my wife and i are discussing the possibility of getting a cat (almost typed "car" because R and T are so close).

cat owners, any suggestions? my wife saw the "cat in heat" thread and thought the kittens were cute as buttons (nevermind the poor girlie cat was begging for it ). looking for regular cats, nothing fancy like those weird ass cats in "Austin Powers" or James Bond films.

 

My cats were both plucked from the wild as strays. If you don't have stray cats in your neighborhood then go to the animal shelter and adopt one.

 

great idea Rich!

Get a kitten, but dunno about your dog and how old he is. If he's much older, not sure. Might take some extra time to adjust sharing his space. Although dogs don't seem nearly as territorial as cats do. (IMO)

To be a companion with your dog, I'd recommend NOT getting a siamese.

 

Three words - Shelter, adopt, 2. They'll keep each other company and really aren't much more work than 1 (you buy a slightly bigger litter box and put out more food - that's about it). I wish that I had gotten 2 when I got Whisper, now he may not socialize well with a kitten given his breed... Of course my parents have a cat and I was living with them back then so that woulda made 3 - too 'old maid' for me

There are so many cats in shelters around LA that it'd be a crime to buy one from a store. I picked mine out of a friends litter and don't regret the choice, but the next one is gonna be a rescue.

 

you should look into getting a monkey ......look what it has done for Andy!

 

I totally disagree! My Siamese and my dogs are great friends. If you bring the Siamese in as a kitten and the Siamese is raised with your dog, they will be pals (bringing the cat older isn't a no no either, but it takes more adjustment). Mine are inseparable; the ex wanted to take the cat when he left, and I absolutely refused, as my cat and dogs are very bonded to each other. I've known more than a few Siamese that live with dogs in harmony!

Additionally, I think that because Siamese have such vibrant personalities, as do dogs, that they might be very good together! My Siamese is territorial with other cats, but not the dogs, though this is definitely not breed standard (Schatten's cat is VERY territorial )

 

so the conclusion is we should get 2 cats so they'll keep each other company?

i will look into shelters, there's one right by my house.

my puppy is now in Japan living his life as a Japanese dog

when i can afford a real house i'll get a dog, but for now, we're looking at cats.

 

Go to the ASPCA and play with them. You will find one that you'll love. When they ask you if you will have it outside, say no strictly indoors or they will reject you.

 

I have one cat and she is a little wild. I can see how another cat might keep her entertained.
Still Clio is plenty happy by herself. Some people will tell you to not let you cat outside. This is
BS. Cat's are much happier when they can go out and run around. My last cat (Billie) went out
side every day of her life and she lived to twenty. Just make sure you get all the shots. I do make
sure I bring her in at night becase there are creatures that come out at night that could be a
problem.

I like female cats because Toms tend to roam and even neutered one's will spray.

Do not buy a cat. There are soooo many at the pound.

 

If you really want to get a particular breed, you can look up breeders in cat magazines. But I recommend neutering them. Sadly my cat is antisocial as I got her as a baby and never let her outside. She is now 3 years old.