Is a cat a good pet for us?

Question

I haven't had a cat in years when I lived at home we had several, but they were indoor/outdoor pets. I want an inside cat that wouldnt beable to go out. I have a two year old and no other pets. I have heard so much about cats being more independent and easier to take care of then a dog. I am a stay at home mom so I am here most of the time(if it matter with a cat) and have a smaller two bedroom house. I want a quiet animal who doesnt make too much of a mess, and that would cuddle at night, and that I could just leave when I go out to the store or to do errands. Does it sound like a cat would fit? Is it difficult to keep a cat inside?

I have been to the local animal shelter and have been looking around a bit, and of course everytime I go I fall in love. I am looking at an adult cat(at our shelter that is 6 months or older).

Answer 1

I could just hug you!! I think it's wonderful that you want to get a cat and keep it indoors! It makes me furious when people let their cats outside!! Too many dangerous things can happen to them. But you sound more caring and responsible than them. It sounds like a cat would be the perfect pet for you. I have 2 of my own and I work 8-9 hours a day and I don't have to worry about them because I know their safe inside. Cats are more independent and easier to take care of. I wouldn't want to have to go home just to let my dog out to go the bathroom! If you give your kitty fresh water, food, a clean litterbox and plenty of toys, I think you'll be very happy and I know your cat will be! My cats are strictly indoor cats. I have a cat tower that I keep by a window so they can see outside and watch the birds and squirrels. They don't even try to get out. They're content watching the world from the inside. And as for the cuddling, both of mine help keep me warm at night. I have one on my pillow and one by my feet. Are you planning on adopting one? You would be saving a life! Congrats and I hope you and kitty will be very happy!!!

Answer 2

Cats do well as inside only pets, so that should work fine for you. Since you have a small child, consider adopting an adult cat from a shelter that has lived in a household with children before. That will be much easier for you than raising a kitten, which is more fragile and might be hurt by a rough two-year old.

Answer 3

I think a cat would fit nicely in your family. I am a working single mother with a 4 year old little girl. My kitten is about 4 months old and he can be rough (my daughters face is pretty scratched up, but that's more her fault cause she wants to hold the kitty all the time) so an adult cat may be better for you, however, if you get an adult cat, he may be more set in his ways and not want to cuddle or not be as social as one that you've had from birth.

Answer 4

It's more responsible to have your cats stay indoors. There are way too many dangers for them outside. If a cat has never been outside, they usually don't make a run for it. A cat sounds like the pet for you.

With a 2 year old in the house, I would suggest an older cat..over 6 months old. Kittens play hard and rough and can hurt your little one.

Answer 5

Sounds like a cat would be perfect for you! Just make sure the cat has somewhere it can go that the 2 year old can't get to. Cats will do fine indoors only. If you get one as a kitten, it will grow up used to it and have no problem!

Good luck!

Answer 6

You will surely enjoy a cat if you get one . I would adopt a cat that is about 6 months old , neutered and vaccinated. That would fit with your family better than a little kitten a few weeks old . You will get much love form your new addition to the family . I adopted mine when he was 5 months old , I work all day and he is fine . He is adorable and I love coming home to him . Good luck , you will not be sorry , they are great company , and great for a persons well being .

Answer 7

No. It's easier to have indoor cats because they're cleaner, flea free, and more trainable. And you can clip the nails yourself too to prevent scratching up carpets. Don't de-claw them as some may suggest. If a cat had to have its claws it would be in trouble without them.
Cats are Great! Kittens even BETTER!
You're going to love them!
Go adopt two at the Humane Society. Their kittens are healthy and come with basic vaccinations and neutering certificates (done when kitten is 4 months).

Answer 8

Cats are great. I always said I would NEVER have a cat, inside or out. My ex-mother-in-law owned a pet store & she had a Blue Russian & she wanted to know if she could give it to my daughter for her 7th birthday. I said yes. I was very skittish about it. But, now I love him so much. He goes to his litter box, unlike other animals that have to be trained, cats just know what to do. But, I will say, his first night here, I put him in the bathroom with the litter box & shut the door. We have only had 1 accident in 8 months...that was my daughters fault because she wouldn't let him out of her room so I do not hold that against the cat. Both of my kids are in school & I also go to school so the cat has free rain of the house for a while. He goes from bed to bed & sleeps or plays with his toys. He is spayed & declawed. He is very active. He does bite a lot. He sleeps in the bed with someone everynight. Sometimes me or other times one of the kids. We take him for rides in the car & he loves it. He sits up in the front passenger seat & stares out the window taking in all of the sites. Even my husband likes the cat as much as he hates to admit it. The cats name is Thunder & believe me, he lives up to it. He is one big roar of thunder. Oh, about the inside thing. Thunder looks out the door but he never offers to go outside.

Answer 9

A cat sounds like the perfect pet for you! Go to your local shelters and your perfect cat will pick you!

Answer 10

A cat sounds good for you. But remember if you get a young cat (6 months) they are going to still act kittenish (because they are still kittens) and they may scratch and bite out of play. So if you get one that young don't worry and think you got a psychotic animal =)