jumpjunkie2004 0 #1 September 6, 2005 My children would like a cat. They've wanted one for almost two years, but my spouse is opposed. I've finally convinced him that he can live through the experience. I would like to get one kitten, but I've heard that they do better if you get two. So, my question: Does anyone just have one cat?Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #2 September 6, 2005 QuoteSo, my question: Does anyone just have one cat? Nope, not me. I have three cats and three dogs. Yup, it's like a zooMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alanab 0 #3 September 6, 2005 QuoteSo, my question: Does anyone just have one cat? no. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpchikk 0 #4 September 6, 2005 Yes, I have just one cat. He's over 15 lbs., I do think he gets lonely, but my apt. is so small that I don't think it could handle two cats. I was gone all weekend long (like I am most weekends) and I can tell he is lonely because he wants to lay right on top of me at night when I come back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sistaluv 0 #5 September 6, 2005 I've had one cat and have had two and the reason I got two is so they can play together. Other than that if you got lots of time no need for two. That's in my opinion. And having two is much more cleaning if you don't like germs...or smells! Cats are awsome so have fun! Blue Skies and Terminal Memories 4 Life Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedishcelt 0 #6 September 6, 2005 I do. Unless your kitty will have company of humans all day long he will get very lonely and weird compulsive behaviors can start after awhile. (Like scratching a favorite piece of furniture etc.) With a buddy and toys they can keep each other entertained when all alone. It just depends on how much time you will all be spending with the little guy. I have given mine to a friend with a cat so he isn't so bored for awhile while my leg heals. I didn't want him to go bonkers from boredom. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #7 September 6, 2005 Your zoo sounds fun! My kids would love it there. I feel like I'm already pushing my luck with one. I know the cat will get plenty of attention. Right now, my kids beg me to let them go to the neighbors house so that they can play with the cats - she has four and a new kitten.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #8 September 6, 2005 Maybe I can find identical twin cats and hope my husband doesn't notice. Next question: Male or Female Is one sex better than the other?Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedishcelt 0 #9 September 6, 2005 Male in my opinion. Less health problems and cheaper to fix and less moody. No chance of EVER getting pregnant before you neuter them either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sistaluv 0 #10 September 6, 2005 Mine were both female...from my understading males spray if there not fixed. Females eventually go in heat if there not fixed. Both really cool! Blue Skies and Terminal Memories 4 Life Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #11 September 6, 2005 Dogs have owners - cats have staff Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #12 September 6, 2005 IMO the sex of the cat doesn't matter, since you'll be getting him/her fixed Why not head down to the local shelter and see if there is a cat that is already fixed and little boxed trained.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #13 September 6, 2005 Unfortunately, even neutered males can spray....Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpchikk 0 #14 September 6, 2005 I have a neutered and de-clawed (front paws only) male cat and have never had a problem with him spraying. Female cats spray too. It really is just luck of the draw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedishcelt 0 #15 September 6, 2005 Male and female cats will both mark territory with urine. I have known several female cats to do the same thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sistaluv 0 #16 September 6, 2005 Wow thats crazy didn't know that! Well I'm glad I had females then Blue Skies and Terminal Memories 4 Life Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #17 September 6, 2005 I've not seen females do it, but I have seen neutered males do it... thanks for the info!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pia 0 #18 September 6, 2005 I had 3 cats when I was still living in South Africa, 1 female and 2 males. The males still spray if they are fixed. Not as much though. I had to keep spraying the curtains and couch with anti kitty spray stuff **Those who refuse to live and learn simply exist** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #19 September 6, 2005 I guess the best thing to do is see what I can find. I'd like to do a rescue thing. Our county has a program For $120, you get a kitten that has been fixed and has all it's shots for a year.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pia 0 #20 September 6, 2005 I adopted a cat that had been de-clawed.. Felt very sorry for it coz it couldnt protect itself from other cats. It wouldnt leave the house and was a very unhappy kitty **Those who refuse to live and learn simply exist** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sistaluv 0 #21 September 6, 2005 Either way if you clean up after them regularly like we should there shouldn't be a problem with either. There really cool pets and you can teach them lots young. I thought my cats to play hide and seek, pee in the drain and poop in box,almost toilet , meow when there hungry or need food, I dunno theres a few other cool things and just can't think of right now. Oh they go to bed with me at bed time too..so cute there kinda like dogs. Blue Skies and Terminal Memories 4 Life Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #22 September 6, 2005 I live in Montgomery County, Maryland - and I've been told it's illegal to let your cat roam here. I'm not sure about the declawing - it seems a cruel.Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swedishcelt 0 #23 September 6, 2005 My cat has never ever sprayed and he is a male. Not all cats do it nor will they necessarily start either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #24 September 6, 2005 I have just one cat. She seems to be doing fine, but I am considering getting her a playmate since we are gone from the house so much. As for female cats peeing on the carpet, they most certainly do. The cat I left with my ex is still doing it after 17 years. We tried everything, believe me. Our vet finally said she's just ornery!She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpjunkie2004 0 #25 September 6, 2005 Thanks to everyone that posted. I'm sure it's going to be fun having some new life in our home. My children have wanted this for a long time - they are both cat people and are very excited. They understand about the responsibilities of owning a cat and I think they are old enough to help (7 and 14). As soon as our kitchen construction is complete, I'm going to surprise them with their new pet(s). Thanks again!Jump, Land, Pack, Repeat... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites