Should Men Living Alone Get a Cat?

[FlexGunship]

Cats LOVE shredding cardboard. I used to put a large piece on the floor in the utility room for my cat, it seemed to satisy his need for sharpening his claws. Made a mess though, but that one one happy cat.

You sound like an excellent cat daddy!

Wait, wait, wait...

So the cardboard might attract attention?

Before:

After:

I knew it!

Well, no pressure, you don't have to get a cat if you don't want to.

Wait... what did you "knew?"

 

[Evo]

Wait, wait, wait...

So the cardboard might attract attention?

Before:

After:

Yeah, but it's just cardboard, so you've done the right thing. Cats just love the feel and sound as the cardboard rips into shreds. Very gratifying.

 

[FlexGunship]

Yeah, but it's just cardboard, so you've done the right thing. Cats just love the feel and sound as the cardboard rips into shreds. Very gratifying.

Well, I don't want to associate scratching my speakers with a gratifying experience!

 

[turbo]

Flex, please don't turn your speaker columns into scratch-posts. Set some rules and enforce them.

 

[drizzle]

That you are NOT going to get a cat.

 

[FlexGunship]

Flex, please don't turn your speaker columns into scratch-posts. Set some rules and enforce them.

I didn't know cats love scratching cardboard. I just don't know what to do while I'm at work. Drizzle is making me get a cat tomorrow and I have to work Wednesday.

That you are NOT going to get a cat.

Ugh... well, I'm moving as fast as I can. Cats can live to be 20 years old! That would be a 15+ year commitment. That's longer than most marriages. Would you get married after the first date? That's what I'm trying to do... I just want to make sure I've got it all figured out.

 

[FlexGunship]

Just heard that Hunter is on a 10-day hold because he bit again; an employee this time.

I don't know what to think. I'm sure he'd be fine in a nice home, but I don't want to risk it with a cat that has a history. Tulip might be my gal.

 

[rhody]

Flex, don't let the pressure get to you, you in part generated the excitement here, we are happy you are giving a loving cat a great home. That being said, don't be surprised when you bring your cat home, that he/she is skittish at first. Mine hid under the bed for a day, then slowly but surely sniffed and explored every inch of our place, mapped it to her kitty brain and after a week was right at home. We tried not to make her feel pressure at first, and let her come to us, putting toys on the floor to play with.

Make sure you introduce her to kitty litter box and watch how he/she uses it. Some cats don't like the litter you choose, and clean it every two days or so. If you let it go too long, the cat won't use it any more and then you will be finding little surprises behind furniture, etc... Once the cat goes there even with a clean litter box, the scent makes them return. I used everything to try to stop it because I made that error only once. Vinegar works the best but your carpet will smell funky. I even put a garbage bag folded with duct tape on the floor where the smell was and that stopped the peeing.

One bit of advice about cat treats, I use hard ones, Pounce, and have found over the years that other brands make her throw them up, so find what works for your cat and stick with it. I am sure you will be posting pictures. Take your time and don't let the excitement pressure you.

Rhody...

 

[turbo]

Flex, Hunter is a beautiful guy, but if he is unpredictable with people (even if the physical damage is light), he may not be a good fit with you and your brother. Get a cat that is sweet and accepting of people.

My sister's cats were unpredictable, and clawed and bit me even though at other times we had gotten along well. It might have been "playing" to them, but it was not to me. My favorite cat of all time was a deaf, white, blue-eyed Persian female that stuck to me like velcro. The other cats weren't all that much interested in me, but Midnight wouldn't allow them within a country mile of me in any case. When I'd go to Dave's place for any reason, that deaf cat would meet me at the door and shadow me. If I sat down, she'd be on my lap in a blink! I am not a cat-lover, but that one stole my heart.

 

[FlexGunship]

Flex, Hunter is a beautiful guy, but if he is unpredictable with people (even if the physical damage is light), he may not be a good fit with you and your brother. Get a cat that is sweet and accepting of people.

That's what turned me off to him.

My favorite cat of all time was a deaf, white, blue-eyed Persian female that stuck to me like velcro. The other cats weren't all that much interested in me, but Midnight wouldn't allow them within a country mile of me in any case. When I'd go to Dave's place for any reason, that deaf cat would meet me at the door and shadow me. If I sat down, she'd be on my lap in a blink! I am not a cat-lover, but that one stole my heart.

I would love a cat like that. And I've told both shelters I've talked to that a cat with disabilities is welcome.

 

[FlexGunship]

Flex, don't let the pressure get to you [some other text] and don't let the excitement pressure you.

Rhody...

I've had cats live with me for short periods of time and I think I'll be okay with the normal stuff, finding the right food, finding appropriate treats, and setting up the litter box.

I'm more worried about advanced behavioral stuff like scratching, sleep habits, and learning to high-five.

 

[rootX]

Personally, I see a pet about same level as a partner. I would go for a healthiest, sweet, and beautiful and well bred pet and favor some private place over animal shelters.

You should also look for other places beyond animal shelters too.

I hope you find an amazing cat!

 

[Evo]

Personally, I see a pet about same level as a partner. I would go for a healthiest, sweet, and beautiful and well bred pet and favor some private place over animal shelters.

You should also look for other places beyond animal shelters too.

I hope you find an amazing cat!

Some of the best pets can be found in shelters, and those most in need of a home. Flex is saving their lives.

 

[turbo]

Some of the best pets can be found in shelters, and those most in need of a home. Flex is saving their lives.

Some of those pets have problems, but many can be a perfect fit, even if they have identified problems that can be addressed. Go Flex! Save a good pet!

 

[rootX]

Some of the best pets can be found in shelters, and those most in need of a home. Flex is saving their lives.

I wouldn't use "who needs me most" in my criteria list. But then I am not willing to take a role of a savior. I would rather volunteer or contribute financially

 

[FlexGunship]

Personally, I see a pet about same level as a partner. I would go for a healthiest, sweet, and beautiful and well bred pet and favor some private place over animal shelters.

You should also look for other places beyond animal shelters too.

I hope you find an amazing cat!

Some of the best pets can be found in shelters, and those most in need of a home. Flex is saving their lives.

Some of those pets have problems, but many can be a perfect fit, even if they have identified problems that can be addressed. Go Flex! Save a good pet!

I wouldn't use "who needs me most" in my criteria list. But then I am not willing to take a role of a savior. I would rather volunteer or contribute financially

I'm perfectly fine with quirks and disabilities... I just want them to be known. Know what I mean? I bet a deaf cat would be an amazing pet. I've even heard of a blind cat being a wonderful pet. I just want to know, ahead of time, what I'm getting into. That's why I like the idea of older cats.

 

[turbo]

I'm perfectly fine with quirks and disabilities... I just want them to be known. Know what I mean? I bet a deaf cat would be an amazing pet. I've even heard of a blind cat being a wonderful pet. I just want to know, ahead of time, what I'm getting into. That's why I like the idea of older cats.

Midnight was a pretty amazing cat. She was deaf as a post, but she seemed to know whenever either of her owners let me in the house, and started weaving between my feet or other mannerisms to get my attention. I was not a cat-fan at the time, and my wife and I were set up so that I could chase construction jobs, so we could accumulate savings and get a place of our own - we didn't want to have to try to do that with pets in tow.

At the time, I was tutoring Dave to try to get him out of the root-chord mode as a beginning guitarist. I'd have to sit on the couch so I had room for my guitar, because Midnight *had* to be next to me. At least that way, she could climb on the back of the couch and rub her head against the side of mine, purring like crazy. She was the loudest-purring cat that I've ever been around, probably because she was deaf.

 

[FlexGunship]

New update!

So I heard back from one of the "socializers" at the shelter I'm visiting. She's an old woman who goes in three times a week to keep the cats exposed to humans. Apparently Tulip has developed a chip on her shoulder and no longer enjoys people very much.

She recommended little Kimmie for me: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/21110700

According to her Kimmie is a very calm and relaxed kitten, even in her young age she had a mothering instinct for one of her brother cats. She's the last of her litter and was left behind because her brothers and sisters all had much "prettier" coats (which I think is highly subjective).

http://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-1-pn.jpghttp://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-2-pn.jpghttp://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-3-pn.jpg

EDIT: She's young enough that I think I would change her name.

DOUBLE EDIT: Anyone read The Cat Who Walks Through Walls?

 

[FlexGunship]

I've noticed that all cat products sold on Amazon have, like, 80 customer images and they all contain the cat, not just the product (sometimes the product doesn't appear at all).

EDIT: Can you train a kitten to take a shower? Or at least enjoy a shower? Or to not fight baths?

 

[rhody]

I've noticed that all cat products sold on Amazon have, like, 80 customer images and they all contain the cat, not just the product (sometimes the product doesn't appear at all).

EDIT: Can you train a kitten to take a shower? Or at least enjoy a shower? Or to not fight baths?

Take a bath, shower, I have bathed my cat once, why once you ask ? The first time I put only what I thought would protect me, heavy coat, gloves on to protect myself. You would have thought the cat was being stabbed once being exposed to the water. Claws ripping and shredding everywhere, loud protests, snarling, not funny, but hilarious to watch from afar. I was bleeding from more than a few places.

Plan B. Two heavy coats, two pairs of thick gloves, and safety glasses. After much consternation I was able to talk to her clamly, and stood her ankle deep in soapy water, kitty got clean, then, second stage trama, the freaking hair dryer, again, I used two coats and two pairs of gloves, safety glasses. She wouldn't hold still so I trapped her in a corner of the bathroom with the door closed and toweled her dry. She gave me the dirtiest looks for about a day after that before going back to normal. Now, the sound of the vacuum scares her to death. Lots of luck Flex, I have heard some cats like baths, however, mine is not one of them.

Rhody...

P.S. BTW, Flex, that kitten may be the sweetest thing on earth, however, she has the eye's of a little demon, at least from those pictures you posted.

 

[FlexGunship]

Take a bath, shower, I have bathed my cat once, why once you ask ? The first time I put only what I thought would protect me, heavy coat, gloves on to protect myself. You would have thought the cat was being stabbed once being exposed to the water. Claws ripping and shredding everywhere, loud protests, snarling, not funny, but hilarious to watch from afar. I was bleeding from more than a few places.

Plan B. Two heavy coats, two pairs of thick gloves, and safety glasses. After much consternation I was able to talk to her clamly, and stood her ankle deep in soapy water, kitty got clean, then, second stage trama, the freaking hair dryer, again, I used two coats and two pairs of gloves, safety glasses. She wouldn't hold still so I trapped her in a corner of the bathroom with the door closed and toweled her dry. She gave me the dirtiest looks for about a day after that before going back to normal. Now, the sound of the vacuum scares her to death. Lots of luck Flex, I have heard some cats like baths, however, mine is not one of them.

Rhody...

P.S. BTW, Flex, that kitten may be the sweetest thing on earth, however, she has the eye's of a little demon, at least from those pictures you posted.

I figured if I started young, and held her by the scruff of her neck, maybe I could associate a bath or shower with positive things like treats and lots of petting. I've heard lots of cats like the hair dryer.

Hmm... eyes of a demon? I thought cat eyes were relatively generic. How do you spot demonic eyes?

 

[Dembadon]

... Apparently Tulip has developed a chip on her shoulder and no longer enjoys people very much.
...

http://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-1-pn.jpghttp://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-2-pn.jpghttp://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-3-pn.jpg

...

Flippin' adorable.

 

[Stephen Tashi]

A big problem with a cat kept in an average size apartment is that the cat may get overweight and develop heart problems. Watch out for that.

Savy cats will move away from people who are carrying things. Naive ones, won't and you can drop things and hurt them.

Cats are relatively neat and clean but you must get used to dealing with messes in life. They will occasionally throw up. If they get sick they can be a mess at both ends.

Pets of any kind are a responsibility. There can be big vet bills. They restrict your travel plans. I suppose some degree of responsiblity in life is desireable.

 

[FlexGunship]

A big problem with a cat kept in an average size apartment is [...]

I have an average sized condo, so I trust none of this will be a problem for me.

 

[drizzle]

http://photocache.petfinder.com/fotos/NH69/NH69.21110700-3-pn.jpg

:!) She's adorable :!)
You're right, Kimmie isn't that good. What are you going to name her?

P.S. Just a question, did you get the pet?

 

[FlexGunship]

:!) She's adorable :!)
You're right, Kimmie isn't that good. What are you going to name her?

P.S. Just a question, did you get the pet?

Little Miss Kimmie came home with me today. She is currently rearranging the items in her cat condo. We stopped at pet quarters to get the necessities.

She needs a new name and I'm leaning towards "RGB Pixel-Array Map," or "Pixel" for short because she has this beautiful white, gray, and orange coat and this one tiny burnt-out pixel on her nose.

I held her at the shelter and she curled up in my arms and almost broke her little body purring like crazy. Then When I held her out she reach for my shoulder and gave me a big hug with her face nuzzled up against mine.

I didn't stand a chance!

 

[lisab]

Little Miss Kimmie came home with me today. She is currently rearranging the items in her cat condo. We stopped at pet quarters to get the necessities.

She needs a new name and I'm leaning towards "RGB Pixel-Array Map," or "Pixel" for short because she has this beautiful white, gray, and orange coat and this one tiny burnt-out pixel on her nose.

I held her at the shelter and she curled up in my arms and almost broke her little body purring like crazy. Then When I held her out she reach for my shoulder and gave me a big hug with her face nuzzled up against mine.

I didn't stand a chance!

Flex, that totally made my day !

 

[turbo]

Yay, Flex! That little black spot on her nose is a "Stuck Pixel". Can that be her formal name and Pixel be her nickname?

 

[zoobyshoe]

Little Miss Kimmie came home with me today. She is currently rearranging the items in her cat condo. We stopped at pet quarters to get the necessities.

She needs a new name and I'm leaning towards "RGB Pixel-Array Map," or "Pixel" for short because she has this beautiful white, gray, and orange coat and this one tiny burnt-out pixel on her nose.

Great name!

I held her at the shelter and she curled up in my arms and almost broke her little body purring like crazy. Then When I held her out she reach for my shoulder and gave me a big hug with her face nuzzled up against mine.

I didn't stand a chance!

True love at first sight! I think it will be a happy marriage.

 

[drizzle]

Little Miss Kimmie came home with me today. She is currently rearranging the items in her cat condo. We stopped at pet quarters to get the necessities.

She needs a new name and I'm leaning towards "RGB Pixel-Array Map," or "Pixel" for short because she has this beautiful white, gray, and orange coat and this one tiny burnt-out pixel on her nose.

I held her at the shelter and she curled up in my arms and almost broke her little body purring like crazy. Then When I held her out she reach for my shoulder and gave me a big hug with her face nuzzled up against mine.

I didn't stand a chance!

I'm so happy for Pixel and for you, I'm sure she'll be good in your hands.
Give little miss Pixel a kiss for me. :)