Is it easier to own a cat ?
By Bellapop
@Bellapop (1279)
July 1, 2010 11:31am CST
We're thinking about either a cat or dog, but as we've only had goldfish as pets, I'm thinking that it'll proabably be better if we start off with a cat first, as we're used to the quiet (from the Goldfish), rather than have a dog constantly barking when we're so inexperienced. However, we would still probably get a dog in future? What do you think?
5 responses
@okuribidreams (195)
• Italy
4 Jul 10
Having a cat is totally easier, I think. They're more independent and you don't have to bring them out for their needs or wash them, because they can do everything at home, even if you live in an apartment.
I have three cats and always had cats since when I was little, but beware, if you get a kitten of two or three months, you'll have to take care of it a lot in the first time, because it's just like having a baby running around your house.
When they're kittens they have to eat every couple of hours and need someone to look over them so they won't break something - even though for puppies it will be the same.
But when a cat grows up, it'll be definitely better and more independent, if you're busy people.
@Bellapop (1279)
•
4 Jul 10
Yes, we're thinking of getting a baby kitten first, but I'm not really sure where the best place to look for one would be? There is the option of pet shops, but everytime I go in most of the pets look half ill and not very happy...I'm thinking of a cat shelter, but I guess they would have mostly adult cats. It's also going to be my first cat, so would an adult cat or kitten be better?
@okuribidreams (195)
• Italy
4 Jul 10
I highly recommend a kitten, because it will love you really like a mom, but you have to be sure you'll have enough time for it in the first five-six months. If you don't, it's better to get an adult cat, they're lovely in the same way.
The best way to look up for it it's the internet I think... or vet's ambulatory.
I don't know if in your country there are many people doing this, but here, when a cat gives birth to many kittens, the owner decides to give them away for free after a month or two, when they're ready. I always did like this. Try asking your friends and relatives if they know anyone that has kittens to give away... this way you'll be sure of their mother and everything.
@rosie230 (1696)
•
1 Jul 10
Dogs are great fun, but if you get one from puppy age, they can be a lot of hard work, because you have to train them. Not only with toilet training, which can be a nightmare in itself, because there is the chance that you will have mess in your house, which is not nice. Dogs are also very reliant on you, so someone would have to spend most of the time with the dog, until it was used to being on it's own. Also as you say the barking can get out of hand, but that is dependant on the dog. I had a dog before, but now just have a cat. Cats are great, because they are so independent. The only time I see my cat is when she wants food, or fuss. She loves us all, and is forever rubbing herself up against our legs. Also I have to say, that cats are so much easier to train to go to the toilet, because the litter tray works very well, and you just move it outside, and eventually take it away and they then know that they have to go toilet outside. We have a cat flap in our door, and our cat Minnie, comes and goes as she likes.
@Bellapop (1279)
•
3 Jul 10
This is very useful, I didn't realise dogs were much more hard work, particularly when they have to be very reliant on us humans. We probably wouldn't be able to have someone around for the dog all the time, but at the same time we see our friends with their dogs and know it can be so rewarding. We're not actually keen to have a cat that likes to roam around too much as the cats around our neigbourhood like to bring in birds as well, and it'll start copying them! Keeping it as a house cat is appealing, but at the same time I know it might not be so good to have such a limited environment and experience throughout its life...
@rosie230 (1696)
•
4 Jul 10
We used to have 2 cats that were indoor cats... we got them from kittens, so it was all they knew... they didnt mind being indoor cats at all. We had a top floor flat, so we could not have had them outdoors anyway. But they did not mind. They used the litter tray, and the rest of the time they played together, or sat with us for fuss, they sat on the window sills, they were not bothered. Cats are great because they are very independent. As long as you feed them, and clean out the litter tray, they amuse themselves. We eventually moved into a bungalow, with a garden, so after a while we installed a cat flap, and the cats went in and out as they pleased. We only have one cat now, since we had to put the other down because of a tumour, but our cat is so lovely, she comes in for fuss, she greets us at the door when we come home, she follows us, she goes out and does whatever she wants. She has brought birds in, but not very often. They do it I think as a present from them to you, but I told her I really don't want birds as presents lol!
As long as you get a cat from kitten age, it will be fine as a indoor cat. Dogs are very reliant on people. It was ok for me, since I was a stay at home mum, so I wa around all the time for him, but it was still hard work, although very rewarding. Both dogs and cats will be your best friend. But dog's are so much harder to train, and look after. If you wanted a dog, you could get one froma rescue place that is already trained, or used to be independent. The only thing with that is you don't really know it's background, and you would need to give the dog time to get used to you, and its new surrounding's. But Just an idea.
@Bellapop (1279)
•
4 Jul 10
Hi Rosie, thanks for all this insight, I' d thought about a rescue dog as well actually and thought it would have its advantage as it's personality would be more 'mature' then and won't keep runnning around getting up to mischief but there is also the thing with its background which can get complicated. It's probably likely to be a kitten that we will get first before anything else, will keep this thread updated! :)
@kaylachan (57636)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jul 10
Owning a cat is ideal if you are busy people. Cats in general are usualy indepandant creatures that require little maintence. As long as they have fresh food daily, and clean water. they can generally take care of themselves. Cats in general are also cleaner creatures who don't require a bath.
Dogs are okay pets, but they require a lot more attention to thrive. THey also require a lot more time, as they usually have to be let outside or walked daily. If you have a busy hetic lifestyle, then a dog is not for you.
@Bellapop (1279)
•
4 Jul 10
We'll probably think about a cat first as we wouldn't be able to have someone around to walk the dog all the time...I know cats like to come and go as they please, but I always worry about where the cat goes and gets up to when its out, there's this paranoia that it might not ever come back! ;)
@sasuke96 (797)
• India
2 Jul 10
Hello Bellapop!
I have both cat and dog in my house as apet. I like pets. I like both cats and dogs. They are very cute and loving. Dogs are a bit nasty but are the most loving pets. I like Alcesian, Great den and Dalmasion type dogs. In other hand cats are very cute and generous. I like cats too. White cats are really very cute. But I think it's a bit easier to adopt a dog rather thatn adopting a cat. Though you need more foods for dogs. But it's quite easy to train a dog in other hand which was quite hard to train a cat. That's all!
