BlogFrog

Nope, don't do it. Cats are a lot like people - when they're little they are SO cute and everyone loves them and wants to cuddle them. But then they get older and they become snobby and totally obnoxious. They contribute absolutely zero to society. I would say you either get a Dog or just get him some videos and books about cats.  

Look for a big fat chubby orange kitty. My experience, you will find him lazily sleeping on your porch all hours of the day when he grows up.
Wendy
Mommy to 7. 9 and under.

We have a cat and the nice thing is they are really low maintenence. If you do get a cat - make sure it is a FEMALE cat. Male cats can get territorial and will "spray" and that is not something you do not want to deal with.

If you want your cat to be a nice cat - when it's a kitten don't allow it to bite you and don't play rough - then you chances of creating a nice kitty will be high. It's easy when they are kittens to play rough with them and it's cute then and doesn't hurt - but when they are older they still think they can play with you like they are a kitten. Or they become mean to defend themselves.

Cats are so fun to cuddle with too - and they keep you snug warm.

It's so funny how our children have their own tastes and likes - just goes to prove that they don't come blank!

I actually really like cats. They are much lower maintenance than dogs and I like their independent nature. For years I begged for a cat and then finally my mom allowed us to get one when I was in high school. I had done my research on breeds and chose to get a Ragdoll. They are big and fluffy and lazy and totally chill. They are actually quite different than a lot of cats. They are friendly and will chat with you even. The only downside is they do shed a lot. But they are beautiful cats! The other down side to cats is the litter box. Ick.

Okay... I was NOT a cat person, when my sister's Himalayan died. I went with her to iluvmykats.net (it's in NC so you won't be tempted) to get a new critter for the family. The kittens are sooo cute. I actually picked one out and took it home a couple of weeks later. I was the baby of the family, and I didn't have any children. So to have this "being" that relied on me was new - what was I doing?? Anyhow, it turned out to be great. I got a male and he was just like a dog - rolls over, scatch his belly, loving... I really thought I had a dog. All the other cats I have known were scary, evil females... My little Cosmo (just liked the name... even though I did go to BYU) turned out to be so loving and great. You can even train some cats to fetch with a ball made out of soft foam - I didn't try, but I have seen many do this - quite amusing. Also, (especially for you being 'with child'), they have a new 'catgenie.com'. If you can train your cat, you never have to buy litter again, and you won't have to touch the "stuff" (you are not allowed to touch litter being pregnant). I highly recommend Himalayans as they are the most loving cats, but I would look for a male as they are much nicer. HOWEVER, I do feel guilty paying for an animal when so many animals are looking for a good home from the pound. I did take in a stray (who actually turned out to be a female... took a while to get the evil out of her but she is loving now - she did get breast cancer and I won't have her much longer but I'm glad I took her in as she had been abused by someone previous).  Cats need less attention AND you can leave them alone for a few days if you go on a trip. They do sleep alot but when they are up, they are hilarious. Some of the things they do will make you laugh (my cat can throw a stuffed animal up in the air and catch it - I wish I could catch it on tape but by the time I get the camera, he stops - they are on "their" time schedule). If you are not ready, however, don't get it and take it back to the pound (someone did that to a dog I took in and the dog had serious trust issues). I hope some of this helps. I wish you luck and will not judge you either way as I have been there being a dog person my whole life and now I have cats??

I grew up with cats and dogs. Loved them all! Both have good's and bad's, so to speak. Cat's are chill, easy to leave, indoor/outdoor, fun personalities, enjoy people, but with an independent streak. I have to second the Ragdoll breed!! They are the best! Just have fun with whatever. Owning animals can never be wrong. Growing up with them creates compassion for other living things and joy in both yourself and the animal.  It's well worth the time and commitment, all of it!

Hi Jane...this is a big one to throw out to the universe! Many opinions coming your way!
A pet is a very big decision and one I am sure you take seriously.
Which ever gender...let your vet work his/her magic.( no surprise kittens)
A young, not tiny cat, box broken and healthy with a good friendly attitude should do the trick.
If you enjoy birds in your yard you may need to rethink the cat thing.
If you or another friend are expecting  children you need to make sure you do not handle the litter box.
Expect cat hair in EVERYTHING
Make sure this is something YOU are really ready for...if the Chief got excited about an elephant would you want to bring one home?  Decide with your head not your heart.
What does it cost: tags, license, food, rabies shots, food...damage to neighbors plants and what about those nice shredded drapes in the living room.
If you are certain, get input from your local vet, they know from experience what breed of cat is likely to be friendly, have fun personalities and be good pets.
We have had both cats and dogs in our home in the past 33 years, and I much prefer the dogs we have loved over the cats...well except for Spike...he was an awesome cat to behold! Good luck on the decision.

I'm a cat lover!  I was like the Chief!  When I was in kindergarten, a boy brought his kittens for show and tell and I went home with one (and they were only days old!).  Our cat just passed away ~ he was 19.  He was my baby before I had babies.  He has been WONDERFUL with both of my kids from the time they were small.  Cats are great ~ they are low maintenence, they are litter trained early (and I did empty the litter box while I was pregnant) and they give you hugs ( and purrs) when no one else will.  I say go for it!  Make your little guys dreams come true!  Imagine his face on Christmas morning!  Do it!  Do it!

cats are the bomb dot com. they are pretty much self-sufficient (besides the litter and food thing) and hilarious little characters. i also agree with the lady above who says ragdolls, apparently they are the nicest, most family-friendly cats. and they are adorable. and to the poster who said male cats spray, true but only if you dont get them fixed! i've had two male cats and never had that problem. you should definitely get any animal you get fixed!! 

After reading a few responses... My males never did spray. I was told that if there are no other cats they come in contact with, your chances are good they won't spray  - this was a 'big' worry for me. Also, if they get fixed, they don't spray or spray as much(again... mine never sprayed). AND, mine is a "ragdoll" Himalayan and they really are the best cats, AND I had them from the beginning - So, maybe that helps train them to be nice. As mentioned above don't make them mean - that person is soooo right.