Thinking about getting a Cat - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JordaanDMC-12 · #1 05-24-2009, 12:39 PM

I have always been a dog person, as has my entire family. I love dogs, especially my German Shepherd Dexter. I come home late at midnight and he's always by the door waiting for me. Stuff like that I dig.

Now we've owned a cat before; "Kitty". He was a black Burmese I think and he's was a good cat except for the fact that he would pee on everything. This was the only major problem we had, but he just was never that loving. He would never just jump in our laps and chill or be like a really cool cat. He was just there.

If I get another cat I want him to be close to the family and be a cool, fun cat to have. Not another "Kitty" who was just there.

This one would be an indoor cat, also I have 3 other dogs right now, will the cat get territorial? how can I make sure this one won't go on a pee rampage?
Was looking into another black cat, probably Burmese. Is this the right breed?

Skid Row Joe · #2 05-24-2009, 12:53 PM

No way to know. Cats are unto themselves unique.

Honus · #3 05-24-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

No way to know. Cats are unto themselves unique.

Exactly.

We've got six cats (my wife is an easy touch for the animal rescue people). Each is different. They mostly ignore me, except for two. I love watching them, especially the ones who live outside. They are more like their ancestors than dogs are.

Definitely get a cat.

MTI · #4 05-24-2009, 12:54 PM

It's probably not news, but cats are highly social and can be trained in much the same way as canines. There are breeds that may have more traits or qualities you prefer, just as in dogs.

BodhiBenz1987 · #5 05-24-2009, 01:55 PM

It's somewhat luck of the draw when it comes to spraying (peeing) ... most cats I have known have not done that. Neutering is a good first step to prevent that, as Toms (intact males) are very prone to spray. Spraying is mostly territorial toward other cats ... I don't think the dogs will inspire the cat to spray. Sometimes if you own a cat, and then introduce a new dog to the household, the cat might respond with spraying, but I doubt he/she would do so when entering a household with dogs. From my observations, cats generally take better to dogs than they do to other cats!

As far as personality, you never know what you're going to get. My family has had all sorts of cats. My cat is a gem ... very friendly, greets me at the door with enthusiasm whenever I get home, constantly wants to play or cuddle. Some cats will ignore you completely. Either way, I think they make great pets and bring something unique to a household. If you want a more dog-like cat, there are definitely some breeds that may bring you that (siamese, burmese, tonkinese come to mind). Ragdolls are very friendly and BIG. Personally I'd go to a shelter and look ... you'll know right away when you find the right cat for you ... like picking out a dog ... they pick out you.

JordaanDMC-12 · #6 05-24-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

It's somewhat luck of the draw when it comes to spraying (peeing) ... most cats I have known have not done that. Neutering is a good first step to prevent that, as Toms (intact males) are very prone to spray. Spraying is mostly territorial toward other cats ... I don't think the dogs will inspire the cat to spray. Sometimes if you own a cat, and then introduce a new dog to the household, the cat might respond with spraying, but I doubt he/she would do so when entering a household with dogs. From my observations, cats generally take better to dogs than they do to other cats!

As far as personality, you never know what you're going to get. My family has had all sorts of cats. My cat is a gem ... very friendly, greets me at the door with enthusiasm whenever I get home, constantly wants to play or cuddle. Some cats will ignore you completely. Either way, I think they make great pets and bring something unique to a household. If you want a more dog-like cat, there are definitely some breeds that may bring you that (siamese, burmese, tonkinese come to mind). Ragdolls are very friendly and BIG. Personally I'd go to a shelter and look ... you'll know right away when you find the right cat for you ... like picking out a dog ... they pick out you.

Yeah, If I get this cat at a shelter I think they neuter it automatically, I want to go look at one now but I know if I see one i'll want to get it on the spot lol

I looked up ragdolls and LOVE them, I would love to get one but their like 750$ which is soooo not affordable right now -_____________________- But maybe i'll come across an inexpensive ragdoll kitten. I'll just have to keep my eyes open. I'm hoping it'll get along with our dogs and not spray. I'll just keep looking around. Like you said i'll let the right cat find me.

How much do vaccinations cost for cats? What do they have to get vaccinated for?

BodhiBenz1987 · #7 05-24-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JordaanDMC-12

Yeah, If I get this cat at a shelter I think they neuter it automatically, I want to go look at one now but I know if I see one i'll want to get it on the spot lol

I looked up ragdolls and LOVE them, I would love to get one but their like 750$ which is soooo not affordable right now -_____________________- But maybe i'll come across an inexpensive ragdoll kitten. I'll just have to keep my eyes open. I'm hoping it'll get along with our dogs and not spray. I'll just keep looking around. Like you said i'll let the right cat find me.

How much do vaccinations cost for cats? What do they have to get vaccinated for?

I'd have to look at my latest vet bill to tell you what vaccinations cost. Rabies, distemper and feline leukemia are the big ones, although you can probably pass on feline leukemia is it's an indoor cat (they can only get it from other cats). You can probably talk to whatever vet you use for your dogs and ask them to give you a cost estimate on caring for a cat.

As for ragdolls, look around the internet and see if you can find a rescue group. Many breeds of cat (and dogs) have rescue groups set out specifically for that breed or mixes of that breed. You can also search nearby shelters online for ragdolls or ragdoll mixes. My neighbors have two ragdolls (they got them from a breeder) and they are great ... very sweet and funny cats.

LUVMBDiesels · #8 05-24-2009, 06:24 PM

I have had a for cats live with me and a few that lived outside. My two favorite cats were outdoor cats who decided that life would be easier inside. One was a total dog who knew his name and would come when you called him. He would spend a lot of time outside and would go from neighbor to neighbor hitting them up for treats. He also knew when the kids were coming home and would wait at the bus stop for them. He used to sit on my shoulder and 'share' my sushi when I brought some home. The other outdoor-indoor cat is almost as friendly, but not as smart. My wife brought back two cats from Tajikistan from when she was posted at the embassy. One is the friendliest cat and a total attention freak. She will talk to you, pet you, jump into your lap , etc. She is also smart enough to open door knobs! The other is a royal PITA (nasty and afraid of everything).

You really cannot be sure what you will get in a cat.

One thing I would suggest is to stick with short haired cats. All of my cats have been short haired with the exception of the two my wife has. I insist that she keep them shaved down otherwise the hair is ridiculous. I also insist that at least my bedroom remains a cat free zone...

I had a friend who treated her Siamese cat like a dog. He would follow commands and even fetch! She raised him that way from a kitten and he really took to training.

pawoSD · #9 05-24-2009, 04:40 PM

I don't like cats....they're no where near as loyal or friendly as a dog....dogs are always wanting to please and like to be around you. I'm a dog guy.

BodhiBenz1987 · #10 05-24-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I don't like cats....they're no where near as loyal or friendly as a dog....dogs are always wanting to please and like to be around you. I'm a dog guy.

I think both cats and dogs bring something to life, each in different ways. While the basic stereotypes are somewhat true, I think it's a shame to write off one species or the other base on them. I should know ... I grew up as a cat person and wrote off dogs as being sort of needy and dependent. I'm glad I let myself get to know enough dogs to find out that isn't true, and that dogs are wonderful (and funny) friends, all with unique personalities. The same is true of cats ... it's kind of a shame to say they're all aloof and unloving, because so many are not that at all. My cat worships me and constantly offers me affection (and never begs for food or treats). Of course, a lot of cats are kind of of the mind-set that they are the center of the universe, but I find that endearing and entertaining in its own way, too. I don't really have a problem with someone saying they are a "dog person" or a "cat person," but I will just say I'm glad I ended up being both because it's opened up my life to endless experiences with great -- and diverse -- pets.