Cats...

OK I'm just typing out loud right now because I don't know if I'm 100% emotionally ready for another pet. My cat of 18 years just passed away last month shortly followed by my dog. My Sno was the sweetest most docile cat ever. In the 17 years he was part of my family I only heard him hiss once...and thats when we brought the dog home. Other than that he never hissed or swatted. BEST.CAT.EVER.

Now DD wants another pet and technically we are not allowed to have dogs although I would prefer one but I don't have the time or $$ for another legal battle so I think a cat would be perfect. But honestly I'm scared of getting a cat thats going to be hissy or nasty and start spraying. I'm not going to lie..it freaks me a little and it would scare the ish out of me if the cat started hissing at me and swatting. I love animals but I can be a little scaredy cat myself.

So WWYD? I would prefer an "older" cat but am open to kitten also.

Re: Cats...

Sorry for your loss. My cat lived to 14 years, had her for half my life. We went to north shore animal league to adopt. You get to take the pet out and play with them before making a decision which seemed to be helpful in picking out a pet. We went there thinking, maybe we'll find a new pet, or maybe not. I love animals. We have two cats and just inherited a dog. Our house is filling up!

Re: Cats...

You can look at local rescue organizations. Many of their cats are with fosters. the fosters should be able to give you a good idea of what their temperament is. Adopting an older cat is fabulous since they seem to be the hardest to get adopted. Also, if you adopt from a rescue/foster it opens them up to save another kitty

Re: Cats...

sorry for your losses

cats are more set in their ways and personalities, so a kitten may be a better choice for you. if you get a kitten then they will grow up familiar with you, your house, your "rules," etc. older cats are more likely to hiss/swat at something they are unfamiliar with or don't like, whereas young kittens are more curious and willing to explore and take in new things.

you shouldn't necessarily exclude older cats in your search though! there are plenty of docile, loving, friendly older cats out there that need forever homes!!! try fosters first since they will be able to really tell you what the cat is like - shelters and places like north shore won't be able to give you a good idea because they don't really know themselves since their cats are stuck in cages with lots of people, dogs barking, and other stuff that makes them more skiddish!

Message edited 10/25/2011 12:17:03 PM.

Re: Cats...

So sorry for your loss.

I agree with the others. I would go to a shelter or wherever you choose and most times, you can sit and play with the cat and get a feel for them. I had the best cat growing up, very laid back and very very affectionate. Years later, when we adopted our kitten from the Humane Society, we were able to sit and play with him and hold him. Now, he is 4 and although he doesnt like to cuddle as much as I wish and he does hiss at certain things, he is part of our family and we have grown to love his personality. So if you would really like to consider another animal, go and see and talk to the workers who know the animal. You never know, you might make a connection with one even though they will be different from Sno.

Good luck!