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. I kind of prefer dogs, but I worry about leaving it home alone for long hours while I'm at work.

Answer 1

You should get a cat. You live in a condo and that is the perfect invironment for a cat. Dogs need room to run around and they don't like to be left alone. Cats actually like their privacy and are litterbox trained so you won't have to worry about poo on your floor. Dogs are hyper as puppies and chew up everything. Dogs need just as much attention as human children. Cats are a much better choice. I like both dogs and cats, but if you spend hours away from home everyday than a cat is your best bet!

Answer 2

If your gone that long at a time you will need someone to come in once per day and twice on Monday. Then you will have to give a dog at least 1 hour of your time when you get home for play and interaction. Dogs require companionship if you do decide on a dog get two, although you are really gone too long. If a dog does not have enough exercise and play, they will make their own, your shoes, the trash can, sofa cushions.
A cat is much more independent, they will use a litter box, never have to go out, and can spend the whole day in the window sill watching the world. Certain breeds will sit in your lap while your home, others will stay in the same room, and yet others prefer to stay in a different room. There are short hairs that need little or no grooming (they take care of it themselves) and longhairs, that require regular brushing. There are also breeds that do not shed.
Think about animals in the wild...dogs live in packs and lions as adults are loners

Answer 3

I would say with your work hours you should get a cat. Cats can be left alone for long periods of time without having to be let out because they have a litter box. I f you were to get a dog, the dog would probably feel lonely a lot because you work long hours... and you would have to let it out during your lunch break. I'd say get a cat. I have cats and dogs. Dogs are a lot of work. Cats are less work but they are still great pets.

Hope I helped :)

Answer 4

I have 3 cats now, and I've had both dogs and cats in the past. While I love both, in fact I love all animals....I don't want to raise dogs. Dogs are more dependent than cats. Dogs require more attention. They need to be walked, and bathed, and trained. Cats need none of those things. Cats are safer if kept exclusively inside. This requires a litter box which needs some attention.....but I have a really nice one that scoops itself, which makes it easier. Two (or more) cats in a household keep each other company, and can be an endless source of amusement for you.

Everybody is different, and everybody has different requirements of their pets, but personally, I vote for the feline variety. Our little guys are full breed Somalis. They are beautiful long hairs, bred for show, and have terrific individual personalities.

Answer 5

Well, this seems like a very tough decision. Dogs are quite dependant on us to take care of them, whereas cats are more independant. I have a dog, and i prefer dogs to cats as well, but with your work schedule it seems as if you will not have much time for a dog. A cat seems to fit your lifestyle better. Cats can be great companions too, and you won't need to walk take it out. Also, if you feel like you must have a dog, don't get a puppy. You will not have the time to train it and reinforce the training. If you want a young animal, it seems like a kitten is your only option. I wish you the best of luck...and i hope that whatever you get, you will enjoy it!

Answer 6

Really depends on whether or not you are committed to walking the dog RIGHT before you go to work and right when you come home. Having a pet is a HUGE responsibility (I found out 5 months ago) and if you're busy outside of work, it's probably better to get a cat since they are somewhat self sufficient. I mean, I don't have to rush around wondering if the cat has destroyed the garbage cuz she ran out of food or pooped on my carpet or whatever... Hard to say exactly what you should do but it really does depend on how much time you actually have to devote to the animal. Oh, something I neglected to learn before I got my cat... wait till you have a good "vet savings fund" going because each trip (shots, spay/neuter, cuts, unexplained diarrhea, etc.) costs A LOT OF MONEY!!!

Answer 7

A dog of course. In a condo I'd get one around 30/40 pounds. There are so many people/organizations that will help you own a dog today that you can really do whatever you wish....as long as you show them love every day. There are doggy-day-cares that will take your dog, perhaps you could take the dog only 2/3 times a week and have a dog walker come over the other 2/3 times a week in the middle of the day. Remember this as well, rule of thumb is that having two or even three dogs is the same as having one.....and having two down the line actually makes having the dogs easier as they will feed off of one anothers energy. Make sure you educate yourself about the care of your dogs BEFORE you get them....In the beginning training two will be a tad more difficult that one, but you'll be glad you got two as it will give them something to do while you're away.....and that's PLAY! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!! our owner is away and we're dogs!!! lets play!! Ahem, okay then....anyhow, as my two dogs sit here beside me they also told me to tell you to make sure for them to have separate beds and to not try and force them into the same sleeping space....as they get older they want their own "space." good luck, be well, Jack

Answer 8

Dogs really shouldn't be left alone all day if you can help it. A cat would be happier with your lifestyle unless you get a dog walker. I've got both. I prefer dogs, but once had a cat that had the same enthusiasm as a dog and that was pretty cool/lucky.

Answer 9

Hi there,
definitely a good question for those of us singles who are working away!
There are several factors you wish to consider:

Dogs:
- require a lot of attention. More than cats.
- must be taken outside in order to use the washroom - do you have the time for this? Also consider your climate... walking a dog in January and February in Toronto is not fun!
- dogs are always happy to see you! It's one of their miracles!
- a big dog in a small place leads to disaster! Do you like big dogs or little dogs?
- dogs can be "Yappy"... leading to sleepless nights for you and disturbances of neighbours.
- dogs eat more than cats... consider the costs of food.
- dogs need to be taken for a run regularly... or you will have a sick dog.

Cats:
- can stay alone much longer than dogs. They can also be housebound pets that do not need to go outside.
- cats are cats... they can be affectionate but are not going to jump up and down at the door when you come home... not like a dog.
- a cats purring is very soothing to we simply humans... good for a stress release, but dogs make you feel like "God" as you are just that to them.
- cats use the washroom inside. Thus, you must be comfortable tending to a litter box.
- cats will let you know when they are not getting enough attention... make sure you get a scratching post and force your cat to use it... otherwise, that scratching post is your furniture!

Both animals are fantastic pets! I have always had cats and they have always been affectionate and great! I have always wanted a dog too but the outside responsibilities are too much for me and my work. In fact, my work takes me out of town which has prevented me getting any pet... this sucks! I have wanted a pet for ages but not been able to have one!

Good luck... go to the Humane Society and play with the animals before deciding... and then enjoy your new found friend! They truly are awesome creatures!

Answer 10

Cats need less interaction, exercise and can crap in the house in a box that can be easily cleaned up.
Dogs need more exercise constant attention, training and potty breaks!
Dogs are also more loveable, kind, ituitive to your moods, fun to watch, make you laugh with their funny little ways.
Small breeds, not toy breeds are good for condo living like a pug or boston or even a small mixed breed. I think you would be happier with a dog, but hey I am just one person who really loves dogs.