Cat or Kitten?

Question

A few months from now I will be moving into a new studio apartment and want some companionship. A cat or kitten seems like a great way to go. I will have school for anywhere from 5-6 hours a day but will have a lot of time to spend with my cat or kitten.

I want a pet that is somewhat easy to take care of and is loving. A declawed kitten seems like the best way to go right now, but i'm open to any advice!


Thanks, and i'd really love to hear from cat or kitten owners who can give me a little insight.

I guess I wasn't clear about the "declawing" thing-

I plan to adopt an already declawed pet, not to declaw the kitten or cat myself.

Answer 1

Please go to your local animal shelters and Humane Society. Ask them to see all the cats that are de-clawed. Then choose the one that likes you the best. Dont pick one because of age or color or sex. Just go spend time with each cat. Cats are like people with their own personalities and the key is to spend time with the cat before taking it home. Some cats will be shy at the shelter but can be worked with at home to understand that you're there to give love. Other cats are very playful and want to be pet all the time. Others just want to be left alone and then will come to you and demand to be pet when ever THEY feel the need for love. I have 5 cats and all of them are different, and I love them all. A cat sounds like the perfect fit for you. Good luck

Answer 2

I'd say cat.

You don't know a kitten's personality until it gets older. They can be very sweet and wonderful when young, but have a complete personality change when they mature. You might find yourself later residing with a cat that doesn't like people or interacting with you any longer, or just isn't one that is fond of petting anymore.

If you pick out a cat from the humane society, you can interview it first, listen to the opinions of caretakers there, sometimes find out some history, and find someone that fits your needs perfectly. Plus, you'll be rescuing a cat that might otherwise be overlooked, since everyone loves the kittens and many overlook the cats. Cats are personality tested at humane societies, so often you are picking from the best.

Don't declaw. Declawed cats have a greater risk of behavior problems - such as biting. I think claws must give them a sense that they can protect themselves and calm themselves, and when some lose that they get weird. Just get many scratching posts, or pick a cat that was already declawed by a previous owner.

And consider getting 2 cats. Many humane societies have "bonded pairs", and may offer them at a discount. They'll keep each other company while you are away, and for me it's really not any more work than having one cat. They play with each other, and it's very entertaining and keeps them fit and healthy.

Answer 3

I own three kittens so I can say that they are very loving, especially the lone male. I would not declaw a kitten because they will be in pain for a while after getting declawed and will not use a litter box because of it. My suggestion is to get a scratching post and train your kitten to tear on that, and putting a little cat toy there will help. If you don't want this pet to eventually have babies then getting it fixed is the best solution. They will be somewhat smelly afterwards but at least your place wil not get sprayed by the animal later on. good luck

Answer 4

if you want a declawed animal then rescue a grown de-clawed cat from a shelter. shelters normally have quite a few declawed cats. You sould try getting an animal that has been over looked. A grown animal needs a home more, kittens only stay small and cute for about 5 months then they pretty much look like adults, adult cats are calmer and de-clawed as well as spayed and neutered cats are often time less bouncy/ active.
And if you get an adult cat you can see which ones like to spend time with you and be petted because the majority of my cats and even the one I have now could care less how much time i spend with it, they are very independent, Dogs are more of a spend time with animal, 5 to 6 hours away from home isn't alot and maybe a maltese or small rescued dog is a better way to go, if you are in college you are going to want to go out and you can bring a small dog in a doggy purse, dogs are also allowed in alot of places, and easier to board when you go on spring break and such boarding can stress a cat out. Cats esp. declawed ,/ unaltered ones may mark on the floor or be just as destructive as some dogs, while you can't really crate a cat you can easily crate a small dog while you are away at school, for dogs it is natural as they are an animal that lives in a den and being caged does not bother them. So before you get a cat try fostering a dog for a rescue or a dog shelter you may find it works better if you really want and animal that likes alot of attention.
I'm completely against de-clawing and wish it was against the law like it is in most develped countries. so i have to say this
I had cats in the past and I have one now never declawed, my cat now is a rag doll she doesn't claw even when she plays, and never claws on anything except a card board cat scratcher, but if you must declaw do not get an older animal then declaw it the limited amount of research has shown some older cats never fully recover, kittens recover enough as there body is given more of a chance to reajust to walking on a different part of there foot.

Answer 5

I have 3 cats and 3 dogs...Just make sure you research your breed (if you want a breed-specific cat). Two of my cats are regular mix breeds, and the other is a Burmese. The Burmese requires a lot of attention and interaction, just like a dog. I work at home, so she gets all that she needs. :-)

If you're going to get a mixed breed cat, you obviously won't be able to research, but most cats don't mind the time alone. They will make their playtimes when you're there to be with them. And, if you get 2 kittens (especially 2 from the same litter,) they'll be able to play with each other while you're gone during the day. Having multiple cats is a wonderful way to help exercise the cats because they LOVE to play cat games with each other. I'm not trying to get you to adopt 2 kittens, but it might be an option if you're worried about being away from home too long.

As far as cat or kitten...that depends. If you go to a shelter or someone's house who is giving away a cat, see how that cat responds to you. As an adult, many cats pick their owners this way. (I got adopted by a cat this way from an elderly lady who couldn't care for the cat anymore.) Kittens, of course, are young and don't have their personalities formed completely, but you can build a relationship with a kitten together!

Good luck!

Answer 6

I'd say a cat. Kittens are so adorable, they are snapped up quickly, whereas full grown animals, while still beautiful and wonderful, might be ignored and left behind, and possibly put to sleep, in shelter conditions become crowded. So this way you do two things for the price of one- you get a great pet and save an animal that needs adoption, and may get pushed aside by it's age. You can still get a young cat, but one that's not a baby. Plus you may get a better sense of its temperment.

Answer 7

i live alone in an apt. and at work 8 hours a day, M-F. i rescued a cat, at about 4 months old (he's a year now) and he has been wonderful. i would be lost & lonely without him right now. i think a cat is the way to go, mine is not declawed but i have no problems with scratching anything but his post. go to a shelter & rescue, you can ask for already declawed cats if thats what you are after.

Answer 8

Hi, I have 3 cats. I know you want one that is already declawed but if you get one that has claws, please please don't declaw. It is so inhumane. It is comparable to removing your fingernails. Scratching is natural to cats. If you provide something for them to scratch on, they will usually use that instead of the furniture. I've never had any problems with this. As far as cat or kitten, both are great! Consider and older cat as it is harder to find homes for them.

Answer 9

Kitten, you wouldnt want to get a cat that didnt like you, would you? Cats develop their personalities from the first years of their lives. My cats both recognize who i am because theyve known me for 6 years since they were 6 weeks old.

plus kittens are cute and play all the time. once a cat gets older (especially if you only get one) they sleep for a bout 21 hours a day.

you have to get 2 if you want them to be fun.

Answer 10

Get a cat! Everyone always wants the cute little kittens, so the adult cats often get overlooked. Go to an animal shelter, you'll find plenty of awesome cats who need a good home.