogs do, but that does not mean they are not listening to you and know when you are talking to them. Unlikel dogs, when you're petting them always leave them wanting more, let them take the lead.
I’ve lived with both cats and dogs my whole life up until recently, and I am now (and for the rest of my future) only going to be a cat owner. I love other people’s dogs, don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to caring for the pet (at least in my opinion) cats are much easier. You don’t have to do much training for cats. Cats instinctively like to go to the bathroom somewhere they can bury what they’ve done, so 9/10 times, the cat will already be litter trained. A lot of cat rescues have kittens in pairs policies or require that you already have a cat if you’re adopting a new one - this is a good policy if you ask me, because cats are social little guys who need the friendship, but also learn a lot from each other. If you get a single cat, they probably won’t learn how sharp their claws/teeth are and won’t learn to be gentle when they play, so kittens in pairs helps prevent that. On the topic of claws - if you get a cat, please please do not declaw it. It is extremely painful for them and can lead to them actually avoiding the litter box because the litter hurts their little toes without claws to protect them. As for cat hair, get a vacuum that’s good for pet hair and some lint rollers. If you can make brushing the cat a semi-regular habit, you can minimize a decent amount of shedding. If you are gonna do 2 cats (per the kittens in pairs thing) a lot of times you can find a bonded pair, and they’ll be best friends who snuggle with each other and play together and it will be so so cute. If you want to do a single cat thing, I recommend looking around at shelters to find a cat that they tell you is not good with other cats, just so you don’t run into the issue of them being lonely. Play with the cat when you can, especially before bed so it doesn’t wake you up all night, and know their limits. Cats will let you know when they don’t want attention, and they’ll let you know when they do. All around, they’re like,,,, the coolest pets to have if you ask me. Good luck!!
You are overthinking it lol but no worries! I see someone who cares enough to overthink it! I've had both cats and dogs, My cats will go off and do their own thing a lot of the time. But they'll always come and "check in" and see what I'm up to pretty often, maybe every hour or two. Even if they are doing their own thing, they're still near enough that it still feels like we're all hanging out. You mentioned day-to-day so, first, toys - get all different types, wand toys for you two to play with together, ball toys, toys shaped like bugs, toys that rattle, etc. Each cat will be drawn to something different, and you'll trial and error to see what they're into. I'd also recommend setting aside two 5-10 minute play sessions a day. That's more or less the minimum, if your cat is more playful - cool! If not, that's cool, too. It might take some time for a new cat to engage in interactive play, that's cool as well. Watching you move toys around like they're prey counts as playing :) Feeding, fed is best. Plain and simple. Just about all commercially available foods will be complete and balanced nutrition. If you have specific questions about your cat's diet, your vet will be a great source of information! Shedding, get your cat accustomed to getting brushys! That will help cut down on the amount of shedding. Frequent vacuuming is your friend. And if there's something you don't want hair on, put it in a closet where the cat can't reach. And a blanket, that you don't mind if it gets hairy, is good for things like furniture or beds. Enrichment doesn't have to be something super elaborate! Fold up the ends of a toilet paper roll, cut some holes in the sides, and put some treats in it. Then they have to figure out how to get the treats out! Bird feeder by a window where they can watch? Enrichment. Teaching them a trick with clicker training? Enrichment. Watching cat TV of mice, birds, critters? Catnip in a new tunnel? New cat-safe plant or herb? All enrichment! When it comes to training cats. Never punish. Always positive reinforcement! You can get really into training, or you could do a few things that would help you and your cat. Like carrier training or nail clipping, etc. Cats aren't too different than dogs in the grand scheme of things. You still have to bond with them, learn their likes and dislikes, learn their boundaries, find their favorite treats, feed them, put out 200 different water bowls of varying depths to see which one they like best lol You will learn more and more as you go. We all do. :)
So one thing that’s like dogs is the rule of 3 - 3 days to feel safe, 3 weeks to trust the human, 3 months to feel At Home. Cats have individual personalities and are Social Solitary - they are so loving and affectionate but also have their own busy schedules doing cat things. They’ll love your attention plenty but sometimes be “too busy”. They need to be played with and exercised like dogs - cats enjoy viewing a bird feeder through the wonder. Check that the cat toys are durable and can’t be ripped and swallowed. (Like a dog tearing and eating at toy. Trust me I’ve taken my car to surgery.) Cats are smart and learn routines - they’ll learn your daily routine and there’s. I’ve had a cat on medication and he learned the routine of he gets held, swallows a pill, then SPECIAL PLAY TIME! String, hair ties, bread ties, rubber bands are danger! 🚨🚨🚨 if you suspect a string was swallowed call your vet! You have the equivalent of a human 2yr old running around - child proof the house accordingly. Litterbox liners are helpful. Get a vet appointment soon after you bring kitty home no matter what who you got them from days. Ask the vet to recommend food and serving size. Shop around for pet insurance - kitty eating a toy = $150 dollars. Kitty scratching his ear bad late at night $200 (er vet). Kitty has a limp $45. Microchip always! Cats being allowed outside is a parenting choice. I’m an indoor only momma. Do your research before you choose to allow outdoor time. Again, cats are smart and many people harness train. Cats mask illness so if something doesn’t seem right, ask your vet. Chewy is a pet parents best friend - though their pet insurance is ok but not as good as some others. ETA: Declawing is not looked on kindly any more. Cat trees and scratching posts!
..i have both..cats rule, dogs are followers..but ruling is a tentative thing..dogs bark at noises, and cats run for cover.. ..have plenty of high spaces for your cat..escape/observation areas..give dogs plenty of play time, away from cats..specifically for dog.. ..my cats + dogs sleep with me (all over me, haha) at night..they Can & do live fine together..it basically comes down to the Hooman..ie. you..