Hello everyone,

I'm new to this so not too sure how it works.

After a long time of thinking I have made my mind up and decided to get a cat. I have done a lot of research and came across the Russian Blue and fallen in love with this bred. I'm living in a flat and it will have to be an indoor cat, also I'm working. I'm looking for a cat which is happy to entertain themselves while I'm out but happy to spend time with me ie cuddling, curling up on the sofa together when I'm home. I do want a cat which is affectionate and the Russian Blue seems perfect.

But on the other site I'm thinking there are so many other cats out there which require re-homing and if I should go down that route. My concern about this is that as a first timer I have not much experience with cats yet and think a kitten would be better for me.

Any suggestions, experiences to share on this subject?

Many thanks to anyone taking the time to get back to me.

Danny

hi there

Just to let you knaow straight off that a lot of rescues don't like indoor only homes, but if you contact the local ones they may have a cat that *needs* to be inside due to disability (deafness etc) or FIV (feline aids) and these cats can live perfectly normal lives, just need extra security.

Otherwise there are also breed rescues if you don't mind a slightly older cat needing a new home. Cat Chat Charity - The Cat Rescue and Rehoming Resource is a good source for breed related links.

One thing I can definately say is Indy (my moggy) is *so* much happier since we got a second cat, it is unbelievable. Even though his is close to our dogs and I work from home another cat just gives him an extra dimension to life and a chance to socialise at kitty-leve so would definately recommend a pair if you can, only costs around £7-£10 a week more yet can avoid the possible emotional issues if you have to leave your cat alone for 8+ hours a day.

I was going to say go for 2 cats other wise it will be bored out its mind if you are out allday.

Good luck on what you decide

I would go to your local rescues first. You may find a couple of cats that have lived together and are used to staying indoors. One kitten on its own all day would go do lally - much better to have two but I would still be slightly wary of leaving two very little kittens on their own all day until they were at least six months (only a personal opinion).

Having said all that I absolutely adore the Russian Blue or the British Blue - went for a blue cat in a litter of moggies that were born near to where I live, because I had always wanted a blue cat. Anyway my little Alfie although born blue turned black! and he is the best cat in the whole world (most of the time).

I have a Russian - my second

I would say that it is a breed which does not mind being on its own, and is pretty self-sufficient, but neither is it especially affectionate

Trigger has a moggy mate, who he is totally indifferent to, and only occasionally does he want to sit on my lap, or share my bed

he is the easiest of cats, but I would not want to be without my more exuberant and demonstrative rescue mog

A big thank you to everyone sharing their experience with me.

I might go down to a rescue centre at the weekend but as I'm a first time cat owner to be I think it still might be a good thing to have a kitten instead of an adult.

Trigger, did you get your Russian Blue as a kitten or did you rescue him? I have talked to a few breeders today and there might be some kittens available soon.
They are all members of the Russian Blue Breeders Association. I did mention to each one that the cat would be alone in the day and if that would be a problem and they all said that if they have enough toys to play with and as they naturally sleep a lot in the day and give the cat my attention when I 'm home they should be fine.

When i went to the rescue centre on a visit with the Brownies, and with no intention of adopting (which i ended up doing), all the kittens/ young cats stated they needed either someone there all the time (kittens) or most of the time (slightly older cats) and also that people needed experiance. My two, who are 7 next week, were advertised as not requiring experience (which is lucky as i have none) and were ok to be left on their own.

Rescue centres have the young cute kittens, but the older unwanted cats are overlooked, (sorry that sounded like an advert there) so please keep an open mind.

Good luck with whatever type of cat/ kitten you decide to get and let us know how you get on (with piccies please).

__________________
Jo

Hi
Another option is pedigree rescue cats. Not sure about Russian Blues but i know the Birman cat club often have cats available. Only recently two 2 year old birmans - owner no longer able to look after. Just a thought

As you work (8-6 including travel time?) you are going to be leaving a kitten on its own for a long period of time. Either get 2 kittens to keep each other company, or look at getting an older cat.

I deliberately went for 2 cats which were older and up for adoption by their breeders because i knew I couldnot cope with a kitten while working full time - it just would not be fair, and I could not get back to give the kitten frequent meals.

Rescue cats and/or breeders' adopts may come with baggage. Just make sure you are aware of what that is. Most breeders know their cats and will outline a suitable family profile. They will be happy if you want an indoor cat as most breeders are not keen on owners letting the cat outside. Quite a few breeder adoptees are 'only' cats; also they often are not that old.

no chance at all of a rescue Russian - there are not that many breeders, and if one did need a new home someone belonging to the Russian Blue Breeders Ass (which is not just for breeders) would almost certainly take it

I had both mine as kittens, and had to travel over 100 miles for each