Is anyone thinking about getting a pet as a companion?

[InFlames]

I have a 1 1/2 year old brindle pitbul named Chewie (after Chewbacca, not because he chews stuff) whom I have raised since he was 5 weeks old. Yes, the first 3 months or so are difficult but once you make it through, owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. I personally think dogs are more loyal, devoted, and friendly than cats.

 

[snakesnfrogs]

Get a Pyxie Frog---fairly simple to take care of, and you can freak your friends out when they see you feeding it mice


---and it most assuredly won't do anything but watch TV all day

 

[Linflas]

We have 12 cats and each one is different and has it's own personality quirks. Datalink7 says that a cat would rather stay in the house while it's owner moves. That is only half true, the cat would prefer that it and it's owner stay in the house. Cats are very sensative to change, unlike dogs they are not pack animals and this to a large degree explains the personality differences. This does not mean cats are any less attached to their owners but what motivates them is different than what motivates a dog. I dare say that our one cat that flings itself against my computer room door and wails like it is on the verge of dieing until I open the door and allow it to come in and sit on my lap while I am on the computer probably has some affection for me. I could list the ways each and every one displays affection for us but it would make this way too long. People that say that cats are not as devoted to their owners as are dogs most likely make this judgement from observing other peoples cats rather than having shared a house and interacted with a cat on a daily basis.

 

[Gooberlx2]

The only problem is that I'm worried people will think I'm gay or something.

I wouldn't let owning a cat make you worry about that. (Of course if you start wearing shirts with little kitties and start buying 'hello kitty' stationary, then you might wanna worry.

 

[FireGal]

Cats are better. Less hassle, no walks at 3am, and you can leave them for a few days at a time.

Besides they are so entertaining. Never a dull moment when there is a cat around.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Yea, you are wise not jumping into this decision lightly. Cats can live for 15yrs,....

Honestly any pet other than a rodent is a decent commitment. My tarantula has a life expectancy of 10-15 years, same with my snake. My gecko may live 6-10 years. It's not rare to find cats upwards of 20 years nowadays. God forbid if you buy certain birds which may live up to 50 years.

 

[Gooberlx2]

OHHhhh, the whole manly question...(not meant be a personal attack on ANYONE)

Well said, TerreApart

 

[InFlames]

well why have kids when you can get pets that will OUTLIVE YOU!