Should we get a kitten?

[lord_emperor]

1) Does the kitty litter stink up the house? I'm a little bit of a neat freak, and I've never owned a four-legged pet. I feel like most dog owners say that their dog doesn't smell, but they've just gotten used to it, and when you go to their house, it definitely smells. So I'd like to ask this more to cat owners who never had a pet before and are kind of neat freaks.

The litter doesn't smell as long as someone is cleaning it regularly.

Cats themselves don't smell, they spend approximately 25% of their waking time cleaning themselves. Some kittens smell a bit after using the litter before they figure out how to clean themselves.

2) What are the worst problems you've run into with a new four-legged pet?

Kittens will knock things down; hide anything breakable. They also like to shred things made of paper or cloth. They will also cut you when playing or just because. They'll also bite your toes while you sleep.

Mine tore open a bag of sugar and spread it everywhere.

It's all cute mischief, a kitten isn't going to chew your face off or kill your neighbour.

3) What's the approximate monthly cost that a cat runs up in your experience?

My cat eats a giant bag of cat food every few months and uses one 18Kg litter box per month. That puts him at ~$20 monthly. His neutering & shots cost $120 up-front.

Oh the most important answer. Yes you should get a cat. Go adopt it from an animal shelter. Up to you if you want a kitten or adult cat when there. Better get two.