We're considering getting another pet...?

Question

My boyfriend and I are thinking about getting another pet so our cat has someone to play with when we're not home. The only problem is we want a dog, but don't have a fence. We're not sure we want two cats because when we do get a fence we definitely want a dog. Do you think two cats and a dog is too much for one family? I don't want to be like the crazy pet family!

Answer 1

Dont worry about being the crazy pet family. I have 4 dogs, 2 cats, 7 rats and a rabbit. The cats might not like the dog so much, but see whats at the shelter and see if you fall in love with one. Just make sure you have the time to keep it.

Answer 2

How long are the animals going to be left alone? Is it longer than 8 hours at a time? Do you have a pet door or some other way to make sure a dog has a place to relieve itself when you are both away from home? Are you planning on getting a puppy (who needs to pee every hour) or a full grown dog that's already housebroken? Dogs require much more attention than cats, and they generally don't understand the concept of litterbox training.

Two cats and a dog does not sound unreasonable. If you really need to have another pet around right now, and you don't have enough time for a dog yet, better to get a second cat now and a dog later.

Answer 3

I have two cats and a dog. Its a wonderful balance. They all get along great and my dog goes with me most places. I am one of the few lucky people that gets to take their dog to work. One dog is much easier to keep track of than two when you are out somewhere. Then the cats don't need to be alone when we are not home, they have each other. I don't think it's too many pets at all, as long as each is getting proper care and enough attention. Not to mention, three animals is a large financial responsibility. If this is the route you decide to go, I would get a pup rather than an older dog-they seem to do better with cats when they are raised with them.

Answer 4

Don't worry, crazy pet family you will not be. Two cats and a dog is great!

I have 30 pets....now that IS a crazy pet family! It would be nice for the cat to have a cat friend. But I would choose a kitten as adult cats don't always take to other adult cats. However, after initial sussing out period, an adult cat can enjoy having a kitten to play with and groom, also the kitten will often treat the adult cat as its parent even if the adult is a male!


So, go get your kitty, and enjoy!

Answer 5

3 pets wouldn't be too many if you have the love and the room to offer them.

Cats are very playful so another cat friend would be great. Plus fun to watch them together. Adding a dog on the outside shouldn't be too many for one family.

My family is "the crazy pet family".......but we have the room for both indoor and outdoor pets of all kinds. I spend 2 hours each day just to feed and water all 78 pets. Then you have to love on each one so multiple pets do require a lot of time.

If it is only the 2 of you then consider the amount of time and money it takes to nurture, feed, license, pay vet bills and house 3 pets.

If you want to, or can, care for 3 pets then I see no reason not to have them.

Answer 6

Look, you have the answer to this question. I'm not sure if you have children but an animal is a commitment to their life time. We have two children and in our 20 year marriage have had 3 dogs. One died (in the middle of the night) at age 12 due to a heart condition he was on medication for. Our other dog we just put down this past March. It was the hardest thing ever. She was the most loyal and loving dog, she was 18 years old. The thing here is that you have to take complete responsibility for their care. We have spent more on Vet bills than we have on our children's medical needs (due to insurance of course). Our 18 year old threw her hip out when she was nine years old. She had one hip surgery later followed by a knee surgery costing us over $1700.00. Would we due it again? Yes, she was a member of our family. Just remember those things when considering how many animals are too many. Good luck!

Answer 7

First off, I grew up in a home with two dogs (mind you, they were mutts) and two cats...plus a turtle, fish, etc. We always had critters around the house. Dogs and cats usually are fine co-habitating, as long as the cat isn't usually aggressive and neither is the dog. We found that when we first brought a cat and puppy together, we introduced them slowly. First we'd let them sniff, then separate them, let them be for a couple hours, and re-introduce them until they seemed to be okay with each other. Oh, and if you want your dog to be house trained you should crate the puppy - it just about always works - I'll swear by it. If you do get another cat, do NOT get the opposite gender. We had a male cat when we brought in my sister's cat, a female calico, and the male peed everywhere - and cat pee, especially male cat pee, is not easy to get out.

Answer 8

Not at all, that's wonderful that you love animals and are willing to get another pet. I would suggest going to petsmart/ petco and adopting a cat or dog, petsmart is a pet rescue organization that takes them in from the shelter. They are spayed, have all they're shots, decladed, and are potty trained =) It is really the best way to do it. It saves alot of money too. They are very loving animals. Good Luck to you and your pets! =)

Answer 9

If you have the space and finances to take proper care of them - including spaying /neutering and regular vet checks - then three animals isn't that many. Surely not enough to even put you in the running for a crazy pet family!
When you do get another cat or when you get your dag, please, please consider adopting from a local Humane Society or rescue group. They have SO many sweet, smart animals who, through no fault of their own, have abandoned or relinquished for whatever reason. Make their lives better by giving them a loving, forever home!
(fyi - we live in a 2 BR T/H, and have 5 cats - four from the humane society, and one, the kitten of a ferral cat a friend rescued. - So, see - three pets is nothing!!)

Answer 10

Not at all, if the animals are well-trained and well-behaved. In fact, when my parents got a beagle puppy, they had two cats at the time. And those cats helped teach that pup some manners!