Deciding whether to get a pet or not

[Gazzas86]

Afternoon Folks,

I need some advice on the title and i'm hoping i could get some to help me decide.
Bit of a background, Me and the GF have moved into our own house, and have been in it for a year, It's a semi detatched, conservatory, enclosed garden etc. Now... i come from a 'pet' background, and my parents have a lovely dobermann called Zak, i grew up with him he's great. My OH however is the complete opposite, no pets etc, when we visit she's a bit scared of him, won't stroke him etc, when he barks it makes her jump. The only dog she likes is her best friend's a Cocker Spanniel?.

I must add im in the forces, so i go away now and then, so if we do get a pet i wont be able to look after it all the time, hence the reason she doesnt want a dog as 'they require to much attention' etc etc. along with she works full time (8.30am-6pm)

Now she has mentioned getting a Cat, theres plenty of other cats in the area, (some find it a good idea to crap on my lawn and walk over my car!!!) so maybe having a cat of our own wouldnt be a bad idea for territory etc.

i must add my OH is very house proud, kind of OCD, you know the type that has scatter pillows on beds etc, basically like a show home (she gets it from her mother).

Now obviously when i go away the pet will give my OH some company / affection to stop her missing me etc some i'm all for the idea.

What i need to know, if you we're in my situation what would you do? is it a good idea getting a pet for the above reasons, or is it harsh?

Cheers

gaz

[Gazzas86]

Yea, i pretty much ruled out a hound for the reasons above, i.e. me being away, her at work, not big enough garden and would be massivly cruel on the animal.

I think i will put the ball in her court, she has said... lets get a cat... but thats where it ends, it doesnt materialise. I don't want to 'suprise' her and have a kitten waiting for her on her birthday just incase it goes the wrong way.

[Gazzas86]

Superficial said:

A dog is a big no-no with those working hours, but cats are far more suited to being left to do their own thing. I wouldn't say it's harsh at all to want a pet to give the OH company, the territory comment is a bit dubious but as long as you understand the lifetime commitment of taking on a pet it's fine. Coming from an animal background I'm sure you do.

If you're going to get a cat, I'd highly recommend getting one from a rescue centre. All 5 of mine are rescues and they are so rewarding. If you can afford to do so, getting a couple is really beneficial for them so they have one of their own kind to interact with when you're not around/ OH is at work.

In terms of being house proud, me too and I am actually diagnosed with OCD! Having pets is no barrier to a clean and tidy home if you're willing to put the effort it. I have 21 pets and will not tolerate a dirty home. Keeping litter trays clean to avoid inappropriate toileting and scratch posts around the house for them to use for their claws will minimise the chance of any damage.

Ohh many thanks for this, hadn't thought of a rescue centre, hopefully Alleviates all of the miss haps you get when they are a kitten, i.e. crapping behind the sofa like a friend of mine had the unfortunate suprise one day.

Out of interest, what would be the 'owning cost' of a cat, i'm assuming rescue's are free?, so the only thing that costs, is food, insurance, vet's etc? please exchuse my naivety.

Gaz

[Gazzas86]

Mubby said:

Gazzas86 said:

Out of interest, what would be the 'owning cost' of a cat, i'm assuming rescue's are free?,

Cats Protection charge £45 to home a cat , but they are vaccinated and neutered if old enough (if not they give you a voucher towards cost when old enough) and they are also microchipped (vet charges £25)

Gazzas86 said:

so the only thing that costs, is food, insurance, vet's etc? please exchuse my naivety.

you would also have worming and flea treatment, and vaccinations, and food I would say costs me about £5 a week for 2 cats probably!

Thanks for this, and for the post above,

I shall be showing the OH the above when i get home