Why adopt a cat???

dalya

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Hey guys,

so I thought it would be a nice idea to know WHY each one of us adopted a cat! allow me first to tell you a little about myself:

I'm 26 years old, from Kuwait (middle east) where having pets is very uncommon. so you've got to have a good reason for wanting to have a pet. I know it's very different in other countries. some people feel like having a pet is like having food and water in the house. so, let me ask the question:
  • Why have you decided to have a pet to start with?
  • and why a cat in particular? if you think you just like cats, tell us why.
For me, I live in a country where girls usually get married by the age of 20 to 23 maximum. I'm turning 27 years old in Oct and i'm very good with kids. But I kind of got busy with school (just got my Masters 3 months ago). so I wasn't really "available" for men to date or something. so I ended up graduated but lonely LOL! I keep thinking about the girls I know who are about my age. they're all married with kids. and I want to be a mother so bad! so I thought, why not have a little kitten to keep me busy and take my mind of that desire. and I did. I adopted a little kitty. he's my baby right now and my whole life revolves around him.

Now, why a cat? why not a dog for example or a bird? I don't know! I think cats are adorable. they're not as independent as dogs for example and this is exactly why I love them. my cat looks for me, runs after me. he simple needs me! maybe because he's little, but when I used to have a 2 year old cat 10 years ago he wasn't very different! I think cats are good substitutes for kids LMFAO! this is why I love them!

So how about you guys?
 

Draco

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Why have you decided to have a pet to start with? I grew up with pets. Loved them! I can't imagine my life without them


and why a cat in particular? if you think you just like cats, tell us why.- My apartment at the time did not allow dogs. I did have a love bird then, but I wanted something I could hug. I've never had a cat before, and decided, why not? Monet was the first kitten I came across and fell in love, so he came home with me.

after owning a cat (and two), I don't think I would ever own a dog again!
 
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peaches08

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I was born/raised in a house full of animals, so having cats is a bare minimum for me.  I used to be very involved with horses, but I no longer have any interest (long story).  I've had chickens, goats, and cows that I loved very much, but the idea of having a farm again makes my head spin.  Indoor cats are much easier for me.  Having more than one is easier for me too.  I am sometimes away for long hours, so it's nice for me to think that they have each other while I'm away. 

I smile when I see people walking their dogs in the rain and think, "thank goodness for indoor cats."
 
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dalya

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I smile when I see people walking their dogs in the rain and think, "thank goodness for indoor cats."
Yea! Cats don't really drain your energy. At least not this much haha
 

pinkdagger

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I've always loved animals, and since I was 4, my grandma and dad had given me pets (2 turtles, 4 bettas, a few goldfish, 2 birds) and my brother "shared" his hamster with me while he was away at university so we'd have joint custody.
I've always been really nurturing, and anything with a cute face just sinks right into my heart - bonus if it's a permanently cute face. As long as I can remember, I've been caring for animals. I love having something to get me up in the morning, the responsibility, something to regulate my schedule, something to need me, something to find comfort in if I've had a bad day, something that would be completely non-judgmental, always eager to see me. A life without pets seems like an empty one to me!

I still have 3 birds, but I've always wanted to add more animals to my home. If the time is right, I will add more! Cats worked out well for me because I moved in with my boyfriend, a cat lover and cat owner, so there was one cat. He had expressed many times that he wanted to get his cat a friend, and I would totally love to have more animals. While Mo would get along with any animal, another cat was easier on my boyfriend who admitted he would never walk a dog or take it outside or feed on schedule.

In the future, I would love a dog and possibly some ferrets or chinchillas. More birds and more cats are also a likely possibility. If I can afford the time and the money, I would surely open my home up to more pets!
 

andrya

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Let me start by saying Congratulations on earning your Masters 
  Good job!
  • Why have you decided to have a pet to start with?
​​For me it was just natural. l've always been an animal lover. We always had pets when l was growing up, and at least one of those pets was a cat at all times.
  • and why a cat in particular? if you think you just like cats, tell us why.
Since l was 5 years old l started asking for a cat (and got one). Why a cat at 5? l don't know really. l had never been around cats, but l felt a real need to have a cat.

Once l got older and had cats as pets my interest in them grew. l've had almost everything under the sun as a pet at some point: hedgehogs, birds, horses, rodents, reptiles, dogs... but l have always felt an affinity with cats.
 

nbrazil

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Why have you decided to have a pet to start with? / And why a cat in particular?

Totally different here. I'm an older guy who, until I came down with Lyme disease (plus others), was athletic, looked 15 years younger. Stuff happens, been brewing awhile. Anywho, several friends of mine who are animal lovers, familiar with the concept of helper animals STRONGLY suggested I get a pet to distract me from the day to day pains of the chronic illness. When one lives alone, they can get all caught up in themselves.

I chose a Ragdoll because of their easy going demeanor. My family was actually ANTI-pets, and thereby lies a tale too long to go into, with some sad endings, sigh. I feel drawn to cats because they are expressive emotional mammals that are relatively easy to be a guardian to (no walking a dog in the rain for me!). Besides, I like cats.

Ah, but I had another lesson to learn - don't get a kitten (even a Ragdoll), if you need calm!!! I came to love the little guy, but he drove me crazy - I could hardly play with him (due to the medical condition), and certainly not enough to drain his energy. So after a couple of months of this I strongly considered a playmate (I never wanted a cat, really, much less two!). His crazed energy wasn't helping to distract me, it only made me sicker because I had to expend precious energy.

Neutered at 4 months, it didn't slow him down, so at six months I found a compatible "sister" (4 months old) at a shelter. Two weeks of slow introduction techniques later and they began playing right away (although his size overwhelmed her a bit, she could hold her own - and teach him manners!). Three days after the formal introduction, they were cuddling (which melted my heart).

So, this took most of the pressure off of me as they played with each other (although I did play with them every now and then... mostly her, she was a handful).

Anyway, where am I now? One, I will never get a kitten again, too much work despite the cute premium. I am still not an animal lover (I just kind of like them), but love my two. Has it helped with the "distraction?" Only a little. I'm going to be honest (for me and my situation) - the love they give just about balances out the responsibility I feel for them. In other words, while I love them, I constantly worry if I'm giving them the best home possible? Dealing with a chronic illness, HAVING to work, having bad days and taking care of them is quite a lot.

Spoken like a guy brought up to dislike animals (which I was) - the affection I feel towards them is stunning. And it is more work and responsibility than I would have chosen if I had my choice. I don't regret it, but there are days when they are crying out for me to give them attention by playing and I JUST CAN'T. Breaks my heart (there's part of what I mean by the balance) when I cannot get up and interact. Love sometimes hurts, I'm hoping it will heal.

Not what'cha expected for an answer, eh? But truthful.
 
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dalya

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I love having something to get me up in the morning, the responsibility, something to regulate my schedule, something to need me, something to find comfort in if I've had a bad day, something that would be completely non-judgmental, always eager to see me. A life without pets seems like an empty one to me!
This is exactly why I love cats too! We understand each other!
 
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dalya

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Let me start by saying Congratulations on earning your Masters :clap:   Good job!

Since l was 5 years old l started asking for a cat (and got one). Why a cat at 5? l don't know really. l had never been around cats, but l felt a real need to have a cat.
Thank you my friend. Omg a cat at 5? I had my first pet when I was 15 haha. So you an tell people here are not so into pets!
 
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dalya

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Why have you decided to have a pet to start with? / And why a cat in particular?

Totally different here. I'm an older guy who, until I came down with Lyme disease (plus others), was athletic, looked 15 years younger. Stuff happens, been brewing awhile. Anywho, several friends of mine who are animal lovers, familiar with the concept of helper animals STRONGLY suggested I get a pet to distract me from the day to day pains of the chronic illness. When one lives alone, they can get all caught up in themselves.

I chose a Ragdoll because of their easy going demeanor. My family was actually ANTI-pets, and thereby lies a tale too long to go into, with some sad endings, sigh. I feel drawn to cats because they are expressive emotional mammals that are relatively easy to be a guardian to (no walking a dog in the rain for me!). Besides, I like cats.

Ah, but I had another lesson to learn - don't get a kitten (even a Ragdoll), if you need calm!!! I came to love the little guy, but he drove me crazy - I could hardly play with him (due to the medical condition), and certainly not enough to drain his energy. So after a couple of months of this I strongly considered a playmate (I never wanted a cat, really, much less two!). His crazed energy wasn't helping to distract me, it only made me sicker because I had to expend precious energy.

Neutered at 4 months, it didn't slow him down, so at six months I found a compatible "sister" (4 months old) at a shelter. Two weeks of slow introduction techniques later and they began playing right away (although his size overwhelmed her a bit, she could hold her own - and teach him manners!). Three days after the formal introduction, they were cuddling (which melted my heart).

So, this took most of the pressure off of me as they played with each other (although I did play with them every now and then... mostly her, she was a handful).

Anyway, where am I now? One, I will never get a kitten again, too much work despite the cute premium. I am still not an animal lover (I just kind of like them), but love my two. Has it helped with the "distraction?" Only a little. I'm going to be honest (for me and my situation) - the love they give just about balances out the responsibility I feel for them. In other words, while I love them, I constantly worry if I'm giving them the best home possible? Dealing with a chronic illness, HAVING to work, having bad days and taking care of them is quite a lot.

Spoken like a guy brought up to dislike animals (which I was) - the affection I feel towards them is stunning. And it is more work and responsibility than I would have chosen if I had my choice. I don't regret it, but there are days when they are crying out for me to give them attention by playing and I JUST CAN'T. Breaks my heart (there's part of what I mean by the balance) when I cannot get up and interact. Love sometimes hurts, I'm hoping it will heal.

Not what'cha expected for an answer, eh? But truthful.
Oh that's a very sad story you're sharing! First of all, thank you for being very honest and thank 5for caring for those little pets.

I know what you mean with having kittens. Yes they drive you crazy! Mine us driving me insane! But for my 'psychological conditions' of loneliness, this is exactly what I need.

I hope things work out very well for you very soon!
 

nbrazil

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It is what it is. And I'm happy to father a rescue along with a pure breed. Rescue, indeed because she "saved" herself! 

I asked how she came to the shelter and was told that a friend of a volunteer was standing in a parking lot and she walked up to them and meowed! She was tiny - maybe 4-6 weeks old?

Rescued herself... so cute.

I hope my sad tale didn't scare anyone off - there HAS to be some WONDERFUL stories to offset mine. Anyone have a special reason for having a cat?
 
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dalya

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I hope my sad tale didn't scare anyone off - there HAS to be some WONDERFUL stories to offset mine. Anyone have a special reason for having a cat?
I hope that more people will share their stories with us
 

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Why have you decided to have a pet to start with? My family always had pets, including dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, fish and some more exotic things, so it has always felt unnatural to me not to have at least one pet.
And why a cat in particular? if you think you just like cats, tell us why Previous cats were strays who just happened to decide to move in or were in need of help, with the exception of our last cat, Jamie, whom I decided to adopt on impulse (a student's mother was fostering a pregnant stray, and I promised to adopt one or two the day they were born). Adopting Mogli was also an impulse - I went to the shelter to drop off Jamie's remaining food 8 days after he died, and ended up bringing Mogli home. We'd planned on waiting several months before getting another cat. I'd describe myself as an "animal person" rather than solely a "cat person".
 
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dalya

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jcat jcat I think it is so sweet to learn how to live with animals! In my country people literally hate animals! They torture streer cats and dogs and we don't have animal patrols in here. I was of course against this. I think animals deserve to live just like we do! So I wish my country becomes animal friendly just like you guys! You have no idea how many dead cats, birds and dogs we see in the streets!
 

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I grew up with animals everywhere, and loved them. After I moved away and then got married, it didn't seem a good time to have a pet because we traveled away from home and I'm not one who could board or leave the pets on their own or with someone to come in and check.  Now we are older, not so much travelling.  Still didn't think about getting a pet.  We had a cat in the neighborhood who befriended us, we were the "grandparents" and loved her dearly.  When her family moved from the area (with her of course), we started talking about getting a cat.  I still didn't really have any intention of actually getting one, mostly because I just didn't feel competent to take care of one.  I really just wanted to go play with cats at adoption centers until my heart healed from losing our little friend.  So anyway, one day I filled out an online adoption form, and they called back right away.  DH didn't want to drive over there because it was getting late and it was like an hour's drive (which I didn't know at the time), but the adoption guy was very persuasive.  We got there and they were showing us the cats and none of them really grabbed me....until we got 3/4 of the way across the room and this little black and white guy was climbing his cage, meowing, getting so excited.  Come see me! Pick me!  So...we took him in the playroom and watched him go mad with the toys, he couldn't be still.  DH and I just looked at each other and at that point I guess there was no way we were leaving without him.  He had just wrapped his little paws around my heart and hasn't let go since. 

I had always said that if we got a cat, we had to get two, because I really think all creatures deserve to be around another of their own species.  And that was what I had started out looking for, but the friend Swanie had been with had already been adopted. (side note - how could someone separate two cats who were "great friends"??).  The shelter closed at 5:00, and at that point it was getting close. I was getting a little panicky, because I didn't want to leave with just one cat. I was running from cage to cage until one of the staff said "what about Cynthia?"  I had actually overlooked her because she was sleeping in her little bed in the back of her cage, but she was a sweet little thing who flopped on her side and kneaded. 

It was a few weeks to get Cynthia adjusted to living with us, she was scared and wanted to hide under beds.  I think she may have been abused because if you would reach down to pet her, she would cringe like she was going to get hit. It broke my heart. She was and is the sweetest kitty I've ever known.  Swanie was always very willing to be friends, but it took her a while and a few wrestling matches.  Then she kind of took over as mama kitty (Swanie was not fully grown although they told us he was 1-2 and wouldn't grow anymore, he doubled in size!), taught him how to jump, etc.  It was cute watching them.

They still like to cuddle, although not quite as much since Cindy has been having so many health issues.  If you ask me if I would do it again, get cats, I might say no because it's a huge responsibility and we don't have nearly enough money to take care of them.  We've drained our savings on Cindy (I don't regret it for an instant), but if something else comes up, I don't know what I would do.  But they have given us so much joy and love, and I can't regret any of it.  When we do one day lose them, it is going to be devastating and I will probably not get any more.  I would if I were younger though.
 

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We pretty much had cats while I was growing up. I took Peanut Butter, my orange tiger with me, when Rick and I got married. After he passed away, that was it for quite a while. But then Hydrox found us and he was an only child for quite a while. After moving to where we live now, Bootser found us and eventually she brought her sister, Whisper, over to us. Whisper was pregnant and before we knew it, we were proud pawrents of RugKittens. Add Banshee to the mix and, well, we've been a multi-cat household for many, many years now. Currently we have six and that has always seemed to be a good number for us, both emotionally and financially. The oldest two will be 19 in February; the younger ones are right around 3-4 years old. One male and five females. More than six tends to be stressful. At least that seems to be the way it is here.

I love these kids. They are hilarious, they are loving, they are cuddling, they are simply fantastic animals. They are also noisy and they are the most exasperating creatures on earth. There are times when I just throw my hands into the air and say, "Why? Why do you do this?" There are times when I get so tired of cleaning up after them, I could spit. There are times when Mollipop and Muffin are yelling at each other and I say, "It's been almost two years now! Stop it! Just stop it! Both of you!" But then there are times when Rick and I are laying in bed and the cats come back to us for a cuddle. And the times when I've got the Migraine from Hades and Mollipop and Muffin won't leave me alone in bed; they know when I'm sick and they're always right there for me.

Last night we were laying bed watching tv. Rick watched Mollipop and I....Mollipop was moving around in my arm, trying to find a comfortable spot. She finally plopped down, gave a long sigh, and fell asleep. She looked so content lying there. Rick said, "I cannot imagine you without a cat in your arms." 
 
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