Advice about getting a cat

[lingdings]

Hello all,

I'm looking for advice/reassurance from fellow lupies about getting a kitten or two.

I've always been a cat person but never owned one. I'm moving to a new place soon where I'll be able to keep pets so now is the time. They will be strictly indoor cats. I am looking to get them from reputable breeders with vaccination certificates, health checks etc included. For reference, I am currently taking 1.5g MMF and may soon combine this with 200mg HCQ. My lupus has been stable for at least a year and a half.

What I'm concerned/slightly paranoid about:

I have read that immunocompromised people are at increased risk of catching parasites and other nasties, especially from younger cats. I will be solely responsible for litter duty. Is this a legit concern or just being overly cautious for people with severe immunocompromise? If disaster strikes and I have to take steroids for a flare, should I think about asking someone else to do the litter? What about if the cats get sick? I have read that getting an adult cat might be less risky than a kitten. Is there any truth to this? More generally for cat owners, do you let them onto your bed or take any particular extra precautions (e.g. when playing with them, grooming them, giving them medicine)?

I'm very keen to get a cat or two and I think they would really help with my anxiety and depression, but I guess my paranoia is winning the fight at the moment, so I could really do with some encouragement! 🙈

Thank you so much x

[Prunes]

I have SLE and have until recently been on immunosuppressants and steroids for 20 years. I was deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable at the start of the pandemic and told to shield. I still take HCQ. I've lived with and owned cats all my life - 60 years. I don't believe I've ever been ill as a result of my cats. Ours are mostly indoors so I'm dealing with litter trays on a daily basis. They sleep on our bed, they snuggle up under my chin and breathe all over me. I even occasionally kiss them lightly on their head - yes I know I shouldn't! I should of course say that I always wash my hands after touching the litter trays, feeding them and after medicating one of my cats. And of course I always wash my hands before preparing food or making drinks for us.

If you are really concerned about dealing with litter trays then the best thing would be to wear gloves and indeed wear gloves if you have to clear up any sick. I always use anti bac wipes on the floor where the litter tray is and on the floor if they have an accident. It's a good idea to wash their bedding regularly. I guess if they are going to be strictly indoor cats then you won't need flea or worming treatments but if like mine they go outside occasionally then you should make sure they are treated.

Any pet can obviously bring you great joy. Without wishing to sound patronising they are a huge commitment and you will need to know you have someone who can feed them if you are going to be away for instance.

Hope that gives you a little insight.

Prunes

[Tanitatani]

I lived w cats for many years and the only thing to be careful about is if they scratch you, you need to wash the scratch immediately with soap and maybe put some Neosporin on it. I don't think you could get I'll from picking up the litter especially from an indoor cat

Cat

[MusicalFurbaby]

I’ve grown up around pets, especially cats and dogs. I’ve lived with cats for the past 17 years, some of that time on my own. Never had any issues with infections—though you do have to keep an eye on cat scratches, just make sure they don’t get infected. IMO the benefits of having a companion cat (or two) far outweigh the effort of caring for them!

One suggestion: you mentioned going to a reputable breeder, but have you considered a rescue cat? My last few furbabies have been rescues and they are lovely. Rescue foster carers and agencies in Australia are required to provide them with medical care, desex and microchip them, and ensure their flea treatments and vaccines etc. are up-to-date. I don’t know what the regulations are like in the UK, but they are pretty strict over here, and there are hundreds (if not thousands) of beautiful animals waiting for a home. I highly recommend it. It’s so worth it!

[Prunes in reply to MusicalFurbaby]

All of mine have been rescued too. I believe the charities here are also strict with the same requirements as Australia. And yes there are also thousands here waiting for their forever home.

[Mustgetaroundtoit]

Hi lingdings! Thank you for considering giving a home to a puddy cat. There are so many needing homes. I would like to agree with the other replies. An older cat may be your best option. A kitten tends to be all "play,play,play"&that's the situation when scratches and bites may happen -even accidentally. It's a bit of a different situation to a dog-many cats that are "bred" are accidents, or someone letting their cat breed thinking they are going to make money from kittens... a registered breeder is likely to have a pure breed, and they will be v varied in types/coats etc. Of course, these people are going to love their particular breed and try to convince you that their's are the best! Obviously, if you fancy a particular breed-fill your boots! Again, maybe offer a home to a retired breeding animal? People will love you for guaranteeing a safe indoor home!

A rescue centre will check for any health issues, neuter, vaccinate, worm...so removing most health worries for yourself. They are also likely to be able to advise on the particular cat's character,likes,needs etc...& offer good advice.

The main health issues regarding cats I'd worry about is pregnant women handling litter (extra care&gloves&pet safe disinfection)& bites,as they have lots of bacteria on their teeth.

Having gone on a bit...I do apologise...I'll add that I have taken in many needy cats over the years! My current sweetheart turned up in a cat shelter for my previous cat...he was a bit miffed,during lockdown. She was dying of starvation, and had either been dumped or lost. After an emergency vet trip, she was deemed homeless and I kept her. She's now 100% healthy, neutered, etc and I love her to bits!

The benefits of a pet,as you obviously know,far outweigh the problems in my opinion. I'm on Methotrexate and Prednisolone, and was in the "vulnerable" group during Covid...

and am sensible regarding cleanliness, etc,but not obcessive!

You will find that when you meet the cat for you,you're immediately drawn to the one... and most likely, they're just as likely to pick you!

Best wishes to you and your new cat!🐺

[tiredmum]

I am on 2500 mmf, Mepacrine and 400 hydroxy. We had a rescue cat for 15 years he was an absolute pleasure and we miss him dearly. He was a house cat and slept on our bed. I cleaned out his litter tray, gave him medicine and cleaned up his sick. As long as you wash your hands I think you will be fine. As the others have said do keep scratches clean though.

[SleepyWolf]

Hi, I've lived with cats, dogs, and other furry things for most of my life.   I currently have two older cats that have adjusted (out of necessity) from being indoor/outdoor cats to indoor only,  and I'd recommend reading the advice sections on catchat.org on the needs (in terms of stimulation, space etc.) of indoor cats.  You could also look at their info on the pros and cons of taking on one vs two cats, adult cats vs kittens, and adopting from a rescue vs buying from a breeder.

I don't have much else to add to the excellent advice already posted above... other than that I've always found that whether a cat sleeps on my bed is generally the cat's decision, and never mine 😉

My own two cats lying curled up next to each other

[milkwoman]

I have SLE and Sjogrens and have had cats my whole life. I’ve never once got sick from them and I snuggle with our current two on a daily basis. Please consider adopting… rescue kitties are the best and so many are in need of loving homes. Cats are amazing creatures and provide so much love! Go for it but adopt, don’t shop!

[Barbara17]

I agree with everything that’s been said.

We lost our old cat earlier this year and have decided not to get another one due to both of us now being over 70. However if one decided to adopt us ……….. 🐈🐈‍⬛😹

[lingdings]

Thank you for all the excellent advice and personal experiences! Happy to see so many other cat lovers

A few of you have mentioned adopting rather than buying from a breeder. My reasoning for going to a breeder is because I wanted to have some indication of personality and temperament (the breeds I have settled on are Ragdoll and Russian Blue), and to be sure the cat would be happy to live indoors. Although I realise breed is not a complete guarantee of traits! The rescue shelters here in the UK all seem to specify that adopters need to have access to outdoor space. I have done a lot of research into find a reputable breeder registered with one of the cat registration organisations.

I had considered adopting retired breeding cats, but as I am hoping to get two cats, I believe it would be harder to introduce them to each other as adults. As well, retired pedigree cats seem to be more scarce.

[Cas70]

highly recommend that you adopt 2 rescued indoor cats. It is not normal for cats to be indoors, and not fair. Kittens have to be trained which takes patience. I have Lupus and Sjogren’s and have never become ill through the many cats I have had.

[RMC17]

I have been diagnosed as having UCTD but hospital investigating whether to reassess as lupus. Having had cats all my life, I can't imagine life without one. My wee cantankerous one saves my sanity! Just a suggestion for your litter tray concerns: I use litter tray liners under the litter that means you can just lift the bag and tie it without coming into contact with any waste. A bit more expensive but I use compostable bags that are available rather than plastic ones. Of course, washing after changing tray is a must and gloves a great suggestion. I hope you make the correct decision for you and if you go for it, your fur babies give you as much happiness as mine have.