Hi

I need some advice. I would love to get a cat. Firstly I am in a flat, which might cause problems, but my main concern is my own health. The reason why I want a cat is because I am so lonely, but I tend to get depressed and sometimes struggle to look after myself.

How much work is it to look after a cat, and is there any way i can know what it involves before I commit to it?

dull

You could keep it as a house cat. You would need to feed/water it every day, play with and cuddle/nurse it every day and clean it's litter tray out daily/alternate days. I'd say go for it. It would give you a purpose to each day and you'd have to motivate yourself for the sake of the cat. I have M.E. Which has an element of depression about it. I've got a house full of pets and when I couldn't be bothered to do anything for myself because I feel down I know my pets rely on me so it makes me do. :) good luck

My cats require a lot of care at the moment as are both ill and because of this, haven't been looking after myself very well. This is very worrying and might not help with anxiety or depression. However, if you make sure the cat/kitten you get is healthy then, although they will still need lots of time devoted to them, you won't worry about them as much and they will give you a lot of love in return.

Usual care things are involved:
Regular feeding/cleaning of bowls
Making sure clean water is topped up regulary
Regular changing of dirt trays (cleaning the carpet if they don't like the dirt trays)
Regular combing (mainly if cat is long haired)
Taking to Vets + making sure you can pay vets bills + buy food, litter, bowls, beds, carry cases, toys etc.
Time devoted to training
making sure the environment is safe (don't leave things about that you would not leave if you had kids)
Lots of attention and playing time (especially when young)
Lots of cuddles and human contact.


Personally, if I lived in a flat, I would not get a cat as don't believe its fair keeping them indoors all the time. Lots of people do have happy cats who live in flats though.

I've lived in flats and kept cats but they always had access to the outside, either downstairs or out of windows and able to jump down into the garden and back. I wouldn't keep a cat if I lived in a flat where this wasn't possible.

Having said that there are lots of elderly cats needing homes who probably wouldn't mind staying in all the time and snoozing but it would definitely not be fair for a kitten or a young lively cat. In your situation a cat would be excellent company but think carefully about the cat's needs as well as your own.

am not been nasty here but why dont you get a hamster or something easy like that at first or a rabbit now thay are easy and soooooooooooooooooo loveing..x

personally i would look at getting a cat from a shelter or rspca one thats not a kitten as they will know the cats personality and prob do a match to your situation mine are still young at the minute altho none of them are cuddly lap cats and are very independant and spend a lot of there time playing out i would think a maturer cat thats out of kitten stage would suit you better if that helps