i think im ready for a pet cat or dog?

[saxman]

i think ive waited long enough . i can take care of myself , i live alone and have been think about getting a pet for some time now. as some of you know. ive narrowed it down to a Yorky the hairy rat kind of cute dog. [small poop] or a bengel cat . tiger looking cat . what do you guys think? a cat might be able to get rid of some bugs but the dog might be more of a companion. the thing i dont like about cats is every place i go that they have cats there furniture is all torn up . Any help?

[Elliott]

Mike, I can't tell you how much I love my little dog. He is a constant source of joy and companionship. Don't wait any longer, life if too short not to have a dog.

[SongDragon]

I rescued my cat (gray tabby named Dew) from a pound, and he was (and is when I'm home) a constant companion. He is so sweet, with the most beautiful green eyes, and such a comical disposition. It's definitely time for a dog or cat--whichever you chose.

I've been thinking about getting a dog myself, but possibly I should wait until I'm sure I'll be living there for the rest of my life. I know if I moved I would do my best to take a dog with me, but my moves are so frequently cross country, and driving cross country with a dog, the dog would hate me and hate the car by the time we were done... Besides, I"m too scared to find out if I have the time or not, I would feel bad if I got a dog since at the moment I have so much time, and then soon I got swamped...

~Song

[DaveM]

One advantage to a cat, of course, is that they keep themselves clean, do not need to be taken for walks, and generally take care of themselves as long as you keep the food dish full. Most cats, however, tend to view their people as little other than the can opener operator. Mind, they can be affectionate in their own way--certainly mine is.

Dogs are the precise opposite--they need to be taken care of, fed, kept clean, walked, etc. But they reward that attention with the most delightful overblown sloppy love imaginable. There is nothing quite like having a little dog catch sight of you and go into a "silly fit"--those of you who have little dogs will know what I'm talking about.

Both dogs and cats are good listeners. However, dogs generally provide the appearance of being interested and wishing they could respond, while cats tend to look up in disdain, all the while sending thought waves that scream: "you think I've forgotten that you had me fixed, don't you?"

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Good evening Mike...

My Cat who's name shall not be spoken is more then just a friend... He's journeyed with me over much of this country... He can be a royal pain in the butt still when I find myself most stressed out he will leap up on the bed walk across my face and lay down next to me and start purring... Mike, it dosen't matter wether you get a cat, dog or goldfish... (But my vote is definately for a cat...) though goldfish tend to be less playful when taken outside to play in the snow....If your ready now to share your life with a critter then by all means do so... The rewards are tremendous.... Theres a critter at the animal shelter waiting just for you....

Best to you

R. from Pa

[DaveM]

Quite agree with everyone on seeking a friend at the local animal shelter. No matter what your choice may be, you'll find the right one for you there. You may have to visit more than once, perhaps over some time, but when you find the right companion, you'll know it!

[Elliott]

Yup. I was waiting for my dog when he arrived, really. All the paperwork had been filled out and I was approved, but my dog wasn't at the shelter. I went to play with the big dogs, and when I came back to the small animal wing he had just become available. I know it sounds strange but I knew the moment I saw him that he was mine, (or rather, that I was his). I love cats too, but you can't sleep with a goldfish.

[Eva]

Hairy furniture... Yes, that is what cats and dogs do to your furniture. And yes, cats can sharp their nails on your furniture. I don't know if you have a garden or if you can buy them something to sharpen their nails on, so your furniture might be saved. However, I don't have a cat or a dog. So what do I know? By the way: male cats spray on your furniture, walls etc. to mark their territory, if you don't get them 'fixed'. Yuck! In general, animals smell. Just like people do. So if you don't like the smell of either of them, keep them out of your house.

Pets need your company and that you take care of them on a regular base. So if you are home a lot. And if you can take your dog out for walks three or four times a day, if you can clean the catlitterbox every x days. If you are willing to take care of their fur (especially dogs) If you can afford the extra costs for food, medical treatments when they are old, sick or injurred, toys, etc. If you can think about solutions for when you have to leave them for a few days. Then you aere ready for a pet.

Have fun with your pet, Saxman. Give it a good home.

Eva

[snakegrl]

Either one can fit the bill. But you may want to really research the Bengal breed as they are an exotic- there is a good bit of wild kitty in their bloodline- and they can sometimes be very dominant. Also, they usually don't tolerate other animals in the house.
Hey, how about a snake?:D

[corolla girl]

Saxman,
I can tell you how much my cats(I have 3) have given me such pleasure, and bring me such joy in my life. Cats really do have a wonderful disposition, and are pretty self-maintaining to a point. My cats have such cute antics that they do, but do sometimes push the envelope.

I love Dogs too, but my kitties wouldn't allow them here. I do pet-sitting as a second job (I take care of pets while their mommies and daddys are away)so I get to be with dogs too.

I know that some people won't understand, but these cats are my children, and I treat them as such. I don't have any children myself except these 3.....(Tiffany, Sabrina, and Winston)

Maybe you could go to the animal shelter and talk to someone about your situation, and they could make suggestions as to which animal would suit your home.

You are a loving father, with a loving heart, and I know you will extend that love to your new pet.

Keep us all posted, you really have gotten some good advice here on the Message Board....Good luck........corolla girl..(cg)

[aabram]

Great news, Mike. I have 4 cats and a dog. They're all loved and well cared for, and I couldn't live without them. When my father died, I cried on my cat's shoulder. When my mother died, I cried on my cat's shoulder. When that cat died, I cried on my new cat's shoulder. I couldn't live without them. And when Catherine had her accident, her sister was given Simba. He's now loved just as much as my cats....lol :)

[ponytail]

So happy to hear that you're considering getting a pet, Mike. They really bring an enormous amount of love and joy into your life.

I have a cat, Susie, and a rabbit, Rosie. I'm at home a lot because of my disability. They're both very affectionate, sweet-natured and loving (and I dote on them, as does Dave). There's hair all over the furniture and my clothes, and I'm always brushing them (and everything I need unhairy). But I wouldn't trade them for anything. They're family and I love them both more than I can say.

I hope you find the perfect companion for you.

[Judy]

I think pets are a remarkable way to help us live outside of ourselves. Cats or dogs. We have some of both and each offer companionship in their own ways. Bottom line is that they all depend on us to keep them alive, healthy and happy. I'd think you would enjoy it, Mike. Plus as others have mentioned, if you opt for a dog your health could benefit from walking it (you may also be more inclined to go for walks if you had someone to share the walks with you.)
Good luck, Mike
Judy

[saxman]

i just read a report about cats ,allergic reactions, but its price tag might make you faint. why cant they get it right? i left my wife because she was like a cat that scratches all the time . could this med work on humans? i would rather have a cat and just pay for the food can we get rid of the reaction? and keep the cat ? sorry i just had to say this im wierd and know it

[DaveM]

Not all people are allergic to cats, Mike--if you are concerned about it, your doctor should be able to test you for any allergies without any problem. It's also possibly to be allergic to dogs. Again, you can check easily enough.

The best test, of course is: do you start sneezing when you're around animals? If not, you're probably ok.

[GodSistah]

I have two dogs, a Miniature Pinscher and a Pit Bull Mix. I got both from the Animal shelter where I work...and they have given me so much more joy and unconditional love than I could ever imagine!

I don't have any cats, but there are four strays that I have that I feed that live in back of the shelter. I love them! They are my "stress busters" in the way Chet has her Pandas. I go to the back of the shelter on my breaks and they are there and they have such goofy antics, they take away the stress from my job!

I highly recommend either a cat or a dog! Both have their pros and cons. But I would say a dog if you want more interaction and a cat if you want less responsibility. Although they both give and need both interaction and responsibility.

:)

~Andrea~

[aabram]

Not all people are allergic to cats, Mike--if you are concerned about it, your doctor should be able to test you for any allergies without any problem. It's also possibly to be allergic to dogs. Again, you can check easily enough.

The best test, of course is: do you start sneezing when you're around animals? If not, you're probably ok.

It's not all allergies to cats/dogs that cause scratching. Sometimes bugs get on the animal called fleas, and they are nasty, or ticks, nastier. sometimes cats can be allergic to fleas (two of mine are), and it's then that you get out the washing up liquid. (kills fleas) If you need further help on this issue, please feel free to ask, Mike. :)

[Lin]

I can't imagine my home without a pet. We have always had dogs and cats. Right now we have a 10 year old male cat and 5 month old female kitten. My 13 year old dog, a Schipperke, passed away over the summer.

I was not going to adopt this kitten, but it was born with twisted limbs and I was afraid no one else would adopt her. Her front paws twist in and one of her hind paws doesn't really have much strength, and she does not use it much. I have heard that some people do not think that a kitten born with twisted limbs can survive and they put them down. This is so sad as these kittens can and do grow up to be pretty normal cats. She can do anything any cat can do, like run up stairs, jump on the bed, eat like a horse, etc. Lily (her name) is the sweetest thing ever. She loves to be close, always comes looking for us when she is tired and wants a lap to sleep on. She has awaked the playfulness in my older cat. And she is a wonderful companion.

And like some others here have said, dogs need more attention and care, cats are pretty independent. If you keep cats inside, chances are you will not have a flea problem.

I think it's time for a furry companion Mike!!

Lin

[SongDragon]

It also depends on how severe the allergy. Both my sister and my mother are allergic to cats, but at one point we had three cats! My sister would wake up with watery eyes because our biggest, toughest cat always had to lie on her face to go to bed. It was worth it, though, we loved each of those cats. Mom could be heard sneezing as she brushed the cat and watched TV, but I don't think she would have had it any other way! I believe she took regular allergy medicine, but it was just a normal allergy pill for just about everything (clarasil or something like that). It didn't help specifically with cats.

~Song