I need advice on cat adopting?

Question

I went to the humane society recently and found a really sweet 6 year old cat and I'm interested in adopting her. I'm having a few dilhemmas though and I'm hoping you guys can help me decide whether or not to adopt her.

I live alone in a one bedroom apartment and I work about 25 hours a week. During the school year I'm a full time college student. I worry that she would be home alone and that it would be boring for her.

I also am worried because my dogs who live with my mom sometimes come over and spend the night at my apartment. The last owners of the cat had dogs so she's been around dogs, but I'm worried my dogs and the cat still won't get along.

My other most problematic issue is that I don't have a set-in-stone future. I don't know where I'm going to be living after college or in the next ten years, and I plan on travelling around a bit. Is it hard to move with pets?

Do you think the pro (companionship) outway the cons? I really am having trouble deciding.

Answer 1

I think the pros outweight the cons for both of you. The cat gets a home instead of being put down for being unwanted, and you get uncritical, unconditional affection.

Older cats do not need to be entertained or occupied like kittens do, so she is a good choice for someone who works. As for your dogs, as long as you provide a place where she can go, but they can't, then she will be fine. For example, put a baby gate across your bedroom door so that she can go in and they can't.

A cat is easier to move with than a dog. But do give some consideration to her future when you do decide to travel, and first check out whether your cat can go where you want to. There are usually pet friendly accomodations and apartments if you look hard enough.

Answer 2

I'm no pet expert, but I relate to your situation. Cats can keep themselves amused easily. I've had jobs where I've put in 70 hour work weeks, and my cat finds things to do... look out the window, play with the scratching post, follow the sun spots across the floor. I just make sure when I get home that I take time to pet her and play with her a bit. I'm not sure what to tell you about the dogs, but the animals given time and space will work out a routine. Even if they don't like each other, they'll find a way to co-exist. I can relate to your situation very much. 10 years ago when I got my cat I was in the same situation where my future isn't set in stone. I actually ended up moving from Cleveland to Los Angeles, and the cat handled the move well. I would suggest in that sort of situation that you have the cat with a friend while the things are moved (to keep her from the chaos), then move the cat by plane... they have soft kitty cases that fit under airplane seats... you can get a tranqulizer that will keep kitty calm for that move. It'll be over and done with easier than a long distance drive. I did have the cat by car all 2400 miles to california, and she held up pretty well and settled into her new home quickly. So there's ways to handle all the potential problems.

Answer 3

If you have an established cat in a household, going the opposite gender helps the original one adjust better. But if BOTH cats are new to the environment, either gender will work. Two is a very good idea, they can keep each other entertained and won't be lonely when you're not there. Be sure to check out their special needs cats -- older cats, some may have physical handicaps like one eye not seeing, etc. They're not all diabetic or with a thyroid problem or such. They need homes too and are just as good as the others.

Answer 4

Cats are awesome pets. They are funny, friendly and good companions. Also, they do just fine home alone. They entertain themselves quite nicely. My last 2 lived to ages 17 and 19. Now I have 2 - 10 month olds and work fulltime. Feed them in the morning and when you get home. Have a bowl of water around and a litterbox. Then you're good to go. You can even leave them overnight if you leave food and water out. Of course, they are happiest when you are home. And when a dog visits, put one of them in the bedroom for the night if they don't get along. I don't know about the moving though. You need to realize that they can live a long time and maybe have someone willing to take them while you travel. As an animal lover, I wouldn't promote getting a cat unless you are willing to accept the responsibility of their care for the rest of their lives. Personally, I wouldn't be without one.

Answer 5

It deffinately out weighs the cons for you, but you really got to think about the cat. Cats, like many companion animals, need stability. If you are planning on doing a lot of travelling or moving about, now isn't the time to get an animal. If you do, make sure you're ready to do whatever it takes to care for the animal, not just have it around while it's convienent for you. I think college students can make great pet owners, I'm one myself. But i've also seen dozens of pets abandoned because the students get tired of it, or move and can't have it or whatnot. Also, if you're a full time student, think about the cost and if you can really afford it. Food and litter and medical expenses can add up fast.

Answer 6

well i think you have too many other priorities, school, work, your other pets, traveling, so i would say no, dont get the cat because you wont have the time for him, plus you want to move a lot, which is very stressful for animals.

however, at the same time if the cat doesnt get adopted by you, or anyone else, it might be put down which would be worse.

i would no, let the cat go to a home that can really give it the time, effort, and affection it needs!

Answer 7

Even if your dogs haven't been around cats they can adjust to life with a cat. Moving can be stressful on animals but it stressful on everybody human or animal. Im sure that once school is out you can find a nice paying job and can get a nice place for your animals and yourself. Even if your not home a lot the animals have each other, plus its a lot better then beinning stuck in a cage locked up with nobody. I think you should go ahead and get the cat.

Answer 8

If you really love animals and need to have one around, a cat is much better for your situation than a dog would be. Cats don't need as much attention, most of the time. When you need to study, odd as it sounds, you can read your textbooks to your cat. They like that. (You'll retain much more of it, too, by reading it aloud. Nice trade-off.) Get a couple of cat-TV programs for her and turn on the TV while you're gone. They really do have programs for cats. Dogs can't see TV, but cats really can. They see color, too, by the way.

The first time or two your dogs come over, crate your cat. Make sure she's comfortable in her crate. If it looks like the dogs are well-enough controlled to be out with the cat, let her come out. Introduce them slowly and carefully; it should be fine.

As to moving with a cat, I say it'll be ok if you're determined to make it work. Only look at places that accept pets. Don't go looking at places to which you can't move, with a cat, and then blame your rotten luck on your cat. Only look at places that accept pets.

Give her a stable home with lots of love, and she'll be ok. She'll be much better off with you than in a cage, waiting for someone to come and adopt her.

Answer 9

Cats need attention.
So no don't adopt her if ur just working all day -___-!

Answer 10

http://cats.about.com/od/behaviortraining/Feline_Behavior_Issues_and_Training.htm try this link