Since I have been volunteering on the board for our pitiful animal shelter, everyone keeps trying to get me to take more animals home with me. I currently have a bird (not from the shelter) and my Bailey (who came from the shelter 2 years ago). While I would love to have another dog, I really don't think my landlord would appreciate that, and I don't think that would be fair when I don't have a fenced yard for them to play in. However, I have been considering getting a cat.
"Rescue me, Krissy. Please!"
Now I used to be a dog and cat person. Over the years, I have pretty much just been a dog person. The thought of having a cat climbing on my kitchen counters does not appeal to me. I thought a cat might be a good addition to the house to help entertain Bailey, though she goes ape-shit over cats she sees outside. I didn't consider it any further because of the bird.
On Black Friday when we were having breakfast, Mom was reminding Dad that she misses her bird and wants one for Christmas. I looked at her and suggested she take my Petey. She said she couldn't believe I'd give him up. Now they have kept Petey for me on occasion, and he LOVES my parents, especially Dad. This Cockatiel will give me a headache when he comes home from staying with them because Dad whistles and talks to him all the time! And believe me, he loves my mother just as much because his cage and water bowl have never been so clean as when he stays with them.
So it's been decided she will get Petey for Christmas... or whenever I make the drive again. Merry Christmas to Mom and Petey!
Mom suggested that if I get a cat it should be a kitten even though I wanted to rescue this one cat that has been at the shelter for quite a while. She said she thought it would be an easier transition for Bailey to accept. Do you all agree?
Also, she mentioned that now they have self-cleaning litter boxes. Is this true? I didn't consider the litter box much because the last cat I had rarely used it and went outside to go potty in the mulch. Since this cat would probably not be outside at all (if I can help it), I want something that would be easy, as odor free as possible, and something that Bailey HOPEFULLY won't get into. Although I found some ideas online today about how to keep Bailey out of a little box, no matter what shape or size if I have to resort to it.
What type of cat do you prefer? I have always found that calicoes are the sweetest, but what do you think? Should I get one that similar in color to Bailey so I only have the same type of hair color to worry about? It's been so long since I had a cat, that I need you all to refresh my memory. We have so many up there that need rescued.
I love this Calico, but should I get one of these with her because they are more the color of Bailey?
Please give me your opinions on the whole dog/cat thing, litter boxes, etc. I will try to make the funny posts resume tomorrow. :)
9 comments:
Well, I'm a cat lover, so I'm all for cats going to good homes! Since you're not putting the cat in with another cat, I don't think it'll make much difference to the dog whether the cat is a kitten or not. The basic thing will be teaching your dog that it's not okay to eat the cat. A kitten will be much more willing to play with the dog initially, as long as the dog doesn't take a bite out of him. ;-)
But a kitten is easier to train off the bat regarding such things as staying off the counters. Most cats are pretty easily trained as long as you're consistent. Ditto teaching him to not sharpen claws on your furniture. Teach him to use his scratching post.
You'll want to get a cat that's been neutered or spayed. Unneutered males that weren't neutered early on in life may still spray if they're feeling territorial for whatever reason. So a female might be the way to go.
I've not heard much about those self-cleaning litter boxes, but I think you still need to scoop the poop and get rid of it anyway. A lot of the smell and such is totally related to the quality of the cat litter you buy. A single cat oughtn't be too smelly if you keep the box scooped pretty regularly (and if he's not a sprayer).
As for shedding, go for a shorthair.
But mostly, go for one that melts your heart and purrs when you give it some love.
Been a cat owner my whole life up until about a year ago. (long story as to why I don't have one now).
In my experience, a short haired male cat has always been THE ABSOLUTE BEST cat in the world. Doesn't matter what color or breed in my opinion, because its who raises the animal that makes it awesome.
Get a male cat fixed and it will be your friendly purring fat cat in no time.
Self cleaning litter boxes are a cat lover's dream! Totally get one!
CBG
canadianbloggergirl.blogspot.com
I had 2 cats before we got 3 dogs and the cats "disappeared" one day. I'm sure my husband found them a new home. Two cats were ok to handle but the litter box was a lot of work because I hated the smell. So if you're up for the challenge of keeping it clean two are good company for each other. That's my 2 cents.
@Joyce... So I take it you agree with Mom that our best bet is to get a female kitten to bond with Bailey and be easier to train? Bailey has gone nuts before from seeing cats outside, but I'm hoping that's only b/c she wants to play with them. We do NOT eat family! :)
@CBG.. Do you recommend a certain type of self-cleaning litter box? There seem to be many on the market. And yes, I agree a lot of it has to do with what person raises the animal.
@Barb.. I am all about making sure I don't have to deal with the smell! Thanks for the input.
i am not a cat person but...
i would say that a rescue pet of any kind is good deal...
most times you can bring your current pet to the shelter to see if the new one will be cool...right?
bruce
bruce johnson jadip
and
stupid stuff i see and hear
Yep, Bruce. That's true. The only problem with that is that we've had kennel cough going around the shelter so I don't want to chance bringing Bailey up there. I think we may have come up with a way to keep her safe and try some of the cats out though. Thanks for the suggestion!
Ohhhh i love the calico in the middle, and i love the russion on the other post
I have a tabby but she decided that MJ was her soul mate and barely gives me a 2nd glance except if she want to be fed
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