Dogs or Cats

[marcmax]

My son lives with my ex-wife and he is hot to get a pet. Just curious what everyone thinks regarding dogs vs. cats?

[darrylri]

Sometimes YES, Sometimes NO.  

I speak from experience; we are down to just one dog and one cat (and one bird and a couple fish).

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Have you ever seen a cat riding in a sidecar?  Enough said.

[Ed Miller]

I love dogs.  I love cats.  

[wa1udg]

Cats are clean.  Once they get to know you they are a loyal as a dog.  When someone in my family is not feeling well, the cat will make a point to stay near them.  The creature we have, a purebred Nebelung, (though we got her from a shelter)  fetches, and drops the item on your foot to get you to throw it again.  

[Cano]

Its dogs for me, but they require much more of a commitment as far as walking, exercise, etc. than cats.  With cats you don't have to worry about getting home to let them out, or boarding them for a long weekend out of town.  Different breeds have different needs; if you get a border collie but don't give her enough exercise/attention you are going to have issues, and  don't get a retriever that likes to run and keep it cooped up all day in a small apartment.   On the other hand, a dog is a great way to learn responsibility.  How old is your son?  Is the ex on board?  House/apartment/city/suburb/farm?  Activities/lifestyle/schedule?  All things to consider.  Do your research and get the right breed = happy dog and owner.

[montmil]

You did not mention the age of your son.

Having a pet dog, cat, hamster, whatever, requires a long-term, multi year, commitment to the care of the animal. I have seen pets neglected and dropped off at the local animal shelter when the owner/care giver lacked the responsibility gene and the parent was busy enough simply caring for the child, let alone another life form to feed, care for and clean up after. The poor animal is the one that suffers and may be ultimately euthanized.

Big decision with long term consequences.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

He should definitely rescue whatever his decision.

[marcmax]

Well the decision has been made. My son is 14 and his mother is all for him having a small pet. That being said the house she rents will only allow a small dog (15 lbs or so). To be honest I like and have had both dogs and cats but dogs that small are not my favorite type of dog. I have a pair of cats that are part of my family and are just fine if I want to ride out over a long weekend.

I took him to the local animal shelter to let him decide. A little grey kitten ran over, climbed up his pant leg, nestled in his arms and started to purr. He was hooked and found his match.

I agree with Monte about all the folks who think they want a pet but aren't ready for the long term commitment. He is a responsible young kid and I think he'll do fine. If not I have my fugowi war club exhaust nut wrench to get him in line.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I took him to the local animal shelter to let him decide. A little grey kitten ran over, climbed up his pant leg, nestled in his arms and started to purr. He was hooked and found his match.

I can't wait to find out what he names it!

[nhmaf]

I'm partial to dogs myself , but then, I'm also allergic to cats - so such a decision is easy for me!

I am sure that he will do well with a cat in a rented house/apartment situation.   In general, indoor cats live ~ 2X longer than cats that are allowed to spend 50% time outdoors.

Thank you for getting the pet at a shelter - shelters around here are overflowing with animals from the economic impacts.  I'm very glad that you were able to give an unlucky animal a second chance at a good life.

[Ed Miller]

I want to see a picture....

[Julio A.]

I own both a Dog and a Cat.

I'd say having a Dog takes a little more commitment than Cats.

[marcmax]

Here he is. The Humane Society names all their animals to make them more personal and make people want to adopt them. His name was Thatcher and my son liked it and is keeping it that name. Sorry for the soft picture. The little bugger never slows down.  

[2dogs1cat]

Which do you prefer?

Scooping cat litter or taking your dog out for a walk everyday?

;^)