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So.
Mr. Mary Jane and I have been talking about getting another cat for a while now. Our plan was/is to wait until next summer, after our honeymoon, and adopt one. This way we can give it lots of attention - no worries of school and travel - at least not for a few months.
I say "another cat" because we used to have one, but our apartment situation caused us to have to give her up. I won't give details but believe me, I tried everything to keep her. My mom has her now, so she's safe and has a wonderful "forever"-home.
But now, we own a house. We've really been enjoying our animal-free existance (no responsibility, no cleanup) but also both really miss the companionship of a cat. I don't mind the litter or feeding or vet stuff... but the fur, I do mind the fur. On my clothes, in my food, in my sheets, on my furniture.
Anyway my point is, my friend has offered us this kitten she found. She can't keep it. It's darling and totally won our hearts over. But this is NOT next summer! I don't really have a good reason NOT to take the kitten now, other than it wasn't the original plan...and we're pretty busy with school and work and winterizing and all that right now... and our finances aren't 100% stable due to some work issues.
But mainly, the house 'catproofing' and the fur stuff is bothering me. What do y'all do about cat hair? How do you keep it under control?
Also, if you were us, would you stick with your original plan, or go for the kitty-in-need?
Things to consider:
this kitten is neutered and has all shots already. it's about 4 months old. Very healthy looking and friendly, with a lot of the 'up front costs' taken care of.
there will ALWAYS be kittens/cats in need of homes, so it's not like this is our only shot at such an animal.
thoughts, opinions and cat-hair advice would be appreciated.
Personally I don't find cats that expensive. Well, mine were because they had ringworm =]. But i have issues with only having ONE animal b/c they need a playmate and if you aren't home all day to babysit him, and they are kittens, they get into trouble and knock things over and make a mess. The up-front costs are the most I think. After that, it is not so pricey.I barely notice it in my finances; it truly is minimal! Revolution in the summer costs me like $150 all summer....mine are also 100% indoors.
I'd consider getting two if you're going to get one. Less trouble and they play with each other and are happier. They are much much less mischevious, I swear! A little more poop to scoop but I barely notice it! I spend $20 on a huge 20lb bag of cat food (the iams natural kind), $40 on canned food, and $40 on litter....the wet food lasts 2 months, the dry food lasts 4 months and the litter lasts about 3 months.I feel like I'm hardly buying them stuff. As for toys, I just buy them a handful and they love the same ones. They mostly love to play with themselves though. The wet food is just a treat..i'd definitely spend less if i went all-dry.
I have a long haired himalayan and a long haired exotic and I just vacuum regularly and BRUSH THEM every night. Totally crucial. I also keep a lint-roller handy. The fur doesn't bug me so much...it's like a daily reminder of their love =]
I'd get the kitty in need and in a month I'd get him a friend. I don't think it's fair to leave him alone all the time! They really do make bigger messes that way. If you can afford him, go for it. I live alone though and have no companionship, so my two boys are my world right now and make me happy every day of my life. I'm pretty sure I'd be so lonely and depressed without them I'd go crazy =].
Take her in! But this is coming from someone who runs an animal sanctuary!
But the time sounds right and she is already neutered and has her shots! A great deal that saves you money! Besides, if HUMANS arrived only when they were planned for, MOST of us wouldn't be here!
Give the kitty a home!
We have two cats, both technically short hairs... but one is really more a medium short hair, and sheds a lot! Holly, my fine-haired calico, barely sheds. You can really tell just by petting her because fur doesn't come off in your hands. Maybe you can foster a cat for an animal shelter (or your friend!) and see how the fur thing goes. Cleaning daily always helps, too, but who has time for that?
Take her! Both of our family cats were lost/ strays and we eventually kept them because no one was looking for them during their fostering period.
They are super cheap to maintain and make very great and affectionate company! I also have my own cat and my FH always wants him to spend time over at his place! Whenever he isn't around, we both miss him a lot. Costs shouldn't be an issue though, you only pay for food and litter and regular vet check ups and shots.
I agree with EJS. Take the kitty and get him a friend (maybe not right now, but eventually) I had a single cat for three years and she was always sorta skittish and weird. She cried a lot at night. We got her a friend and her personality has done a complete 180. She's so happy and chill.
As for shedding...first, feed high quality food and the cat will shed less. I feed mine Before Grain dry food in the am and Triumph wet food in the PM. For two small cats (one is 6lbs, one is 9 lbs) it costs me about $40/month to feed them. Besides that, just sweep and vacuum often, and put a blanket down on the couch if you allow them on it. (We have a white couch, but we keep a blanket on it when we don't have visitors, because the cats sometimes sleep there)
Also, get the furniture pet hair remover thing (I think Scotch brand) It looks like a lint roller and works really well. As for your clothes, I would just say a lint roller. I've never noticed cat hair on my clothes really.
As for vet visits, unless they're sick, they only have to go once a year. And cats are cheaper to treat for illnesses and such than dogs. Also, you can save money on shots by going to the ASPCA van, or a similar program in your area.
Take the kitty!! I just got my kitten two weeks ago, and it was the best decision ever!
I was a little concerned right before I brought him home. I doubted my ability to give him a "forever home." But from the moment I saw him, it's been great. He's such a joy, he makes us smile and he honestly brought us closer together. I just took him to the vet, and honestly, it's not that expensive in the grand scheme of things as they say. Plus, the expensive part is the spaying/neutering and then the shots--that's all been done for you. My kitten is the only pet we have, but we spend a ton of time with him, and even check in on him during the day. He is adjusting well, and does not destroy things out of boredom. He has plenty of toys to keep him busy and happy. If you are on the fence about the kitten, just go meet him/her and see if it's the right fit.
EDIT: I forgot about the shedding. It's not an issue for me. I started brushing him when he came home, and he's comfortable being groomed now. It makes my life a lot easier to brush him every few days. I haven't had a problem yet.
ejs4y8 & hotchildinthecity - I had the totally opposite problem with a boyfriend's pet - I had a perfectly normal, good cat until she got a playmate, and then they were seriously, the worst cats ever. People would be like "wow, your CATS did that?" We're talking, destroying half the room's carpet, climbing the curtains, opening doors and shredding clothes... it was a nightmare! 
Last weekend, my fiance just bought me a 9 week old kitten as a graduation present! He's sooo cute!!
I named him FlipFlop because he flops over onto his back all the time and just lays there and then he stretches out his paws like he's waving!
I also got a video of him attacking a stain on the floor yesterday! You can see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TFWePVxvc0
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I got mine within 8 weeks of each other when they were babies...when they are little, they adjust very easily and quickly. Within a couple days they were bounding all over each other and I even caught them sleeping together a few times =]. I figured at 4 months he'd adjust quickly to a buddy, so if you think you'll want two, do it quickly! But yeah, i'd be skeptical about doing it with an older cat. They don't like it as much!
GETHERGETHERGETHER!
:-) I would adopt another if I could, but we already have 2, and my fiance says it's an adopted greyhound next time. I can't complain, since I got to pick out the other two. But you are cat ppl and you have a house to yourself - it's a sign! get her!
And, Post pics!!
@MaryJane: Yeah, I think I got pretty lucky. If you were to take this kitten, it would have a much easier time adjusting to a new buddy because it is so young. Liza was four when we got Maude (who was 1) and we had quite a bit of difficulty at first but now they are best buds.
Cats are pretty cheap and easy - it's not like getting a puppy that you'd have to train and walk, etc. And one argument for getting the kitten now is that it can get used to your schedule. If you get a cat when you have a lot of time to focus all of your attention on that cat, when you do get busy again (get a job, go back to school), that cat might have a hard time readjusting and then act out. As for two cats, if you do it, like others have said, do it now. I had 1 cat for about 7 years and then, at a time when my fiance and I were working a lot, she seemed really sad and lonely, so I got a 2nd one, and really, the first one just wanted to be the only cat in the house. It took some major readjusting, but she does finally tolerate him now.
For hair - great new product on the market by Pledge for furniture. They sell it to only use one time and be disposable, which I think is such a waste, so we just pull all the hair out and use it over and over. But it does work wonders!
LOL MissRain...love the LOLspeak :)
Haha I agree with so much of what's been said there's not much point writing, but I do love talking about teh kittehs so I'm going to anways!
I say wait and get pair of kitties when you're ready--same as has been said, get them at the same time. We got a brother and sister and they would not be the same without each other! They really do keep each other company when we're gone and were pretty easy as kittens because of this. Also I recommend good cat food as well, we use Innova and it definitely keeps the shedding waaay down, and also keeps them healthy (and no worrying about poison-chinese-factory catfood scares). Then we use the Furminator to get rid of the undercoat...20 bucks on amazon, do it every few weeks, and you will have a noticeable difference in how much fur you are *not* picking up on your cloths and sheets etc :)
And if anyone disagrees with me, please tell me I'd love to hear more!--but I am cutting back on vaccinations. I have read some veterinary sites on the subject and it seems that animals today are overvaccinated. Not only is it unnecessary--after the initial shots and rounds of boosters, they should be protected for at least 3 years, not 1 year--but some shots, like rabies, can actually cause tumors at the injection site later in life. So I am spreading out the vaccinations now...saves some $$$ and also I feel better about their future health. Oh though I should mention that they are 100% indoor cats...we live in a high rise so they have no chance of escaping :)
I agree with you Miss Noche about the cat vaccinations! One of my cats had a reaction once to the rabies vaccine - she was foaming at the mouth and her skin turned bright red. When I called the emergency vet, they were so nonchalant about it. All they said was it happens and if she goes into shock, bring her in (because they can die from an allergic reaction like that). Luckily, she never went into shock! But after that I stopped with the vaccinations - my vet said as long as they are indoor cats, it's not really necessary.
oh I love kitties! you should get her. You should also remember that pets have a therapeutic aspect as well :)
OH! I totally believe you should take her in. I took a kitten in a year ago and haven't looked back. She didn't come as such a great deal though! But, we made it happen in the finance side to keep her
I really don't spend that much for my kitties, though I do spoil more than they need to be. I buy one big bag (Purina indoor weight) for dry food every 3/4 months I think. I also feed them Purina indoor wet food that comes to be 56 cents each and I only feed them half so it's last longer and they don't waste as much. Kitty litter can be bought in huge bags (I buy the indoor multiple cat one..but I forget who makes it but it comes in a big pail that's clear with a orange label).
My cats loves this and won't eat the expensiver stuff. lol. My big boy turned his nose up at the suggestions made by the vet though the vet said Purina is a good brand. The weight management really helped my big boy lose a lot of his weight because he was soo fat after I rescue him from our apartment complex parking lot. He's lost weight and is so much happier.
He hated the kitten when I first bought her home but now he loves her and they do so much together. She loves to play with him and he's so active now (helped him lose his weight too). He's still my big boy who snuggles with me but now, he's happier and not so lonely when mommy and daddy has to leave.
They are a blessing. My fi is military and I love coming home to them everyday and they meet me at the door!
I use Scoth's pet lint roller for our suede coach and seats on kitchen chairs. I keep lint rollers on us and our kitten doesn't shred too much. our big boy shreds like crazy but I bought a Bamboo cat shred comb and it works wonders! I try to brush him every night but sometimes it's 2-3 days before I remember and it helps out a lot with his shredding! He loves it too and purrs so much.
They can be trained to do what you want esp when they are kittens. So if you don't want them on the coach, chairs, beds, and etc...than train them to not be up there. It takes more work and they are stubborner than dogs, but they will eventually get it. Use a spray bottle with water--my kitten still tries to get on the table (which is ban) and she freaks out when I get out the water. Less hair on things if you train them not to be on the coach..but honestly, it's so hard to tell them no! So I allow them to come cuddle with me..but they are stil ban from the table and counters.
Get the poor kitty! It's not going to be that expensive. You said yourself most of the big up front costs are taken care of, so it sounds like it would be cheaper than going to the humane society ( though that would be my next suggestion if you want to wait until next summer). If you have problem letting it into the bed, keep your bedroom door closed. I vaccum every 3 or 4 days since we have 2 cats and a small dog. I keep a lint roller in the apartment at all times, and I haven't had an issue. Please let us know what you decide!
@floridabeachbride, mine do that too! They hear the garage open, and I almost smack them in the face with the door when I open it. They start squeaking and prancing around. Makes me happy to come home to a NOT empty house!
If anyone is interested, I switched from clay and pine based litters to something called "world's best cat litter" which is a corn-based, biodegradeable litter. They "say" you can flush it, but it doesn't do a good job, so don't do that. But it doesn't stink or stick to their pads and fur like clay does, and has a natural, earthy, corn smell so it's not overpowering. It clumps AMAZINGLY and I rarely replace the whole box. With clay litter, i'd find little stinky bits and pieces too much. Cleaning out the litter box isn't nasty anymore! It really really neutralizes the smell. It's expensive though--$35 for a humongo bag, but it's TOTALLY worth it to not get stinky poopy-clay paws in my face anymore.
I used the spray bottle to train mine, too. It works really well. Mine are trained to stay away from doors that are opened (so they don't sneak out...obviously they can't stop themselves when I'm home, but they never get outside) and the kitchen counters.
@ejs4y8 I use the same stuff and it's AMAZING. Much fresher and it clumps better and the cats prefer it to the other stuff.
Well, we talked about it, and we're gonna get him. I texted my friend last night to let her know, and it sounds like we'll pick him up on Saturday. I'll totally post a pic! Thanks, everyone, for all the advice.
I'm going to look for that "Worlds Best" cat litter and try it out; Previously I've used tidy-cat clumping litter and I am not terribly impressed with it. Is it available at Petco or Walmart/Target? Those are pretty much my only options - we don't have a PetSmart.
Petco, yes =] I buy it there! Here's what it looks like: http://www.petco.com/product/13608/World-s-Best-Cat-Litter-Original-Formula.aspx
It's just WAY WAY WAY WAY better than clay litter. I swear you'll never go back! Plus, you can even dump it outside for fertilizer for acid-loving plants which i've done before.
Yay! You're a cat mom now =]
Awww so cute! What did you name him or her! The little guy is so adorable, I am so ashamed of my advice in saying wait until a better time, lol, I'm glad you got him! :)
MissNoche - your advice was totally considered and given for great reasons. We just... could not pass him up! :)
His name is Tiberius.
I have 2 cats, and don't even notice the expense. All they really need is an $11 bag of cat food every other week and a $5 bag of cat litter every week and a half. So it costs me about $36 a month to have 2 cats. However, they do need to go to the vet once a year, and that can cost around $75-$100 for vaccinations for 2 cats. The enjoyment that they bring to me and my fiance is 100% worth their costs. They are a source of relaxation and stress relief for us, and have really become our babies. One of our cats was declawed when we got him, we decided to let our second cat keep her claws. We bought her a scratching post, and she is really good about only scratching the post.
I encourage you to adopt the cat, there are so many cats right now that need homes. You won't regret it. I promise. The fur isn't too bad as long as you vaccum regularly and invest in a good lint roller. !["Laughing"]("../my-plugins/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/img/smiley-laughing.gif" "\"Laughing\"")
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stephmw and MissLoveBird - we did take her - see the pics above!
Ohhhh, I can't see your pictures (they're probably blocked by work!) but I am SO excited for you :o)
@ maryjane your kitten looks so much like mine!
here's mab (5) and puck (5 months) - both strays. puck is sporting his e-collar from his neutering surgery....and another of puck sleeping with his dad....
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He's adorable! And since some pp's have posted pics of their kitties, I will too! = ) Francis is the big black one in the window, and Annabelle is our newest addition. We've only had her 2 weeks, and she's a sweetie!
Annabelle.jpg (18 KB, 43 downloads) 2 years old Francis_2.jpg (14.6 KB, 42 downloads) 2 years old 
Congrats on the decision! I volunteer for an animal shelter and have fostered cats for a woman who was kicked out of her home. These cats were very sweet and in 9 months I never even heard a hiss out of them, but taking care of cats in a 1 bedroom apartment was a very hard task.
I had to buy a brand new expensive vacuum cleaner in order to keep up with all the fur everywhere. My FH and I used to clean once a week and we had to step it up to 2 or 3. The litter box was always full and very expensive to keep filling (good cat litter is more expensive than beer!). We had lint rollers in our apartment and at work but were still always covered in fur, it's in the air. These cats had their claws and ruined a lot of our furniture and clothes. Also, since cats are nocturnal, they would constantly wake us up in teh middle of the night, especially on weekends when we wanted to sleep in. It helps if you have a bedroom door that closes and never let them in, unfortunately we just have a spiral staircase and no door so they had free reign. We were only supposed to have them for 1 month and at the end of 9 were fighting to get them in another home.
Needless to say the experience taught us that as much as we love animals, we prefer life animal-free. Even with the sweetest and most well behaved cats, we were going nuts from all the extra work it added to our daily lives. Luckily I have lots of friends with pets so we're sort of a boarding home for animals when they go away.
awwww yay! I love tabbies, I have two tabbies.. this pic is of our maine coon Leo...
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My kitten had to be put down this past weekend. I only had him for about a week. He was 10 weeks old. He apparently caught the parvovirus just before we adopted him so a week after adoption, he got really sick and we had to put him down. Completely broke my heart :( I spent all week falling in love with him just to put him down...
Here is our cat. Her eyes look evil, but she's not really like that.................all the time!!! She'll be celebrating her sweet sixteen next summer and definitely has the attitude of a teenager.
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