Should I Get a Cat?
Should I Get a Cat?
My 25-year old cat died two months ago, and I miss him everyday. For the past several years I told myself when he died I would not get another pet. But, as soon as he died all I could think about was how much I wanted another cat.
I miss Bubba's quiet presence, his persistent love and affection, his obsession with the bird feeder that matched my own. Several times a day I think I see him out of the corner of my eye. I hear a cat meow when there is no kitty here. His absence is noticed as much as his presence was.
So I told myself I would wait until after Christmas before getting another cat. That would give me three months to grieve Bubba and give me space to make a more rational decision.
Still, the next time I saw my friend who works at the Animal Care Society, I told her that I would be looking to adopt an older cat sometime around the first of the year. I had adopted Bubba when he was 10 years old and he was the best cat ever. In my mature years I find I identify better with older animals.
Still, the question remains, should I get a cat?
Should I Get a Cat Poll
Do you have a cat?
Cat Needing Home
Should I get a cat?
"I know you are not ready, but I have a cat for you."
My friend got a call from a lady who is desperately looking for a good home for her kitty. Her family is moving out of the country and cannot take the cat. If they take him to the local animal shelter, a place over-run with cats, he will be euthanized. The Animal Care Society does not take adult cats, because they do not get adopted. It turns out most people want to adopt kittens.
I am not ready, but this marmalade kitty is a seven year old neutered male who desperately needs a home. I am not ready, but I miss having a cat.
I am not ready, but I do not want to say no.
I took the lady's number and decided to sleep on it.
The morning offered no clarity. It is a decision with no right answer. What is best for the cat? What is best for our family? It is also not a purely rational decision. There must always be a strong emotional element to the decision to adopt, whether it is an animal or a child.
Am I Ready for Another Kitty? - Adopting a Cat Needing a Home
Here is a book that puts the question of "should I get a cat" into perspective. What happens to unwanted cats? This kitties tug at my heartstrings while at my house the space for the litter box sits empty, the cat food dish is empty, the basket by the window holds books instead of pillows and a warm, fuzzy cat body.
A unique and wonderful collection of short stories about cats in search of forever homes - their journeys, their lives, their futures - in their own words. In WITHOUT A HOME Inspiring and heartfelt tales of cat adoptions, BT, aka, Broken Tail Kitty reveals the true human-animal bond by showing Ashley that deformities do not matter and that money really can't buy love. Tasha and her four kittens - Tommy, Snowball, Smokie and Lily - will take you on a journey that conquers courage, strength and adversity, while showing one new owner how to cope with her own inadequacies. Jelly and Justin will take you on a ride of faith that proves to have an immeasurable end.
Should I Get a Cat? Maybe an Orange Cat?
Should I Get a Cat? - The Pros & Cons of Cat Ownership
Weigh in on my decision! Should I adopt this orange cat even though I have not waited the 3 months I gave myself? Should I wait until the time is up, even though it means this kitty may not have a proper home? I thought I would get another black cat or maybe a tuxedo cat. Should I wait to adopt a black cat instead, knowing they have a harder time finding a home?
Should I adopt the marmalade cat?
Helpful Links - Should I Get a Cat?
These links may shed some light on the decision to get a cat.
- Getting a Cat
Some things to consider before adding a new cat to the household. - The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets: How Caring for a Pet Can Make You Happier & Healthier
The many health benefits of pet ownership throughout the life span. - Should I Get a Cat Quiz
Here is a quick quiz to help determine if getting a cat is right for you.
Should I Get a Cat? - Deciding to Adopt a Cat
Here are some books that might help me make my decision whether or not to adopt a cat.
Give me your opinion about this decision, or tell me about your cat!
Should I Get a Cat? - What do you think about cat ownership?
My longest-living pet was a cat that survived 21 years, and it was painful when she finally died. But our only pets now are two goldfish because Mom -- the ruler of our household -- doesn't want any animals around. sigh. Great lens.
I have to go see if you did get a cat now. You have me on pins and needles.
Why not wait till you can't bear life without a cat any more. Could be a month, or even two. I don't know what I'll do when I lose my 21 year old moggy - he's been my companion for so long
I've been kitty-less for about 20 years, since I married a non-cat person. Yes, I love cats, but life is a lot simpler without a little fur person in the house.
I read "Taming a Cat" first, so I was cheating a bit on the duel. Still, I will read almost any lens on cats. I can't get a cat of my own unless my situation changes a lot. Glad you are able to give a kitty a home.
I love cats. Even made a lens about it. I have had litterary thousands of cats in my arms. But it is like getting a demanding child in the house - so if you hesitate - wait.
I super love the Cats. Thanks for sharing. Squid-liked!
I couldn't imagine living without my sweet babies. Both were adopted at an older age (black cat adopted at 2 and brown tabby adopted at seven). I hope you will update this lens with your decision!
That cat will change your life. Orange tabbies are incredibly sweet. I adopted one and it has been an incredible experience. I wish you all the very best no matter what you choose. Of course, I'm hoping you fall in love with that beautiful boy who needs a loving home right now.
Cats are great companions. Good luck!
I don't want to imagine how I will react when Charlie is no longer with us because he is so devoted to me and indeed me to him! But when it does happen yes we will get another cat from a Rescue Home and shower him or her with affection. Marvellous lens :-)
We adopted our cat from the pet shelter. He is the most loving cat I've ever seen. He likes to be held facing you so he can put his paws around your neck to hug you. Unfortunately, he's a lousy mouser.
Cats are the most marvelous companions in the world. I can't live without them.
I had an orange kitty cat just like this one. I had to rehome him due to health reasons, a move, etc. I would jump to adopt another when the time is right, when I know I can be some lovely kitty's forever. Go with your heart.
I believe your heart is saying you need a cat in your life. If you are ok with waiting until after the holidays, maybe it will be easier for the cat and you to get to know each other. Our local rescue fosters cat's at people homes. You might look into that, but then the cat may only be with you a short time.
I cannot imagine not having cats in my life. I adopt a pair of young (> 1year old) kittens and when one of them dies get another pair. So I always have two to three cats in the house. I recently added a dog. All the animals need time to get used to each other but after a few weeks/months all the animals have bonded. Pets add so much to our lives! I agree with the previous posters that if you visit a shelter the cat will choose you. Good luck in finding your new kitty! Prrrrrrrr
Said my piece above but whichever way you go I hope things work out for you,
I agree with grannysage, except I don't know if he will pick you since he is not yet in need of a home (as far as he knows). However, you'll know what he's like -- and one other thing that's important. Does he like dogs?
Did you meet the cat? I find that cats choose their people, not the other way around. We went to the shelter to get a black cat and came home with a white one. She picked my husband actually. Ghost is his cat. So go see the kitty and ask him what you should do.
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