Should I get a cat or a dog?

Question

I'm trying to decide whether to get a cat or a dog. I've never owned either before, so this will be my first pet. I work from 8:30-5:00 and sometimes until 9:00 on Mondays. I live in a condo.

Answer 1

Cat, they are independent and use a litter box. If you got a new dog someone would have to be there to take it to the bathroom. I am a grad student, I have 3 cats, even when I'm really busy I don't have to worry about taking them out.

Answer 2

With your work schedule it would be hard for a dog. Dogs are more companion animals and need human attention for often than cats. Also, it would be extremely hard to train a puppy while working, if you were thinking of getting a puppy. You almost need to have someone who can be at home 75% of the day to successfully train a puppy. I'm not saying it's not possibly, just something to think about. Also, dogs of course need to be let outside. I have worked 8 hour shifts with my dogs at home and they do fine, but again it takes a lot of training and patience. (Mine are large dogs, smaller dogs probably can't go that long) Cats are easier to leave for extended periods of time, with no need to worry whether they had an accident. Also, cats would be better off in a condo than a dog. Does your condo have enough yard for a dog? You could probably make it work either way, but a cat would be the better choice.

Answer 3

Felicity. I think you should go in for a cat.. Its a part of your name. But i had a dog all my life and everyone at home works. We leave at 9 am and get back at 7 pm. Dogs are easy to train.. Timings are never a problem

Will you believe i have a Blind dog named meme.. she is a sweetheart.. yet we have had absolutely no problems till date. Plus.. Protection is an added advantage.

And o yea. . in the last 15 years we have had 4 dogs.. and 3 cats and a birdy and a squirrel . we live in a condo.

Answer 4

It depends on what sort of companionship you're looking for. In review of your situation though I would definately go for a cat.

Dogs are much higher maintenance, and it sounds like you have a pretty full schedule with work. They require training, attention, and need to be let out. Most dogs probably cannot hold it for 8+ hours. Then you come home to a mess. You could probably get a small dog and put pee pads out for it to use while you're gone. But since you're not home to supervise it could possibly develop behavioral problems that you can't fix because you're working (peeing places other then the pee pad, chewing furniture, etc). You could crate it but how do you feel about leaving it in a little cage for 8 hours, 5 days a week? Not to mention, when you live in a condo the Association usually has regulations about pets - especially dogs. You must clean up after it immediately after it uses the bathroom, you can't just let it outside to run around and bark as it pleases (disturbing neighbors), and they might not allow you to have certain breeds of dogs (pitbulls, rottweilers, etc) if that's what you were thinking of getting. You will have to review your bylaws for that information. I don't know how big your condo is, or if it's multi-level, but if it's not much bigger then a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment (900 - 1200 sq ft) that's a pretty small living space for you and a medium-to-large size dog if you don't have your own yard, and I'm sure the neighbors below you will hear him/her jumping around and barking.

I would recommend a cat for you considering your work schedule, home situation, and pet experience. Cats pretty much only require a litterbox, food and water, and some cat toys and scratching posts. They laze about most of the day until you get home, get some cuddle and play time and then go back to lazing around again. Although cats do require your attention everyday, it's only a fraction of what dogs require. They don't require training (not that they'd listen if you tried). You also don't have to worry about cleaning up after it outside or it barking and stomping around to disturb your neighbors. You could also go on a trip for a day or two and not have to worry about someone taking care of it for you while your gone (I'd recommend having a family/friend come in your house once a day to check on it though). Just clean the litterbox everyday, refill the food and water, give some entertainment and love, maybe some treats, and you'll have someone to hang out with while you sit at home and watch tv.

Take out some books from your local library about cats, buys some magazines, and visit your local animal shelter to get more information about cats and how to take care of them. If you're looking for a purebred find out which ones interest you and call local breeders for information about their cats and if they're right for you. Or, you can adopt a homeless pet through an animal shelter or rescue agency (www.petfinder.com). Good luck!

Answer 5

I love both cats and dogs. But I've only ever had cats, because they are easier to maintain when you are on your own. Since you work all day it might be rough on a dog to be alone all day. If you have someone else that can check in on the dog through out the day then that might be the way to go. You just have to decide it you want high or low maintenance.

Answer 6

Preferably around those times you work id get a cat they are independent and don't really need that much attention at those hours. When you get home you will have a cute lil cat to play with and she might not miss you a bit. But if you get a dog hell be lonely and might bark and get your neighbors mad.

Answer 7

I would DEFINITELY get a cat. Dogs are alot harder to take care of and require alot of time that it looks like you don't have. Cats are calmer and don't require near as much attention or space but can be loving, playful, or both depending on the cat. I know, I have 2 cats and a dog.

Answer 8

Probably a cat would be best. They are indepentdant and would be able to handle your schedule easily. However, a kitten may have difficulty with it so please consider adopting an adult cat from a shelter. They are so attention starved - and that cat would love you for the rest of its life. http://www.petfinder.com
Cats are also fairly easy to take care of, but get a book from a local library and read up on them. I think they're a good first pet.
Have fun, I love cats!

Answer 9

Cats are easier to care for, they take care of themselves but dogs are more loving and miss you more than cats. If you get them young you can have both. They do get along if raise together. I have three cats and four dogs and they all get a long; most of the time.
Which ever way you go you will find love in either one of them.

Answer 10

A cat would be best for you. Dogs need more attention. But what ever you decide, remember pets are for a lifetime. Just take good care of him or her!!