2007-10-23 17:34:15 · 7 answers · asked by seafish 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
for: have a mind of their own , do not fawn and slobber all over you , adorable and entertaining , don't have to be walked , great lap warmers, very good at training their humans
against: have claws and need to scratch things (will scratch couch etc if not provided a scratching post and maybe even if you do ) sometimes show stress and anxiety with improper elimination , don't like change , have to scoop poop on a daily basis
2007-10-23 17:48:08 · answer #1 · answered by Meow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do before getting a cat is to research what all the duties and responsibilities will be. Talk to other people who have cats (Yahoo! Answers is a good place to start). If you have friends with cats, visit them and interact with the cat to see how different cats respond to you and so you can see typical cat behavior.
Do online research. There are many websites that have information about choosing the right cat for you and your lifestyle. A good overview can be found at the Humane Society of the US website: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/choosing_the_right_cat.html
A great book for novice cat owners is "Cats For Dummies" by Gina Spadfori and Paul Pion. It is full of great information and even a long-time cat "owner" like me learned a few new things from it. It takes all kinds of questions like "Adult cat or kitten?" "Long haired or short haired" "What kind of equipment will I need" and answers them thoroughly and in straightforward language. I recommend this book highly! There is also a "Kittens for Dummies" book by Dusty Rainbolt, a well-known cat expert, that would also be a good choice if you decide you'd like a kitten.
The best place to start looking is your local Humane Society. They will have a number of cats and kittens available for adoption for a reasonable fee. It is always best to spay or neuter your pet cat, as it will keep them healthier, make them less likely to run away and make them more even tempered, better pets. The Humane Society will also provide you with a "starter kit" of food, litter and a booklet on cat care.
It's most important to have is a heart full of love for your pet and the desire to take the best possible care of it. Being well informed about the joys and difficulties of having a cat is the best way to make a decision on whether right now is the best time or place to take the big step of becoming a cat owner.
Good luck!
2007-10-24 01:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by Yvonne P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love cats, so I will not have many "against" answers.
For: Cats are cuddly, friendly, fun, playful, independent, clean, use a litterbox, get along with a lot of things, and so much more.
There is always that one chance that you will get a lemon for a cat and it will be mean...hiss at you, growl, slap, claw, etc...but if you are adopting a cat, you should notice that right away.
Against: I personally don't have anything against owning a cat, but the main problem I hear is that you can't do much with a cat, and that cats get fleas. But so do any other animal so I don't think that's a bad thing.
Also, kudos to you for adopting a cat. Just make sure that you have all the supplies, food, water, litterbox, toys, etc.
2007-10-24 00:46:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am a huge cat person. I've been lucky; I have a 10 yr old very frisky cat that I dearly love. I have had her since she was 5 wks old. I have been extremely lucky so far; she has been very healthy and she's a very smart cat.
PRO: companionship, cuddly, kittens are so comical, independent, doesn't require walking, can be left alone. If the cat will be strictly indoors, you probably will not see fleas (I don't). Cats are clean and like their environment to be clean also (litter box and food area).
CON: scooping litter box (not that bad), shedding (that can be controlled). Getting a kitten like someone said, can be the luck of the draw. You never know what their personality will be like. I had a cat years ago that bit so bad that I had to give her up. I know that a lot of people disagree with declawing, but my cat was declawed as a baby and I have given her a much better home because of it. She would have been put to sleep.
Cats are creatures of habit. They like routine and get attached to their environment. For 7 yrs, it was just me and my cat. Then I met someone who hated cats, we got married, and moved. He nows loves her and she loves him and our new place. It will most likely be good experience. Regular old cats tend to be much healthier than purebreds.
2007-10-24 02:10:00 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshine75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For - companionship, entertainment, can leave them for hours at a time without damaging them psychologically like a dog. Can train them to be an indoor or in/outdoor pet.
Against - can't leave them overnight without having someone to scoop, feed and visit. Must put up with some clawing on the furniture. Must budget hundreds of dollars a year for vet bills, up to a thousand a year if the animal lives to be more than about 13.
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2007-10-24 00:44:10 · answer #5 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own 3 cats and dog and fish. So I can honestly say I love my cats more. When I leave for the weekend the cats can survive without anybody going over there to let them out to potty. They are small and love to give and receive love. Cats are just plain awsome and I love thier independence!!
2007-10-24 00:47:14 · answer #6 · answered by v_bird26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just get the cat I have to say I never really cared for cats much until I recent got my first kitten (we found him in a warehouse) and now I love him so much and I am dying for more :) Seriously if you have the thought at all go for it
2007-10-24 00:51:12 · answer #7 · answered by SAMANTHA L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋