Should I get a dog or a cat?

Question

I have decided that I am going to get a pet. I am either getting a small dog or a cat from a local animal shelter. I will be getting a dog or a cat that is at least 2 years old as I do not want to have to train a puppy or kitten. I am a student that is gone about 10 hours a day. I have breaks throughout the day however when I could go home to let the dog out and play with him/her. I am finanially able to spend about $45 per month on the care of the animal and am ready for any emergency vet visits that may be needed. The dog will not be alone for more than 6 hours at a time without being let out and played with. If you think a dog might be good what breed would you recomend? I want something small that will not bark all day and annoy my neighbors.

Answer 1

I think if you are not going to be around a lot, you should get a cat because while your gone they can just lay back and you don't have to take the cat out so it can go to the bathroom. A cat is less of a responsibility too.

Answer 2

I don't think you should get either, 45 dollars a month is dismal at best. The dog would be lonely all day as would the kitty. Cats aren't as solitary as you think. That kitty would be so bored allllll day long. Get two cats that will entertain themselves and each other, but only if you are certain you can afford them. What happens if one breaks a leg? Do you realize it will be upwards of 800 dollars to fix it? And that's the cheap side! What about rabies shots and testing? Will you let them outside? Cats (and dogs) like room to play, a one bedroom apartment would be miserable for them. I suggest you get a smaller animale instead. Maybe a bird or some gerbils or other type of rodent. Do not get a fish tank as you cannot afford to give them a good home based on you budget.

I have 4 cats with 3000+ sqaure feet to play in and a cat door. I also have 7 fish tanks ranging from 28 gallons to 155 gallons. PLEASE DO NOT GET A PET because you are bored. By your own admittance, it is obvious they will be lonely most of them time.

Answer 3

Well, you might want to get a cat right now, if you are going to be gone 10 hours a day. Dogs need A LOT of attention. I know, I had a dog that when I left, she would go into a nervous attack, and she messed the whole house up trying to find a way out. But if you really want a dog, the best breed to get would probably be a toy dog (the group of real dogs called toy dogs, not a pretend dog (-: ).

Answer 4

Get a cat. Cat's are more easily left unattended than a dog. They entertain themselves and will sleep most of the time you're alone. A dog would gorge itself on food if allowed to. Cats will only eat until they're satisfied. A dog has that carnal instinct to eat, eat and eat some more for fear of being abandoned and face famine.

Even getting a dog that is 2 years old, you'll have to allow for a few accidents with breaks at 6 hour intervals. That is until it gets used to the schedule.

Answer 5

Deciding from the situation that you have, if you're going to get a dog get a small size toy dog. Large breed dog like Golden Retriever and Bulldog are more difficult to handle, partly because of the size, eats more, poop more, has more power to create a chaos inside the house.

Get a cute puffy ones with fur like Pomeranian, Shitzu.

Or if you're allergic and don't want fur to be flying around your house get a chi hua hua.

One more thing: before buying the dog, you can observe its personality first. You can differentiate the active ones with the lazy or calm ones.

My dog is a mix breed of Pomeranian and Pekingese. She never barks (except when stranger came into the house), never bite, never make a fuss in the house (even when she's a puppy she does not bite sandals or shoes). She only eats 200 grams of dog food per portion (that is the ideal portion for her as suggested by vet nutritionist). As compared to Doberman... one sack of dog food must always be in stock. You get the idea.

:) and that's... the power of observation.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Cat, mostly because even if you get a dog thats atleast 2yrs old you will still have to train it. $45 will be more then enough for a cat, you'll even have change left over at the end of the month. cat food $9, Cat litter $8-12.

Answer 7

My first thought is a little cat, being out 10 hours a day is a little unfair for a dog as they rely on socialising whereas cats are happy to do their own thing most of the time.

Answer 8

unless you are willing to train a little dog - or search one out that is trained in basic behaviours, then I'd recommend a cat. you also can't be assured that a dog won't bark..

You might also want to consider two cats.

Thank you for considering an older pet. They are often overlooked.

Answer 9

I personally prefer dogs but as a student as you are, a cat would probably fit in better. They don't need as much attention as a dog does...

Answer 10

Get a cat if you don't have time to train a dog. A dog, otherwise.