I thinking about adopting a cat

[joem777]

Never owned on, would you guys the own one recommend it?

[bettyellen]

1. There is a pet forum here, but yes- we do love our cats here. Welcome!

[joem777]

2. Thanks, I'll look for the pet forum.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Here you go! And welcome to DU!

I'm a lifelong dog person - but I also have a cat.

Pets (Group)
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1161

[chillfactor]

4. never been a cat lover myself....

they are too independent. I will take the love and loyalty my dogs offer me. They seem to have a sixth senss when I am happy or sad.....and are always there to comfort me and snuggle up to me at night.

[LSFL]

5. cats know when your happy or sad.

They just dont care.

[crazycatlady]

9. Cats do this too

But they're not nearly as needy as dogs are.

[OrwellwasRight]

12. Many cats know and many cats care.

Just depends on the cat. And yes, they are more independent and less needy. That's a plus. You can actually go to happy hour after work and not worry that they will poop on your rug!

[pink-o]

30. Ive rescued 3 cats in the last 15 years

and not ONE of them has been aloof or unable to show affection. In fact, 2 climb on my lap B4 I’ve even finished sitting down, all sleep on the bed either on a body part or cuddling very closely. They love hanging with humans. I don’t know where this myth of feline independence came from but it’s just not true

Like you, I’m naturally a dog person, but I’m also not home enough to give a dog the life it deserves. Cats are lower maintenance it’s true. But they sure as hell arent cold and standoffish.

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. There are pros and cons. Litter boxes are both! Lol

Seriously, tho, what are you looking for from a cat? Different breeds have different qualities, tho if you get a shelter cat it may matter little, unless someone surrendered one that has a clear lineage. We have a domestic shorthair orange and white tiger, and a big black and white long-hair that has to be at least part ragdoll if not pure. They are very loving when they want to be.

Are you up for possible expensive vet bills and (hopefully) keeping it inside?

[Upthevibe]

7. I grew up a dog person because my family always had them. As an adult

I've had cats. I love them. Yes, some are distant and independent. Having said that, some are very loving and affectionate. I suggest you check out some local shelters. One of my best friends volunteers at one here in the L.A. area and she and the others get to know the kitties and do an excellent job of matching what a family is looking for with a cat of a similar personality. Some things I feel strongly about are no declawing and keeping them inside....Keep us posted

[crazycatlady]

8. Go to your local shelter

http://trupanion.com/blog/2017/08/5-tips-first-time-cat-owner/

From a lifelong cat person-- they can be assholes. Loveable assholes but still assholes.

ETA if you get a kitty from a shelter, he/she will already be spayed/neutered and have their shots. Also consider an adult because kittens have a lot of energy.

[rurallib]

10. Got my first one @ 35 years old - never had one before

boy they are goofy critters - everyone a different personality and most are quite lovable and loving.

Have really loved all we have had - I think we are on #s 7 and 8

Cats don't need as much care as dogs which allows us to be tied less to them than when we had dogs.

[Skittles]

11. I don't think cats can be owned

go to the local pound and pick the one who adopts you

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. I've had cats almost my whole life

and I don't ever want to live without them. They are quirky and funny; they do their own thing but can be very loving and affectionate. I like my cats more than I like most people.

[benld74]

14. Thru the years all of our cats were rescues

Each one special

[hibbing]

15. My advice

I've had cats my whole life, usually just one. I now have two from different litters that get along great. My advice, make sure you can afford the costs, vet bills are not cheap. My other advice is if getting a kitten choose one that is outgoing when you first meet him/Her. I wish I would have had that advice for previous cats. My previous cat would hide for an hour if the doorbell rang. The two I have now I had to put in the bedroom when I had my furnace serviced this fall because they would be all up in the guy's business. My other advice, don't play with a cat with your hands, use interactive toys, or they will always be after your hands. I'm a strong believer in Jackson Galaxy's advice, but not all of it.


Peace

[bunt homer]

16. You never will OWN a cat

But I'm 100% behind adopting one! They truly are the best pet you can arrange your life around.

[crazycatlady]

23. You don't own a cat-- the cat owns you

[radical noodle]

17. I currently have two

but have had others. I love cats. They're low maintenance and relatively easy to care for. They require food, clean water and a litter box with litter that's scooped every day. They like soft places to sleep (on your bed or sofa, perhaps). They will also require the occasional trip to the vet.

[ailsagirl]

18. What made you think you might want to adopt a cat?

Just curious.

There are tons of videos on YouTube about cats-- you should check them out. Here are a few re adopting a cat.

I have three and am crazy about them!

Seriously, they're quite intelligent, loving, and endlessly entertaining.

Let us know what you decide!!

[trueblue2007]

19. YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we rescued 5 cats and they are wonderful.

[Ptah]

20. joem777 Account status: Posting privileges revoked n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

25. What happened?

[Rhiannon12866]

26. He was removed by the admins for his last OP

[lastlib]

21. Corrected: "I'm thinking about letting a cat adopt me"

There. Fixed it for ya.

You and the cat will both be better for it!

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

22. You might want to volunteer at shelter and pet some cats - get to know their ways. Read authors on

cat behavior - Pam Johnson and J ohn Bradshaw are two with good current science based info (beware a lot of cat owner guides even new ones may have old misconceptions and myths). Basically the domestic cat has only been domesticated a few thousand years so still retain a lot of their wild nature - which is why we love them so. In fact some scientists are of the opinion that they shouldnt be called domesticated at all - more like opportunists.

They are not small dogs, they express themselves differently so thats why they are often not well understood by non-cat people. Cats can be just as deliriously happy when you come home as a dog, but they will express it by purr-grunts and rubbing against you. They can be just as devastated when their human is gone for a long period or deceased.

They are all different - for every cat that is shy or aloof theres one thats a total goof and loves any and all people that come in the door. And it should be noted that even the shy ones will usually bond quite readily to their people and be totally loving - but then disappear when a stranger comes.... thats the wild in them

[crazycatlady]

24. If you have a cat cafe nearby

Go have a cup of coffee and play with the kitties. Most are available for adoption.

[raven mad]

27. DO!

I know I'm not where you are, but I swear they are the BEST.

And most of them know how to wipe their feet coming in from the snow.

[KG]

28. please don't be the kind of cat owner that kicks them out in the morning to use the rest of

the neighborhood to do their pissing, shitting, fucking and fighting

[irisblue]

29. This poster has been PPRed on 2/23. No response from them is possible.