Question about Cats

[Kewll0ser]

Hey guys!

My name is Ashley, and you can catch me over at the "Dog" side of the PT. But today I venture over here because I have a question about cats. Now my question may seem ... dumb or retorical, but it's really a valid question to me.

Now before I ask my question I have some "background information" to give about it. My mom loves cats. However, she hasn't had one since about 10 years ago, when our cat, Ashes, was poisoned by the landlady. Since then we got a dog, Butterscotch, and my mom's want for a cat has been put on hold because Butto is highly driven by cats, and she'll chase them all day if she needs to. But now, my mom is thinking of getting a kitty. Not now, maybe not even this year or the next, but she wants a cat.

Now the thing is, I really don't want a cat. For some reason, when people say cat, I either think of a lazy cat that sits in the sun all day, or a cat that scratches you whenever you get close. If we get a cat, I don't want it to be lazy. I want a fun cat.

So my question is, do cats make good pets?

[katladyd]

I think they make better pets than dogs, and I have had more dogs than cats. Cats interact with you just as much, if not more, than dogs. They are more beautiful, just as affectionate, and much, much, cleaner than dogs. They can play fetch, come when called, and are so amusing! You don't have to crate them when you are gone, they take perfect care of themselves if you leave enough food and water out. They don't bite the neighbor's kids or you company, so no lawsuit. They are not lazy, in fact, they have just as much energy to play with you as a dog does. Their licenses and shots are cheaper, as is their food. Now, I do like dogs, in fact I love them quite a bit. But since I have had my first cat, I have never gone back to dogs. It's a personal choice with no right or wrong, but cats are lovely companions in my opinion.

[Kewll0ser]

See I never knew that. I know Ashes was a good cat, who came when called, but he was pretty independent. However he did play, sometimes. He mainly called the shots.

Cats play fetch ?!?
Whoa!
I never knew that cats are capable of doing anything other that batting at a toy on a string...
If we get a cat, I want a playful one, and it's good to know that there is some out there.
I'm just afraid If we get one, its just going to lay in the sun all day and sleep. Then come to you for food, eat, then go back to sleep.

[jenluckenbach]

Cats personalities vary GREATLY! Yes, they love a good nap and a sunny spot, but there is more to the cat than that.

I have a houseful of cats! So I live with many personalities.

Hamlet greets me at the door when I come home.

When I get home from being anywhere, Simba acts like he hasn't seen me in YEARS! Follows me, jumps up to get to my level and then rubs his face in mine.

Jasper and Monte follow me from room to room, I guess so I won't be lonely.

Shilo warms my lap.

Natasha amuses me with her playfulness.

Sterling plays fetch, unfortunately it is usually at 3am!

The list goes on..............

[Kewll0ser]

Lol! Your cats sound pretty interesting.

Especially that Sterling character.
Cause I'm usually up at 3 AM so we'll get along just fine.

But, I'm still scared we might end up with a lazy sunbather.
But do the sunbathers play?
Or are they like that for life? Just sleeping all day?

[catmandu]

I have found that Cats are what you are to them.
If you are affectionate towards them , they are affectionate right back.
Like Our Friend Jen, I have Cats who just love to be near me , My Dear Juke Joint Joseph, Scrappy 2 and Handsome John Hancock are the friendliest as is Michael the Dream Cat!!!!
May I suggest a shelter Cat 2-3 yeas old who will be so grateful for that rare second chance at a Furrever Home!!!
You will save a life and make a friend.

[Kewll0ser]

Of course!
Shelter animals are the way to go.
It's where I got my dog at.
Ashes, however, was a rescued stray. We found him in an alley, hungry, and badly infested with ticks. We eventually got him to trust us by putting out a can of food, and slowly but surely, Ashes became part of our family.

So you think if I play with the cat, it will eventually play back?

[Don Juan's mom]

They certainly WILL play back! In fact, Zerlina will paw and meow until I stop whatever I'm doing to play and exchange luvvies. And sweet, loving baby boy Don Juan was my furry alarm clock this morning, purring and licking my face until I got up.

In fact, I suspect that with cats, YOU are the best toy of all.

[Kewll0ser]

Sweet.
So, do cats scratch you for no reason?

'Cause my friend had a cat named Rusty that just scratched her for no reason.

And do you need to bathe them? 'Cause aren't just covered in saliva?
But then again they hate water, right?

Oh, this cat thing is so new to me!