Should I get a cat?

Question

Hi,

I'm a male, 22 yrs old. Lives alone in an apartment on the
10th storey.
Im kind but lazy. BIG NO to animal abuse. Very quiet, likes a quiet companion.

I work from seven to seven, seven to one on saturdays.

Reason I wanted to get a cat:
- Company
- Discipline myself in taking care of something/ someone
- To distract myself from gaming too much.

Only time I will take him outside is on sundays. I can play with him but I cannot promise that on workingdays.

I wanted to get a dog but I wont be able to take care of him so I need something with less attention (cat)

I promise to feed him everyday, play when i got the time, and take him out on sundays.

I would be getting a gold/orange cat with a stern/fierce facial like a lion. His name will be Lee.

Do you guys think I should get one? If yes, please advise/tips me on taking care one.

Honest answer please. I dnt wanna fail the cat.

Thanks.

They pee everywhere too? I thought they pee on the litter box too?

What the hell is neutered? sounds nasty..

So if I wanna have a "home" cat, i sholuldnt bring her outside? AT ALL?

If i take her out once awhile, will they become outdoors cat instantly?

I might be taking a young cat, but not so young like a newborn kitten. Dnt wanna get 2. Its my first pet.

Answer 1

My advice would be to go to your local humane society and check out the cats there. Yes, the adoption fee seems like a lot, but they will usually give you some money back if you get it neutered or spayed (if it hasn't been already). These cats will have already had their shots and been checked for feline leukemia and feline aids, which you won't get if you just get a cat through the newspaper. And because so many people don't spay or neuter their cats, the cat population is just booming, and a lot of animals who deserve good homes are being put down simply because there isn't enough space for them. (I work at the shelter, so I see this a lot).

You're better off not taking the cat outside. Cats don't need this, and being inside is a safer environment for them. They could also pick up fleas and other problems from being outside.

Make sure that if you get an animal that you intend to keep it for its entire lifespan. They're like children..they're not disposable when you get tired of having them.

I would also suggest getting a middle-aged cat (one older than 2 years) A kitten will require a lot more attention than an older cat would, and kittens usually need to be adopted in pairs if they're going to be left alone for any real length of time. Kittens need companionship.

Incidentally...neutering is the same thing as giving the cat a vasectomy. It's actually good for the cat, in that male cats that are neutered tend to live longer and are more happy and friendly than non-neutered cats, which tend to be aggressive and will "spray" all over your house, and that smell is impossible to get out.

And no, you don't need to take the cat outside at all. Most cats are happy sitting in the sun near a window. As long as your apartment is well-ventilated, the cat will be fine. Most cats that are raised in an indoor environment have no skills to protect themselves if they're out on their own. So you don't want your cat running away when you take it out, because it won't be able to defend itself.

Answer 2

I've been a dog lover all my life, and a few years ago my son, your age, brought home a kitten from college. Now, my dog loves this (cat now) and when he left for college again, I had to get another kitten. They're addicting to say the least. They're a lot of fun to watch. Get yourself two. Perhaps a shelter will have a mom and son you could adopt, this way they'll have someone to play with during the day. They'll look for food from you and cuddle when you're watching tv or hanging out. They don't pee on the floor, but then again I only have females. I did hear males will pee (spray) when they're in heat. Either way, you'll have to get them spayed. You won't have to worry about bringing the cat outside on Sundays....they don't mind being inside, especially if you don't let them out in the first place...then they won't know what they're missing. Shelters actually want you to sign a paper Saying it's an "indoors cat only", since outside cats have a 70% more mortality rate. So, I'd suggest getting yourself two, a kitten and a cat, but don't get "siblings", since they both may want to be the "boss" and they'll end up fighting. Go to a shelter and they'll tell you all about them. Wish you the best.

Answer 3

You're very mature. You are aware of who you are and you're honest about your shortcomings. All good signs of a responsible cat parent.

Go head and get the cat - its the best kind of pet for someone like you because cats are independent. They do not need a lot of hands-on attention. They will greet you when you get home and once they've eaten they may not want to 'talk' to you at all - lol.

Taking it out on the Sundays only is also ideal. House cats do not really need to be outdoors as long as they have enough room in the house to leap or run around.

They're rarely smelly because they groom themselves all day.

So, as long as you feed it, keep the litter box clean and take it to the vet whenever, you will be okay.

Answer 4

Absolutely. Cats were put on this earth for people just like you. All of their personalities are distinctly different, so get to know the cat before choosing him. They say, and I couldn't agree more, to let the cat choose you. After all, you wouldn't want to hold any little soul captive without their consent. Depending on how old he is, as well as his particular personality, will determine how much he'll want to play. I try to play with my cat once a day. It not only is a good way to bond, it is also a good way to keep them mentally and physically alert and active. Not to mention happy. The companionship will be unbeatable. If you find a good one, you'll have an unconditional friend from the moment you step your foot in the door to the moment you leave. So do it. But be patient and get the right one. It makes all the difference.

Answer 5

Yes, a cat would make a good companion! Definitely get one from a shelter -- there are so many unwanted pets who need homes. I would recommend that you get an older cat -- kittens and young cats need extra attention and play time. Older cats do need attention, but they are more relaxed and often content just to sit on your lap.

I have a cat in an apartment, and he has plenty of room to run around (cats aren't that big!). I agree with other people that you should keep him/her inside (less risk of fleas, ticks, and other dangers).

See the below website for tips on caring for cats. I found the site when I was looking up how to discourage my cat from meowing at the top of his lungs when he was hungry -- the advice helped.

Answer 6

very wise of you to go with the cat instead of the dog. cats are very self reliant. keep a bowl of hard food full all the time, fresh water always available, and clean his litter box at LEAST once a day, and he'll never ask anything of you except a little attention when it suits him. however, here's a few pointers:
1) get him neutered. this is vital for the smell of your apartment as well as his health.
2) it sounds like you've already got him picked out. if he's used to having someone around all the time (people, cats or dogs) and he's the sociable type, consider getting him a "FIXED" friend.
3) leave a tv on for him. appropriate programming of course.
good luck and give Lee a kiss for me.

Answer 7

ALL cats are different. most make great companions but only on their own terms,
ONE RULE IS NEVER USE YOUR HAND, FINGERS OR TOES AS A KITTEN TOY---- HANDS ARE FOR PETTING ONLY! as they get older they will think every time you put your hand out you want to play--- and believe me they can play rough.
ALWAYS have a clean litter box placed in a quiet out of the way place.
thy can be trained to walk on a leash only if you start training early.PUT THE HARNESS ON AND LEAVE IT ON til the cat gets used to it. the same with car travel start young.
some cat can be a real problem--- search the net or read books on cat behavior before you get the cat not after-- remember they are not dogs --- hope this was helpful
added note--- you life style is ok for a cat-- but if you want an interactive cat you MUST spend alot of time petting, holding and talking to it---What it learns now will be for life

Answer 8

I think you should get two cats so they can keep each other company. But don't get a male cat because they spray and will stink up your apartment, it's the worst smell ever!!!

YES they pee in the litter box but Male cat spray almost like a skunk and they will do it on the furniture, walls, everywhere and it's a really bad smell! I love cats but I suggest you get a female, I would never have another male cat!

Answer 9

No way, cats need tons of attention. I know mine does, everytime I come home from work he wants petted and loved. Always wants out and if he doesn't get his way he scratches at the door or bites me until I do it.

Cats are attention seekers but they are kind of independent in a way, I would just really consider this before you actually do it.

Answer 10

ya b/c you can make him a outdoor or indoor and cats dont need constant attention just when its winter make sure he comes in at night if you make him an outdoor cat, the thing with letting him outdoors is you cant just let him go out sunday he might not come home till monday morning and if your are only gunna do that on sundays make sure he's litterbox trained too!!!

but i think you can handle it and figure it out cats arnt that hard to take care of


GOOD LUCK!!!