Is a cat right for me?

Question

Should I get a cat? I live in a brand new townhouse; I am renting. I have no loud noisy kids, want an affectionate and sweet and playful companion. Do they smell? What is the price? Are they right for me? What is an alternative pet if not a ferret? A bird? What do you think? Please help me ASAP! =) Also, I am allergic to some types. Ignore this comment if some cats are not hypoallerginic. Are they?

Answer 1

A cat is a perfect pet for living in a townhouse, and they don't stink themselves but their kitty litter does, so you have to clean that regularly. If you are allergic to some cats, you'll have a better chance with a short-haired cat. The shorter, the better, because long haired ones produce more dander, which is the dead skin particles that bother humans who are allergic. Your best bet is to go the local animal shelter because you're able to handle the animals, which makes choosing which one to take home easier. Up here in Canada it costs about $100 for a cat at the shelter, including getting de-wormed, vaccinated and a tracking chip is put into its neck in case it runs away. If you don't want your furniture scratched, the first thing you have to get is a scratching post and put a little cat nip on there to train your cat to only scratch that.

For an alternative pet, I can't suggest rats more highly. They are 10 times more friendly, more intelligent and have more personality than a hamster ever will. They never bite, they can learn tricks, they like to play and spend time with their owner, yet they can be left alone for a day or two, and the DO NOT carry the plague. If you do get rats, make sure to have at least 2 because they are social animals, and make sure you have only males or only females because they can reproduce very quickly.

Answer 2

Perhaps you should stick to the bird. If you are allergic to cats, then you are allergic to cats. No they don't smell. Some humans who own cats smell. Cats are one of the cleanest animals you will find. They are constantly grooming themselves and do NOT like to use dirty litter. If you adopt a cat, make absolutely sure that you are willing to keep their litter clean at all times. If you don't, they will start using your rugs. After all, would you use a filthy toilet? .......well they won't either. Cats can be adopted from humane societies or pet stores and sometimes people just give them away to good homes. Know that in order to be a responsible guardian to this little creature, you will have to incur vet bills for vaccines and neutering along with any other health issue that arises. If you still feel that a cat is for you, I assure you there is no better companion. Cats, unlike dogs, do not demand alot of your attention. They are very independent but will on occasion, show you a great deal of affection. They are comical and loving and very playful and will make you a great companion.

Answer 3

Make sure your cat was spayed or neutered while young. Otherwise, and yet still possible, a male cat will spray in certain situations. Mine did, because we bought a new house and the previous owners had a cat. So a male will spray to mark his territory. Mine did it a couple of times, then quit. Cats are very clean. They keep themselves up well. The smelly part is the litter box. I have one that looks like an igloo and is great. You can't tell it's a litter box. Some have filters. And most cat litter comes with a deodorizer, such as baking soda. The best thing is to clean it out daily, no biggy. Cats need to scratch, so if you're worried about getting your upholstery or carpets damaged, and they are indoor cats, consider declawing. The vet will only declaw the front paws. Mine usually eat dry food with one can of wet food per day. I give them Frontline once a month to prevent fleas and worms. That's pretty much it. I love my cats. As for allergies, I think the shorter the hair, the better, even hairless cats. When you look for a cat, play with it for awhile. Some like to cuddle and sit on your lap, others don't.

Answer 4

Well, if you are allergic to some types of cats, then do not by a cat. In my opinion, ferrets smell horrible. Fish make nice pets. They are quiet, peaceful, and don't take a lot to take care of. You just have to feed them, and clean out the tank, and other stuff. If you want a playful companion, by a dog. Good luck.

Answer 5

you have a lot of information already on this question and most of it is true but a lot is false ie: short hair cats are less likely to cause allergies, not true, it is the dander that causes allergies and dander doesn't care what length the hair is. The cornish rex is probably the best bet for a cat for you but be prepared for expensive. Rats are fabulous pets and are so loving they will sit on your shoulders and cuddle they are so sweet. Dogs will bark and cause you trouble in your town home. Ferrits stink. birds are not lovable and you have a dirty cage all the time. get a stuffed animal and you will be happiest.

Answer 6

How about a cornish rex? They are EXTREMELY affectionate and playful (even as older adluts) and lack the outer coat of guard hairs of most cats so they shed very little. Many people with allergies can tollerate a cornish rex.
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/cornish.html
http://www.breedlist.com/cornish-rex-breeders.html
I have a cornie and he is 3. He still plays like a kitten and is very sociable.

Answer 7

I'm not a great fan of cats, but cats are pretty independent unless its a kitten. They don't really smell and if sometimes you can get kittens or cats for free. Does any of your friends have any cats that are soon gonna have babies? See if they're giving any of them away and presto- You got a lovable companion!

Answer 8

Oh particular! all the time lol, it makes me leap up with fright and convey experience sorry approximately (cats call) and then I comprehend that's only between the cats rubber balls that i'm stepping on. it is so humorous whilst that occurs! lol

Answer 9

well it is entirely up to you, you can take medication to help with the allergies zyrtec works really good my boyfriend says. go to an animal shelter and see who picks you out. cats are not smelly, just remember to clean the litterbox out daily and feed them high quality food. I recomend natural choice complete care indoor foods. Please keep your cat inside, it will be much safer, happier and healthier. don't forget to have a scratch post and a litterbox on each level of your town house.

Answer 10

boy cats don't smell i have two, the only thing that smells is their litter box if you don't change it regularly. They are not expensive, my boys cost $50 from the spca.