What Are Your Options If You Love Cats But Can't Have One?

Introduction

If you adore cats and kittens but are unable to have a kitty of your very own due to unavoidable circumstances such as your other half or a member of the household is allergic, or your tenancy agreement doesn’t allow for pets then there are many reasons why you may be unlucky and not be able to live with a cat.

There are of course many ways you can cope with not being able to have your own furry feline friend in your own home. In this article we cover just a few ways you can get your kitty fix without impacting on your loved one’s allergies or your landlord’s contracts. Here are a few options to consider:

Cat Videos!

We have no clue how cat lovers survived without cats before the internet and funny cat videos. We’ve lost many hours on YouTube scouring the many cat foolishness videos. You can even watch a litter grow and gain access to their daily experiences -  some sites have 24-hour surveillance coverage, so you can check up on them whenever you want!

Volunteer

Consider volunteering to spend more time with cats - you can browse online at your local cat shelters, rescue shelters and rehoming charities and enquire about volunteering in your spare time.

Shelters are regularly on the hunt for cat socialisers, help with cleaning cages and for people to help assist with adoptions and fundraising. Check their websites regularly for new opportunities that arise.

While we're on the subject of volunteering, why not also offer your services to friends and family for their cats when they go away?

Charity 

You can donate monthly or make a one-off single donation to help cat charities like Cat Chat - The Cat Rescue Resource - no matter how big or small your donation you choose to make it will make a difference to the lives of cats. It helps to provide food, vet care, and shelter and helps to find new homes for the cats and kittens in need.

You can also choose to sponsor a cat through Cat’s Protection, the RSPCA and other cat charities. Sponsoring a cat through the RSPCA helps to provide cats with life-saving veterinary treatments, safety, food and rehabilitation. From your sponsorship, you will receive updates and photos from the shelter of the cats you are helping and witness the difference you are making in the cats’ lives.

Cat Clubs & Groups

You’re not alone in your love for cats, and there are many like-minded people out there. There are clubs and groups nationwide for cat lovers like you which offer a fantastic way to also socialise with other people with a passion for cats. You could look into a local meet-up or check out Facebook groups - there are plenty of cat groups out there for everyone!

Cat Shows

There are many types of cat shows in the UK. We have championship cat shows that are held over a two-day period which are organized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), which is the main governing body for cat shows in England. There are also pedigree cat shows which are only open to certain breeds of cat. They are organized by breed clubs and are held over the course of a day. Shows that are open to all cats regardless of breed are companion cat shows, which are usually organised by local cat clubs. There is most likely to be a show not too far from you that caters to all types of cat enthusiasts!

Cat Cafes

These lovely little cafes are popping up everywhere. You can enjoy a tea or coffee or meet up with friends and spend some time amongst your feline friends! These special cafes offer a unique experience where you can interact with a number of cats of different breeds whilst having a snack or a 'cat-puccino'!

A Career Change Into Cat Sitting

If you really love cats, becoming a cat sitter is a great way to spend time with felines and make some extra money. One of the main perks of being a cat sitter is all of the time you get to spend with cats! You are able to care for, cuddle and play with a variety of cats each day, enjoying their company. By becoming a cat sitter, you’ll be providing cats with the vital care and protection they require while their owners are away from home, keeping them comfortable and safe in their own environment.

For more information on becoming a cat sitter, please see our previous article - Thinking About Becoming a Cat Sitter? Here’s What You Need to Know

Conclusion

Just because you can’t have a feline friend of your own, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all of the joy cat companionship can bring to your life. If you are a lover of all things cat, there is no need for despair - there are many ways and options available for you to explore and get your fluffy feline fix!

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.