First, cats are not less work than dogs, it’s just different work (I had a dog growing up, so I know how different they are). You don’t have to walk them, true, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do anything at all for them. One cat is easier than having a dog, but they are still work.

Actually, cats are loving and do care if you are around, especially when they are young. My cats greet me and Josh at the door when we get home, just like a dog.

Even as cats age, they may nap a lot, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require attention. A lot of cats are lap cats and are very affectionate, all of mine are…I think if you pay attention to your cat, it will pay attention to you in return. If you ignore a cat (figuring they don’t need or want it), it will ignore you. If you’re going to do that, then why have a pet?

Someone made a good point about your son going off to college in a few years and then you are stuck with the cat. That’s a pretty big minus in my book (even though we talked on Facebook about this…I didn’t even think about it). While I’m all about people adopting pets, I’m not if they aren’t 100% for it and I don’t think you are. Nothing wrong with that at all, I wish more people put thought into it before adopting so there would be a lot less homeless pets out there from people who get pets and then later try to get rid of them because they don’t have time, etc. If you don’t want a cat, I don’t think it’s a good idea to get one.

I do not recommend outside or inside/outside cats. Outside cats have a very short life span because of obvious dangers to them: getting killed by cars, other animals, getting poisoned, even getting killed by people and so on. I can’t tell you how many outside cats I’ve seen come and go at Josh’s Grandpa’s house since I’ve been with Josh (7 years now).

Inside/outside lowers the risk a bit, but I think it’s nasty because of issues like fleas. I don’t want fleas or ticks in my house, so my cats do not go outside.

As far as allergies go, I have severe pet dander allergies and I do see an allergist. I was tested for allergies back when Josh found our first cat and brought her home. I take Zyrtec daily, we use air purifiers and I use anti-dander spray around the house (it’s also a fabric freshener). I also have to keep the house clean and it is more housework with all the fur I have to keep off the floors and furniture.

Last, consider the vet bills and taking the pet to the vet. I’m not gonna lie, it’s the one thing I hate about the cats. I hate taking them to the vet. Dogs are better about it from what I’ve seen…at least they don’t have to be put in a carrier (Pumpkin freaks out in it like a psycho!).

I think he can get his “fill” of loving a pet by continuing to volunteer at the shelter.