Should I Get a Dog or a Cat Living Alone in an Apartment?

Question

Hi, I am soon moving to a new state when I graduate from college, and I want to get a pet because I will be living alone in an apartment, but I don't want one that is a lot of hassle. I wanted to get a dog, but I have heard they are really high maintenance. If I got a dog it would have to be small, protective, and sweet and loving at the same time. Any ideas? Also, I really am not experienced with dogs and have never owned one before, so should I get one? I will be working full time, so my other thought was a cat might be better for me. I am unsure which animal to get, and where to go to get one. Animal shelters I believe are the best bet, but yet I want to get a baby dog or cat...should I look for owners who are selling their babies? Anyway, what do you all think..a dog or a cat?!

Answer 1

Well this is really a "no brainer". You want a pet that is low maintenance - you get a cat. A cat goes in a litter box. A dog has to be walked several times a day to go to the bathroom and needs to be exercised, even a small one. A dog will need to be housebroken (and that takes a lot of work to do correctly) most cats will already be litter box trained. You will also find more landlords willing to rent to someone with a cat. A dog (especially a puppy) should not be left alone for long stretches of time (like work) and will get frustrated and bored and probably chew and tear things up. It will be a nightmare. Getting a puppy is more like having a baby (not quite but similar) it rquires a LOT of time and comittment or you will have a very badly behaved dog who will probably end up back at the shelter. Unless you are willing to spend the time and maybe money( for puppy training classes) PLEASE do not get a dog. I have 3 dogs (my children are grown) and they require a lot of time! But to me and my husband they are worth it and we have the time to devote to them. If I was single, living in an aprtment and on the go? No way. Get a cat, preferably an older one (not OLD just not a kitten) who is calm and litter box trained. It will do well being left alone for long periods and will not chew or destroy things like a puppy. Sometimes kittens can get into trouble clawing things up if left unsupervised and they also have a lot of energy. Go for a cat, 1-3 years old. PLEASE get one from a shelter. There are so many good cats who need a loving home and who will love you in return. I am a dog person myself but in your case - Go with a cat.

Answer 2

I would recommend a cat, being an owner of both I sort of have experience with this kind of thing. Cats are very loving, but they are definitely more independent. As long as you get a litter box and show them where it is that is pretty much all you have to do to get it litter trained. I have always preferred cats over dogs until I got my pomeraniun (sp). I have raised my dog since he was a pup because we own his mother, and I have grown very attached to this dog. He is a great animal to have, truly loyal and loving, but he is a barker and doesn't like new people. He also depends on me a lot more and requires and demands more of my attention, I often feel guilty when sitting at the desk working and not holding him at the same time because he sits there and scratches at my leg until I pick him up. I also feel guilty leaving him all day when I'm in classes or working, and I have to worry more about him than the cats about messing in the house. So while I'm an extreme lover of both I would recommend a cat. They are more independent and seem to understand when you have time for them and when you don't. Just remember they all have different personalities, some like lots of affection and others only like it when they want it.

But I would definitely recommend going to an animal shelter it should be NO PROBLEM at all finding a kitten or puppy in a shelter. There may be some costs involved, but it usually is just to cover the first round of shots and spaying and neutering if the animal is of age.

Answer 3

Cats are so much easier. You can just leave them some food and water while you're at work and let them out when you get home. That's all they need, they'll just carry on with what every they want after that (like eating my arm in my case).

However, a young cat is probably not a good idea. They tend to require more attention than an older cat, they have more energy (and eat arms).

You'll also have to take into account the time it takes for the cat to get used to the area. You'll have to keep them inside for a while until they get the scent of the place and even then you'll want to stay with them while they take their first steps outside.

So there's a lot to think about, but there's a hell of a lot more with dogs. Buy a cat. Now.

Answer 4

I would definitely recommend a cat in your situation. Humane Societies as well as Animal Shelters are good places to go, I prefer supporting the Humane Society, as they do not put down pets, rather they send them to foster homes. Cats are pretty much carefree, they dont mind staying hours curled up on a bed, and they dont get into a whole lot. You can litter train dogs, but it is difficult to do, whereas cats figure it out real quick, even if they have never used a litter box before. And here are a couple of things to ask yourself. . . are you looking for something to curl up with you, or something that is going to bounce around and requires a lot of your energy? Also, are you looking at raising it, or looking to get an older animal, one that is already past the training stage? Remember, the lap cat, or the 5 year old dog may need you more than you think, and it may be perfect for you. Shop around, look at mutts, purebreds, kittens, puppies, older animals, etc. When you find what is right for you, you wont question it, trust me on that one :)

Answer 5

A cat...especially if you will be working full-time. Cats will be able to use the litter box, whereas a dog would need to be taken outside (and if it isnt potty trained yet, look out! You won't be getting that deposit back!), or you would have to kennel it up all day, which is just mean. Cats are very loving and affectionate, but dogs seem to need more action and physical activity than cats. In an apartment, your best bet is a cat. And yes, go to a shelter..they are already spayed or neutered plus, they are current on shots/worming, etc.

Answer 6

If you are going to live in an apartment, you should be wary of getting any pet. Many apartments do not allow pets, so you may have a hard time finding a place to live. If they do accept pets, cats are the first in line and even more limited are dogs.

I would say that you should settle in first and get your social network setup first. A pet may interfere with your new lifestyle, making it unfair to your pet if you do not have the time to give the proper care. From a maintenance point of view, cats are the least, but I believe that dogs offer the best companionship.

Answer 7

DEFINATELY not a dog. A dog would be absolutely miserable being alone for that long every day and it would develop personality disorders because of it. Dogs are naturally pack animals, much like people. It would be like locking a child in solitary confinement for 10 hours a day, every day. Don't do it.

Cats on the other hand, are loners, and as a plus, nocturnal. They can find ways to amuse themselves if you leave toys around the room for them. Plus they can use a litter box on their own, unlike dogs, which have to be let out several times a day.

Shelters are okay, just ask if any of the animals there have any contagious disease, as your pet might catch it.

Answer 8

A cat is the better choice. An apartment may be a poor milieu for a new dog and it's inexperienced owner. Keep in mind that most apartments have some sort of pet restrictions and you may pay higher rent or a higher deposit so I recommend finding the apartment before you get an animal.

Answer 9

Definately a cat. I got a dog when I was in college and I had to get rid of it because it was too much work. Cats are independant and like to be alone for long periods. Dogs need a yard to run. If you don't have a yard you'll have to take them out many times a day for a walk so it can go to the bathroom. Dogs don't like to be left alone for long periods either. Hope this helps

Answer 10

def. get a cat because they are much easier to care for, especially in an apt. some apt. complexes don't allow you to have animals and so a cat would be much easier to conceal. of course, if you're gonna be busy you won't have to worry about walking a dog or hiding it when letting it outside. also, they make a lot more noise of course. if you find a baby kitten they can be just as affectionate as a dog and they are just great animals. i never had a cat until 2 years ago and i love my cat more than my dog. don't tell her that lol. also, you can go to petsmart or somewhere and rescue a cat for about 60 bucks or a lot of times people will give kittens away for free..search the billboards!