Are there decent sites out there that tell what to watch out for and basically help me decide if I'll be capable of taking care of it?
Trying to decide if I should get a cat
- Thread starter Argo
- Start date
DivideBYZero
Lifer
- May 18, 2001
- 24,117
- 2
- 0
Cats pretty much take care of themselves. Make sure you spend a lot of time with your kitten if you want it to grow up less aloof.
Save your money (not on the actual cat itself, there are a million free ones), for that car you want to one day own.
Pssh. It's been conclusively shown that a cute puppy/kitten is infinitely better at being a chick magnet than a car.
Which is, face it, the #1 reason most guys get nice cars.
- M4H
The advantage of not having to walk a cat when it's -30 out is undeniable.
Cat: *staring outside, not having yet seen outside* Mrowr?
M4H: *opens door* You want to go out in that?
Cat: *looking up at M4H* <Thoughtballoon> You have got to be f$#@ing kidding me. </Thoughtballoon> *turns and heads towards fireplace*
- M4H
No
I would recommend a low maintenance long life pet such as a turtle or lizard.
I have had my turtle for 20 year and all it needs is new water and food ever day and clean its terrarium once every other month. Best part is they sleep during the winter so no need to feed them then.
I would recommend a low maintenance long life pet such as a turtle or lizard.
I have had my turtle for 20 year and all it needs is new water and food ever day and clean its terrarium once every other month. Best part is they sleep during the winter so no need to feed them then.
I'm almost certain my cat is planning to kill me in my sleep. She's a devious little sh!t, but I'm still glad I adopted her.
IronWing
No Lifer
- Jul 20, 2001
- 71,879
- 31,954
- 136
We have four cats, all originally strays, all prisoner kitties (indoor cats).
Our costs:
~$400/cat upfront vet bills for spay/neuter, shots, exams, repairing whatever they broke while strays. If you get one from a shelter most of this will have already been taken care of so figure ~$100/cat upfront cost.
Long term average cost (includes upfront costs) has been ~$1.50/day*cat. This includes food, vet bills, and maintenance drugs. It doesn't include the cost of cat litter. This cost may seem high but vets cost almost as much as doctors now.
Edit: The long term costs of strays and shelter cats that were former strays tend to be higher than for cats that were never strays. Malnutrition can cause permanent damage that may require special care. Malnutrition may also shorten the life expectancy of a cat. I'm not try to dissuade anyone from taking in strays, just pointing out that the cost is higher.
Our costs:
~$400/cat upfront vet bills for spay/neuter, shots, exams, repairing whatever they broke while strays. If you get one from a shelter most of this will have already been taken care of so figure ~$100/cat upfront cost.
Long term average cost (includes upfront costs) has been ~$1.50/day*cat. This includes food, vet bills, and maintenance drugs. It doesn't include the cost of cat litter. This cost may seem high but vets cost almost as much as doctors now.
Edit: The long term costs of strays and shelter cats that were former strays tend to be higher than for cats that were never strays. Malnutrition can cause permanent damage that may require special care. Malnutrition may also shorten the life expectancy of a cat. I'm not try to dissuade anyone from taking in strays, just pointing out that the cost is higher.
Cats are cool and very easy pets. Go visit your local humane society a few times to see which ones you like and which ones like you. Many times a cat will pick you out... one of mine did.
Don't get a kitten declawed. It you start them with scratching boards, their claws won't be a problem with furniture. We use the cardboard ones that they can really shred. My cats never took to the scratching posts very well.
Pets are all about a time commitment. Are you and your roommates/girlfriend/family/whoever home fairly often? If not, don't get a pet. Otherwise, you'll be ok.
Aside from attention, cats really only need a few things:
cat food
water
litter box w/litter
scratching item
Toys are ok, but not really necessary. My cat's favorite toys are:
(new) rubber glove from a toliet brush - I opened the brush and she stole the glove.
an old tennis ball
crumbled up pieces of paper
my turtle costs less then .50 a day but thats not bad for cat i know some who spend 5-7 dollars aday.
GasX
Lifer
- Feb 8, 2001
- 29,033
- 6
- 81
Cats require some attention, food, water and either easy access to outside or a litter tray that you clean every day or two.
They are the pet for someone who doesn't want to do much work, but wants a pet around to hang out with.
With a clean litter tray and a big bowl of food, you can leave your cat alone for a weekend.
Dogs are much more high maintenance. Every day they need food, exercise a place to go to the bathroom and above all human contact. Dogs do not do well alone for long periods of time. They are pack animals and are only really happy when the pack (i.e. you) is around. If you can't let your dog outside at least twice EVERY day and give it the training it needs when it is a puppy, don't get a dog.
They are the pet for someone who doesn't want to do much work, but wants a pet around to hang out with.
With a clean litter tray and a big bowl of food, you can leave your cat alone for a weekend.
Dogs are much more high maintenance. Every day they need food, exercise a place to go to the bathroom and above all human contact. Dogs do not do well alone for long periods of time. They are pack animals and are only really happy when the pack (i.e. you) is around. If you can't let your dog outside at least twice EVERY day and give it the training it needs when it is a puppy, don't get a dog.
A turtle or lizard? What's the point in having a pet that isn't affectionate? I mean, turtles and lizards don't even do anything. Might as well have a pet rock.
hey I put my turtle in mazes and it finds its food so they are intresting i have also found my turtle using a stick as level once or twice to move stuff.
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