a mini survey

oh my life.

i have a quandary: i have been offered a kitten. a very cute, runt of the litter, kitten. and she's lovely. but i just don't know.

i had a couple of cats when i was little, and several of my friends have them, but i have always considered myself as more of a dog person (and a dachshund person at that). see, i quite fancy a pet, and let's face it, i won't be able to afford a wire-haired miniature dachsie in a long time. cats are good - they entertain themselves in the day, don't need walking and are snuggly enough when you need them.

but the question is do i really want one? the responsibility of any pet is quite a lot to think about. i don't know whether i want the tiedown. having to feed it everyday isn't much, but who'll do that when i'm not here? and what about when i go on holidays? and then if it gets ill i'll have to sort out going to the vet. and then there's fleas. not to mention the cost of the food.

so this is where you come in. help. should i do it?

Comments

[Kristy]

Yes yes yes!
Cats are such good company. I'm pretty certain you'll find a neighbour who would help the 'feeding whilst on holiday' problem. There's no need for fleas anymore as the treatments are so good.
You do need to think how busy the traffic is near you though.That's been our biggest problem. Squashed kitties are no fun.

[Sarah]

Well having a cat doesn't mean you can't have a dog in the future (and you could always dress the cat up as a sausage dog with a little hat with dog ears on or something)

And may I offer my cat looking after services for when you go on holiday? :)

[kelly]

do it!!!

don't think twice...it's alright! a kitten in your home is the best thing. even though ours ignores us most of the time cuddling him is pure comfort.

we have a cat flap so if we go away overnight we leave him to his own devices with plenty of food and a free house. if we go away for longer we ask a pal to just come in and top up the biscuits : )
food isn't that expensive. but you have to be prepared to share your marmite on toast though (if you are a lover not a hater that is!)

i plan a dog in my life someday too. so starting with a feline friend doesn't rule it out. xxx

[Lindy]

cats are fab. When you go away just makes sure there is water in the toilet in case they drink all the water in the water bowl and lots of food. They pretty much take care of themselves. My cats were always more like dogs so maybe you'll luck out and you'll end up w/ a dat!

[CreatureofHabit]

Cats are definitely easier than dogs in terms of development and training. But the maintenance is about the same... and the food. For me, it's the litter box I could not handle. ;) Do keep in the mind the Veterinary costs for having any pet - spay/neuter, shots, check-ups... because they add up. Not to mention the unforseen emergency. I think it's great that you are really thinking about it, because too often I see people with the best intentions adopt a puppy or kitten only to realize it was more responsibility they could handle and then turn the animal back in months later. Tiny puppies and kitties are more adoptable than 8 or 9 month old animals. So, to really think it through tell me that you are a good soul!

That being said, pets are wonderful!!!! They do so much to combat stress, and the unconditional love is outstanding! Cats, dogs, rabbits....they are so giving and innocent. I can't imagine life without mine. Some cats are like dogs, very friendly and outgoing, maybe she will turn out like that?

[liz]

Dont do it!!!

[Qalballah]

Hell no. When they get run over its just horrible

[norma]

You seem to have too much doubt. I'd say go volunteer at a pet shelter to get your animal fix and see if you still want one.

Good luck!

[victoria]

I grew up with Siamese and always wanted a cat of my own. We decided to do it, considered long and hard, found a good breeder, waited and then took possession of Eddie, our chocolate Burmese about 6 weeks ago. He is cute, he is very good, but also a handful and more work. I have two girls 5 and 2 years and I find him one more thing. He is lovely and I love the affection at night, but at times I do think (I know I'm so miserable) - why did I think adding another thing to do every day was a good idea? Every time we go away, we have to organise the cat kennel, blah blah. I'd say, if you just think it's a good idea rather than really wanting it - wait.

[Julie Nelson Rhodes]

So has the kitten got a name??!!