Pet owners, cat vs dog the eternal debate.

[darkamulets]

I been thinking of getting a pet for a while but I live on a 2nd story apt. So I'm stuck, please forgive any stereotypes I don't mean to offend any cat or dog lovers since I'm not familiar with either really.

I've been debating getting a pet but I do work odd schedules. I'm usually home by the sametime everyday so feeding isn't a problem just quality time I could spend with the critter. Days I get home and have nothing to do but hang out, days that I get swamped with paperwork and walking a dog isn't really something I can cram into my evening effectively.

Cats can be clean, easily pick up on the litterbox concept? How much smell do these typically have (litterboxes that is)? Not much attention required from what I understand. Typically solitary and small so good for an apt right? Shedding depends on the breed? However they have the tendency to claw at things?

Dogs do they also pick up on paper training? I would imagine a dog would require alot more physical contact day to day and ontop of that walking daily a few times a day? (sorry really not sure on that part) I'm not a fan of small dogs, and due to my apt I couldn't get a large dog so something medium size would be what I'm looking at. Shedding depends on breed aswell? Some dogs do enjoy to chew on things right?

Either animal would probably come from a shelter, which I imagine makes everything else more complicated because the animal already has a personality.

Basically in my situation which would you pick? Any suggestions on litterbox/paper training? I've been to friends houses gotten along with dogs & cats alike. Although growing up I did have a big German Shepard which I would love here but simply I don't have the space for them and wouldn't subject him to this apt.

Also living on a 2nd floor, I imagine I would have to put some chicken wire around my balcony so they can play a bit outside but not fall off correct? Would they be able to figure out that the railing is not something to cross? The governing body isn't to big on alternating our balconies like that for extended periods of time.

Heck maybe I should just hold off on getting a pet till I have a house for them?


There is already a current thread about this topic

Anandtech Senior Moderator
Red Dawn

 

[So]

Adult cats are more or less odorless if you clean the litter box daily. All cats "get" the concept -- all you have to do is show them where it is and they figure it out. Cats are MUCH better alone than dogs but it's probably a bit cold to leave them alone all day, every day so maybe two. It almost sounds like a rodent might be a good "starter" pet for you -- since it's only a ~3 year commitment.

 

[SlickSnake]

Cats for the win! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Or a very small neurotic dog of some sort.

Just keep the litter box clean. 2 cats will usually work well together, and entertain each other when you are not around. Just get them either related or young, so they will adapt to each other better. You could just put some thin clear plexiglass around the bottom portion of the balcomy railing if you are worried about them jumping off. From the parking lot, it would be virtually invisible, and the cats could look through it

 

[JJChicken]

umm wasn't there another topic on this today?

 

[Captante]

Living by yourself in a 2ed floor apartment you would be much better off with a cat ... you might consider adopting an adult kitty thats already used to going in a box from a shelter instead of getting a kitten which will get lonely when your at work.