Expert: Ali - 11/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: Um, Hi! I'm a ninth grader who has wanted a cat since forever. My parents do have some issues with it (or else I'd have one by now) and I was wondering if you could help me out.
1. They both say that the cat will shed everywhere, and we'll have fur all of the house and all over our house, is this true? And is there any way to prevent shedding?
2. We vacation every year for two months. There is absolutely no way that we'll be able to take the cat with us as we go overseas. Will it be too stressful to leave the cat at a relatives house (they have a cat and dog) for that period of time? Boarding would be sooo expensive, and that really isn't an option.
3. My mom is convinced that a cat's mouth is just about the dirtiest thing in the world, and that when the cat will lick us, we'll have its "germs" all over us.
4. (if the cat is male) There is the issue of spraying. Is this common in neutered males?

I know this was a weird question, but I've wanted a cat for so long, it isn't something that I've "outgrown" as my parents expected. I just want to find some solutions, and welcome the cat that I've been waiting for into my life. I appreciate any help you can give, as I know you're really busy. Thanks, S

ANSWER: S,

Your parents sound like they are very concerned about the changes that having a cat would make in their household. I can allay some of those concerns and hopefully your parents will discover their inner cat lover with some additional information...

1. You can groom cats with long and short coats as well as bathing them which would minimize shedding, but that may not be enough. There are breeds of cat that don't shed - the Sphinx, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex....These cats' skin/coats all require special care that takes some time, but they don't shed.

2. If you socialize a cat early in life particularly breeds like those I described above the cat will be comfortable in a variety of situations. It is however crucial that you have a guarantee that kitty won't be going outdoors because cats have been known to try and find their human caregivers when they miss them...Breeds like the Abbysinian and those mentioned above are good with dogs and are often described as dog like...

3. A cat's mouth isn't any dirtier than a human being's mouth- in fact ours are disgusting and full of bacteria.... A cat's mouth does contain some natural antiseptic to help heal their wounds as they have been domesticated for less time than we have!

4. A pet that has been spayed/neutered at an early age (the earlier your vet will do it the better) will be far less likely to urinate outside of the litter provided that they have a clean litter box at all times and their food isn't located close to the box....Spraying is a territorial thing, not something that the cats do for entertainment...They won't likely spray if they've been fixed, that doesn't mean that they won't urinate outside of the box if it's allowed to get gross.

I would say that so long as you understand the responsibilities that come with being a cat caregiver then you are ready for a cat.

- Are you ready to clean up vomit or diarrea if your cat gets sick?

- Are you okay with cleaning up hair balls?

- Do you think you can manage cleaning the litter boxes (yes, boxes, 2 for one cat and then one per cat plus one in multi-cat homes)?

- Are you ready to pay for vet bills, purchase price of all kitty's toy and food needs?

- If you want a purebred cat would you be willing to give your allowance up for a certain amount of time to pay for this expense?

There is a lot that goes into caring for a cat, think it over and if you are sure about it then approach your parents with this email in hand...Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for your quick reply, I'm sure it'll help with changing their minds. I'll be sure to use your responses when approaching my parents. I am going to wait a few months though, just until I have some money saved (hey, I've waited 10 years). When kitty does come into my life, I won't hesitate to ask you anythings. Thanks again! S

Answer
S,

Best of luck and remember to make adoption your first option...You can often find purebred cats and kittens in animal shelters...You may just find the feline love of your life there, so give it a chance and save a life.Once you can cover the financial costs or a large portion of them and your parents find out that you have done your research then you should be close to convincing your parents that you are responsible enough to be a pet parent...We'll be in touch.