I really want to adopt a cat, but...?

Question

My friends tell me that I shouldn't because cat's "smell like piss no matter how clean you are about taking care of them."

While I wouldn't normally listen to such silliness, one of my friends also threatened to stop socializing with me if I adopted one due to his hatred of them. He's a germophobe.

What should I do? I always wanted to have a cat, and at 22 I'd imagine there's nothing really stopping me but my peers. I spend a lot of time alone at home (I work out of the home, actually, over the internet...) So having a pet would make things less lonely, yanno?

Answer 1

No offense but he doesn't sound like much of a friend. If you want a cat, by all means get one. What kind of friend would tell you something as petty as that? Cats are wonderful, sweet companions and are very easy to care for and can be left alone for a weekend if you decide to travel. I have had cats all my life and they are one of the cleanest animals. This does also depend upon the owner. The only smell you should ever worry about is their litter box. If you keep it cleaned out regularly, you will have no problems but if you let the poop and pee sit in it without cleaning it for days at a time, the cat can get spiteful and may go to the bathroom somewhere else in your home. They also keep mice away and are great snugglers in the winter. Some cats can have odd personalities so I recommend you going to your local shelter to choose one that you like best. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

Get a cat! That's really weird that your friend would threaten to not spend time with you anymore if you got one. He doesn't sound like much of a friend! And cats don't smell badly! If you clean their litterbox daily, they smell just fine.

Sounds to me like you've thought this through and have always really wanted a cat. I say, go for it. A cat will offer a different type of companionship than any friend can. Adopt a cat or kitten through the local humane society or cat rescue instead of buying from a breeder or pet store.

Answer 3

If you want a cat by all means get one. Cats are very clean animals. Naturally if you don't clean the litter box on a regular basis then there will be an odor but that is not the cat's fault, is it? If your so-called friend says he won't hang out with you anymore if you get a cat then he isn't much of a friend. If a cat will make you happy who is he to tell you not to get one? Do you live for your friends or for yourself?? Cats make wonderful companions. I love mine to death. Go ahead and adopt a cat.

Answer 4

I'm sorry, but I wouldn't let a "friend" threaten to stop socializing with me if I got a pet. That person isn't your friend and they are trying to control you.

I've had cats all my life and have never had one that smelled like piss. If you keep their box clean, you should have no odors at all. IMHO, dogs smell much more than cats. I've been in many homes with cats that I never know they have them unless the cat appears, but enter a dog home and immediately, I'll smell dog.

We clean out our cat box once a week and the cats never smell.

Get the cat and if the friend stops seeing you, he's not really a good friend. He'll have to get over it if he truly cares about you.

Answer 5

Awwww! I feel you pain. I love cats as well and my family has all but threatened to 1) never come over 2) never eat my food and 3) make me change my clothes when I come to their house if I get a cat. I'm still planning on adopting anyway.
Do what you want to do! If a cat will make you happy - and he probably will! - then go for it. If your friends are that shallow, then they are not real friends anyway.
Good luck!

Answer 6

Get your cat!

Any friend that would ditch you because you got a pet is not worth having. If he doesn't want to visit because of a phobia then fair enough but you can visit him or meet out. Cats are naturally very clean (cleaner than kids, in my view and I imagine at least one of your circle will have at least one of them) and there's no reason for them to smell provided they are well cared for and their trays cleaned regularly.

We are expecting a kitten in 2 weeks and have friends' visits booked out for a month after he arrives. I'd be very surprised if any of yours can resist once your feline friend is home.

Answer 7

I agree with most of the people who already posted - get the cat. I can't imagine a person telling someone they consider a friend that they will not associate with their friend if they get a cat.
Also, I recommend vacuuming and dusting your place everything, and occassionally bathing your new cat.

Answer 8

Well, I think your friend really isnt a friend if he doesnt want you to have something that would make you happy. I dont know for sure, thats my thought. And, we have two kittens and their litter box is in our small bathroom. We clean the litter box 4 times a week, which helps to keep the room fresh. As long as you do that... no, it really wont get stinky. By some pet safe, odor spray, and fresh step cat litter. :)

Answer 9

I agree, your friends are being rude & disrespectful to your wantings. Just because "they" don't like cats doesn't mean you shouldn't get one, & just so your friends know cats don't smell like piss! I hope you decide to adopt a cat & be glad that you do because you'll always have a companion!

Answer 10

If you want one go for it! lol Cats are very clean and they ain't like dogs! Cats have their own spot where they do their thingy. Don't listen to your "friends" because they won't be the ones that are gonna buy the food and take care of the cat.