Originally posted by gotalonglildoggie
Cats are fairly low maintence that's why we'd rather get one more than a dog.
Have you ever HAD a cat that was solely your responsibility? All of the fights in my house stem from not caring for the dog, but the cats! Who should scoop? When? Why? The dog - they let her out, she does her business, she comes back in... no dealing in gross litter that needs to be cleaned and changed often. That brings me to "the Great Litter Debate" which litter? How often to change it? Do you clean the box or just add more? Ugh... there are whole pages of discussions on here about the agony of litter alone!

Never would I want to tell someone to turn away from wanting a cat unless it seemed as if they were walking into the act blindly (or at least very starry-eyed) Yes, cats are independant, but that doesn't make them low-maintence. Pouncer is 9 months now (?) and goodness knows what trouble he can cause! I love that guy with my whole heart... but I have ONLY HIM to deal with - not a puppy and a baby on top of him! I mean ths kitten can get into anything and everything! He has turned this house upside down with his anctics! He's eaten my husband's students' homework... seriously, we had to give a kid an A because he chewed the cardboard to pieces! He's tormented the fish tank. But he has given us a whole abundance of love too... and will continue for another 19 years.

A whole lot of cats end up in foster care or shelters because people wanted a kitten and when the reality of home, job, baby competes for their attention and care, the others generally win out and the cat is surrendered to a shelter. I don't want to come across as a know-it-all. I hope to sound as a voice of reason. Do what you will... please don't huff and say, "but she doesn't know me!" I don't, and I am sure you are well intentioned. All of us are! We really just want to show you that picking out a kitten isn't a one-day excursion - its a lifelong commitment. Please think about it.