Is a Cat Right for Our Family

I have a cat an 2 dogs an grandson had excema at 6 months, we havea dyson vacuum which is probally in my opinion worth its money in every way. I have never seen a vaccuum suck up stuff like this one does. Anyways xav has had no problems with the cat or the dogs as long as you vacuum reguarly. How are you doing with the excema, we have been fortunate that he has outgrown his but has allergies now. Cats are cheaper than dogs are I do believe.

If you are hesitant at all, don't take the cat. I agree that it will not affect your child's eczema (my son has it and we have two cats). They do need attention, have their own personalities (some are lap sitters, some like to play catch but only be petted while on a chair or the floor, etc.). Anyway, it isn't fair to the cat to try it out and then for it to find another home, again.

I would advise you against taking this cat. The cat will not affect your child's eczema and unless the cat is sick already, I doubt if you'll have to worry about Vet bills. If your boyfriend doesn't like cats (or any group of people or animals), I'd dump him, but that's just me. I'm advising against taking the cat for several reasons. Cats, like any other living being, have personalitites. This cat's personality developed long ago. Is your personality compatable with his? Is his personality compatable with your kids personalities? Think of it as taking a roommate. Are you willing to live with this cat until it dies? Has the cat ever been around a 2 year old? Will he bite or scratch? If he does, how will you feel about that? Does the cat scratch his claws on the furniture? Is the cat litter box trained? Is he an indoor cat, an outdoor cat, or both? What is his medical history? Is he in good health? How much time have you spent with the cat? I would encourage you to do a little research before aquiring any pet. Decide what you want and don't want in a pet then find a pet that matches that criteria. Taking a pet is a little like getting married. It's a lifetime committment.

Hi B.,
Even though I love cats and grew up with cats...I'd think very hard about getting one. Any animal is expensive really (food costs, litter, vet bills, etc.) and really require a lot of your time, so be prepared for that. We had a cat before kids and although I loved the stinker, he became overwhelming when we had our first child. That was nine years ago...and today he lives on the farm at my parents home. He's much happier there and roams as much as he wants! If your son has eczema, you have to think about the fur shedding as well. I don't know about the effects of that, but something to think about. Anyway, I'm not saying you shouldn't do it, but think about the LONG term. Your friend says they will "help find another home" if it doesn't work out...but seriously, how hard do you think they will look for you once they can not have to worry about it themselves. Not too hard I would think. Good luck with your decision... :-)

If your boyfriend doesn't like cats, DON'T do it.....please!

Vet bills can be astronomical. Really. Incredible. That cat has one problem and you're in it for hundreds of dollars. Regular shots/checkup can run $50 to $150 with shots, etc... I'd suggest you PASS. Sounds like you're just feeling pressure to take a cat because a friend is asking you to. Animals are a pain, they're expensive, and they poop all over your house. Sorry, animal-lovers, but it's true. My Dad has a cat that pees on his kitchen counters...even IN HIS TOASTER!! Yet he doesn't have the heart to get rid of it. If you don't keep up on the fur and litter box like a hawk, your house will smell.

But of course, if you love cats and you want some extra trouble and expense in your life, go for it. Sure, the cat might grow on you, but if you're lukewarm now and don't know what you're getting in to, then you're probably in for an unpleasant surprise (re: trouble, work, cleaning, odors, vet bills, etc...).

That's ridiculous about the idea that they have to smell. No, they don't have to smell. People that can't keep their house clean with a cat, can't keep their house clean without a cat. People are gross. Cats are not gross. People are dirty and many people are worse than pigs. People tell me all the time they have no idea I have a cat until they see him. I have 4 cats. I keep the box clean most of the time. If I let the litter go too long, I open the windows, turn on the attic fan, clean the box and a few minutes later the house smells pretty again. I use essential oils to help with household odor. There are many other stinky things in a house...like kids! You should smell my daughters room if she and 2-3 of her friends play for about 30 minutes. They get excited and put off odors that are way worse than any cat box I've ever smelled!

What about a man that has ate garlic and onions for lunch? There is nothing worse than the smell a man puts off through his nose, mouth and even through his pores when he's been eating certain foods.

SHEETS...that's a big pet peeve of mine. People do not wash their sheets enough.

I have entered a lot of peoples homes too, delivering frozen foods and delivering pizza and even delivering daycare kids to people. Other peoples smells are often gross with or without pets.

As for the boyfriend...depends on how much he really hates them. I've seen lots of people end up liking cats that didn't before. Most cats of that age will stay away from anyone that doesn't like them. As long as boyfriend won't try and be mean to the cat, go for it.

Vet bills at this age are minimal. But I'd put 40 bucks per month away just in case the cat gets really sick. If you can sock away 40 dollars per month, you'll have a nice little savings account for some day in the future when you haven't spent it.

Eczema will only get worse with a pet if it's caused by the pet. Since your son already has it, it's unlikely that it's caused by a cat unless he is in a place like daycare or such where he's been allergic all this time.

Don't get a cat if someone in the family doesn't like them. Eventually you probably will be getting rid of the cat because of this reason, and that is not fair to the animal. Cats get attached to their owners. Let your friend find a home where everyone in the house "wants" the cat.

Hi B.!
Ok, Im probably not the one to ask if your leaning towards getting this cat. But, I appraise houses, I go into a lot of houses, and I will tell you in every case, I smell the cat before I see it. There is no hiding that smell, no matter where you try to hide that litter box. Kudos to your man for not liking them, because they are gross to live with. Vet bills are expensive. Cats are not good with little kids, they will bite.
And my daughter also had severe excema, we have been about 4 different dermatologist and everyone of them has asked me if we have a cat. Which we dont, thank goodness. I think if you want a pet, I would go with a dog. Im sorry if your not liking this, but I have had about 5 cats in my lifetime and they have all been yucky jerks! Anyways, those are my thoughts. Good luck!

Hi B., Let your friend find another person to take the cat. If your asking the Mama's opinions then your not really ready for a kitty or any pet as yet.

We have had cats and dogs, love them both, since our last cat Sammi was put to sleep a few years ago at age 18, I don't want another. They do pretty much take care of themselves, very independent creatures. Sammi would get really upset if we left her for a few days (neighbors fed and checked on her) she would have flattened ears for hours, reach out with her claws grab our ankles and bite us, then lick us like candy.. LOL
If they do urinate on the carpet that smell is very hard to get out, even with litter boxes well cleaned, they sometimes do to illness or something wet on the furniture and carpets, they can jump on just about any appliance and sleep where ever they choose.

So it's up to you and what you decide, if your friend placed an ad in the paper, with so many cat lovers the cat would probably be taken quickly.

God Bless
K. Nana of 5

PS Seems like some Mama's have very strong opinions. Some a tad bit harsh.

B., you are right to carefully consider before you take in a pet, I have 2 cats and can't imagine our lives without them. Our daughter is 8 and she has eczema. We are not sure if the cats play any role in that or not...the Doctor mentioned keeping the cats off her bedding, but Hershey is her cat and often sleeps with her and when we tried keeping the door closed the cat cried at her door...so we gave in and let the cat sleep on the top comforter. I vac daily which doesn't bother me. Cats make nice pets because they are lower maintenance than dogs = ) You might want to consider how your youngest would do with a pet, you didn't mention if the cat was fixed or de clawed. I think all animals should be fixed, but it is especially important for males so they do not "spray" lots of luck
B.
I had to add some things after I read the responses...Cats only smell if the owners don't clean up after the cats as necesary...I clean my litter box everyday. My significant other didn't want cats now Felix is his best friend ( and Felix was supposed to be MY cat) Not all cats bite how preposterous! They all have unique personalities. I have had 3 cats, one who was my baby started biting after Alex was born and when we realized we couldn't get him to accept the new baby he went to live with my mother in law, where he is loved to pieces and has Never bit anyone again. I have had Felix for 3 years and Hershey for 4 and they have never bit anyone once!

My son has bad eczema (and I have it) and it didn't get worse when we got a cat. It has more to do with what soaps we use to wash him and his clothes. But, I agree with others that if your boyfriend doesn't like cats, you should probably not get one. Though, my husband said he didn't like cats and he's all over our cat now (not that he would admit it.)

As others have stated if the kitty is in fact a male calico he is a rare kitty.The gene for colors in cats is on the X chromozone therfore to be a calico a cat would have to get a double dose or XX and resulting is female. If he is a true calico he is more than likely sterile. I have a 3month old son and he is not affected at all by the five cats we have in the house. In fact he loves to have one curl up next to him and start purring, puts him to sleep in no time. If you child(ren) do seem to be a bit allergic there are products out there that help with the hair and dander. check out drsfosterandsmith.com they have a massive amount of pet gear and such available.

One I'd tell ya one thing about that cat it is a very rare animal. this is true because the calico gene is on the female chromosomes. thus really hard for the males to get it. two eczema is due to dry skin and usually doesn't mean they will be alergic to the cat. two yes a cat can grow on a person especially if the person will give the cat a chance. But you do have to watch out with the cat around the kids since many kids want to love on the animal but are generally rough on them. I have three dogs and my 15 month old literally sits on them and all they do is put up with it or move.
cats are different though they usually strike back. so your kids will get a few scratches unless it is declawed. I've had cats most of my life although now unless it is very short haired I can't have them due to my boyfriend's allergies to them.

cats are easy to take care of and I rarely ever took mine to the vet. One I lived in the country and most were outside. for a checkup i'm not sure how much it cost since each vet is different and most cats don't need regular checkups each year if they are mostly inside unless they are overweight.

just to let you in on a secret that a lot of vets won't tell you since they would loose money. most of the shots an animal (dog or cat) gets will last at least 7 years if not a lifetime. I found this out through some searching online. I give my dogs a 7 in 1 shot I get from the local town and country. it includes everything except rabies. But cats do require a clean litter box of which will have to be where your 2 yr old can't get into it. sorry this is so long but having a pet is like having a child it should be a lifetime commitment as part of the family. After all thousands of animal are killed each year all because of owners who no longer want them.

Hi B., I'm not a "cat person" but my sister is and recently had to find her cat a new home do to her sons allergies. But I do have kids and a dog. I have a 5 year old that loves animals. My grandmother's cat runs from her. She dosen't hurt the cat but she wants to hold it and pet it - the cat does not like her to hold it and pet it. With the cat living with you it may not be a problem since the cat doesn't go away. But I know that for my sister, her cat never wanted her kids to play with it and would bit my niece if she was trying to love him. And I know that with my dog, my 5 year old is always trying to play (dress up and tea party) with the dog and trying to love the dog. Our dog lets her do this for a while then will go outside so or hide somewhere. So before you get the cat I'd take your kids to visit the cat and see how he does with them. Also, I did have cats when I was a kid and it's a male make sure it's neutered. As far as vet bills, we spend a couple of hundred a year. And about one hundered every 3 months for flea stuff. Good luck!

Hi B.,
First off, the people who say that cats are disgusting to live with seriously need to take a look at themselves in the mirror. Cats are much more loving, affectionate, and less jugdmental than any human I know - and much cleaner.
We have a dog and two cats - I am an incredibly clean person and when you walk in my house, you don't smell cat. I work hard at keeping a very clean house - all the time.
Its a question really of whether or not you think you can open yourself up to taking care of an animal, cat, dog, or anything else, for that fact.
With regard to your boyfriend, he doesn't have to play any part in rearing the cat. I am married and my husband has never been a cat person - yet I love cats and will always have one. If he tells you that you can't have a cat and you are comfortable letting him be the boss of you or having control over what you can and can't do, then, by all means, don't have a cat.
As far as eczyma is concerned, my son had it and has never been bothered by our animals. He's outgrown the eczyma, thank goodness.
Having said all of this, if you feel you cannot take on the responsibility of an animal, then don't - save yourself and the animal from misery.

A pet should not affect a child's eczema. If it were allergies, that would be different. As for your bf, my husband claims he hates cats. We have a few and they always curl up on him, especially at bedtime. So, yes, it's possible the cat will "grow" on him, lol. If no one likes doing litterbox duty, then I suggest buying one of the electric litter boxes, they are wonderful!!!!!

Hope this helps.
Take care and God Bless :)
P.S. By the way, a MALE calico is very rare!!!!

Since you are a nurse and know how to give shots, you can buy your cat's shots at a local store (I recommend Tractor Supply Store in Belton, Mo? if you are anywhere near there). The shots are in one bottle and cost about $5.00. The rabies shot HAS to be given by a vet. Find a vet (like Wayside Waifs) who accepts a pets owner giving them their shots, and take him in once a year for his rabies shot? At the clinic behind Wayside Waifs, the rabies shot is about $10.00. As for any other medical concerns: worms?, ear mites?, etc. you can buy the same exact meds you would get from a vet, online at PetMeds.com and they will be delivered to your door at half the price :)

Dear B.,
I had a roommate that had eczema. All kinds of little things would sometimes bother her. I would try out a little test time that your son could be around the cat, just to see if any reactions show up. Or the best idea would be to contact the doctors office to see what they think.

I wouldn't get a cat if your significant other doesn't like them. He might mistreat the cat.

Cats are good pets. They do cost about $1000 a year. This is vet, litter, food and other small expences. you are a good friend to try this cat oout. I hope it works for your family.

I have had cats all my life. However, each one has its own personality. Some cats are well adjusted to life with kids others are not. If the cat is not used to kids it could add an undue stress for both you and the cats- particularly with a two year old son. I have two cats and two kids. Luckily my cats have adapted well to my kids. It took some training for my 4 year old to learn to be gentle with the cats. Luckily the cats were patient. Other cats might not be.

Is the cats temperment compatible with your family? Is the cat going to be exclusivly indoor? Does the cat have any "bad" habits - clawing, litterbox etc? Is the cat fixed? Neutered animals have a much more even temperment than those who aren't. I have had both males and females. Some of males are the most mellow laid back animals. Others are not. An aside note, generally speaking calico (tri-colored ) cats are usually females. It is a chromosomal trait.

Personally, I wouldn't consider a cat on an if it works out type of deal. I have been through that type of arrangement before.

In terms of vet bills, we do a routine checkup once a year - shots, etc. This could run a little over $100. However, the longer term commitment is if the cat your receive gets ill or has health issues. There are no guarrantees.

Generally we have selected our cats as "found" animals. However, I got my first cat when I was 6 and am familiar with them. I wouldn't necessarily suggest a "found" pet to everyone. The temperment match is important.

Cats are great animals. If you want a cat, I would take the time to play with your friend's cat at her house. Find out the personality. If the time isn't right now and you still consider a cat down the road, there are plenty of cats at the local shelters.