Kitten or Puppy and why? Update Post 17: Chose Kitten!

[paigevz]

DH and I had told the boys they could have a kitten when we moved. We moved over a year ago, but we just weren't ready for a baby in the house at that time. Now DS keeps asking where his pet is, says that brother has 2 and he has none (our dog and hamster are both his, according to the boys).

So, the other day I get a telephone number of a person with kittens, but dh stops me from making the call and says, why not a dog? He says DS wants a puppy, which is true, and he thinks our Boston Terrier would get along better with another dog. He also says they'd be better company for each other when we are all out at school.

I had just not considered a puppy, but I'm a dog person and the idea is certainly appealing. We'd want one that would be around our Boston's size when grown (though we saw some Basset Hound puppies a few weeks ago, and DS just loved 'em, and they were really cute in his arms...........puppy handling is one of our weekend activities.........lots of backyard breeders bring their pups to the antique mall and we like to go over to see them. We know better than to buy one of those though!).

So, what do you think? Kitten or puppy?

 

[Tazicket]

If you already have a dog, I would think that a puppy might be a better choice. I've heard of dogs and cats getting along, but have yet to witness it in real life. (My parents have an idiot shih-tzu and a gorgeous persian- the cat can't stand the dog and the dog is too stupid to catch on! ) (AND my inlaws have two cats and just found a dog that's living in their backyard now- the cats have yet to say anything nice to him)

 

[FreshTressa]

My cat and dog get along!

But, for a kid, I would think a dog would make a better pet.

 

[Micca]

They both make great pets, and we never had a problem with cats and dogs getting along. If you're looking for low maintenance, a cat is definitely the superior animal. They can stay in or out for hours, and they don't make much noise.

 

[Metro West]

Since I'm allergic to cats, I would have to get a puppy.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We have dogs and cats and for the most part they all get along. Sometimes one of the cats, Belle, gets into hissy fits over one thing or another, but so does my teenage daughter (so do I sometimes... ).

I'm more of a cat person and the thing I don't like about dogs is being tied down, but you already have a dog, so you already have to deal with that. You'd also have bigger kennel bills if you kennel, but if you have someone come to your house when you go away it wouldn't matter.

I do prefer to have more than one dog and they really enjoy each others company. So for that reason I would vote for another dog. I didn't realize that until we adopted our second dog a few years ago (we weren't planning on a second dog, but my sister needed a home for her dog) and it really ended up being a great companion for our existing dog.

 

[GraysMom]

I really like dogs and they really like me, unfortunately I'm super allergic to them so we can't get one. We do have a cat and she has always been good with our 17 month old son. Cats are definitely lower maintenance than dogs. It's not unsual for us to leave our cat alone for the weekend when we go away (with plenty of food and water of course). I think cats tend to avoid people they don't like, but I wonder if some dogs might get standoffish in the same situation? Also, I think cats are easier to litter train than a puppy is to paper train. JMO Enjoy your little furball whatever he/she may be .

GraysMom

 

[Sherri]

Since their is a kitten you have in mind that really needs a home, my vote is for a kitten. Kittens are easy to train and if adopted at a young enough age should adapt well to the dog.

 

[preshi]

Kitten. I love my puppies but they are alot of work.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

Tie, I love my kittens but the family puppies are the best.

 

[LK03]

I vote kitten. As a person who had a kitten, now adult cat, and a puppy all in one year, the kitten was SO much easier. Like others have mentioned it's easy to take a weekend trip because they are self sufficient. You don't have to let them outside to potty. They are more quiet, unless you leave my male siamese alone, he'll yell at ya for awhile. I adore my pup but he's more like a kid with so much work. I guess you need to decide if you are ready for more work or just a lower maintenance pet. And you can always find kittens at your local Petsmart for adoption! Ours has a ton, and they are real reasonably priced.

 

[paigevz]

Thanks, we have decided (again) on a kitten. We are planning to go out after lunch and see if we find a suitable candidate! Thanks for all the opinions!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

How about two kittens? I'm a big fan of littermates (or at least 2 at a time) so they will have each other to play with. They will get into less mischief, too and are a lot of fun to watch. Ours (we have 2 sets of siblings, 5 years apart in age) still play with each other and with the dogs (and of course with us people), but they love their brother/sister and it was an easier transition into the household. Of course the vet bills are higher.

 

[helenabear]

Good luck finding the right kitten! I was going to vote kitten anyway since they make for a much easier first pet than puppies.

i love them both though

 

[N.Bailey]

I'm more a cat person than a dog person and so is my daughter. My husband and son like dogs more. We have a lab and a cat and they adore one another, so I don't think them getting along will be much of a problem. Actually, I've never seen a dog and cat not get along when they share the same house, though I'm sure it happens.

From all you've said though, I'd suggest you get a puppy. You've said yourself that's what you prefer. So, I think that's what would probably work out best for your family. While cats are easier to take care of, cats don't really want as much affection as dogs. They will play while they're little and some as they get a bit older, but as they age they tend to want their own space. Our cat isn't crazy about my son because my son wants an animal to play with more than our cat would prefer. He tries to hold her and actually holds her down so she can't get loose. Most cats won't be happy around people that do this. Don't get me wrong, our cat is friendly and loves my daughter or I to hold her now and again, but cats are stubborn creatures and they want what they want.

Oh well, my $0.02 for the little that it's worth.

 

[N.Bailey]

I see you're going with the cat. I guess I should read all the replies before posting. GL finding a suitable kitty though. You'll want to take em all home with you!

 

[paigevz]

Thanks, but I love cats, too, I just have a softer spot for dogs who need homes. I guess it's because, like you said, cats seem to not need you as much. I grew up with LOTS of cats.

We got an orange marbled male. He's beautiful! He and his littermates were a bit older than we thought they'd be, but I think that's better as he has a few more coping skills.

In fact, he does run around avoiding my son, but as soon as my son actually touches him, he stops. My son is a bit tentative with animals, as he has actually been bitten twice by dogs. So, probably the cat was a better choice anyway. He takes a long time to pick up the kitty, and the cat is so wonderful to just stand there and wait. My son named him Pluto.

Tigger&Belle, I wish we could've had two. There was a little cream female with chocolate marbling that was sooooo pretty, but dh absolutely said only one.

So far, he spends most of his time under the couch, though he did explore every single nook and cranny of my bedroom and the living room. He took one nap, woke up and we took him to the litter box, then he looked out the back door for a while and went for another nap.

Haven't introduced to our dog yet. I put the cat carrier near the dog carrier when we first brought him home, and the dog barked twice (unusual for him), but didn't try to get out or to the cat. Pluto, for his part, just looked at the dog........didn't seem to try to get away, didn't hiss. We've walked the dog on his leash during both of Pluto's naps, and put him back in his crate. Figured I'll wait until tomorrow to introduce them...........to let our dog get used to the idea/scent.

 

[KristaTX]

Thanks for the update . I bet Pluto is a cutie.

 

[paigevz]

Yes, he is. He's now eaten and used his litter box. He's already warming up to us a bit and coming a bit closer while playing around. He's a bit skittish about people walking up to him, but I think it's because of the lady's toddler. Once we just touch him, though, he just stops and lays down. Almost like a Ragdoll (though he isn't).

I wish I could post a pic of him, but I seem to have misplaced my patch cord for my camera. I haven't even been able to upload the pics from our last Disney trip!

 

[Sherri]

Congratulations, Pluto sounds beautiful. It sounds like he has quite a personality. Good luck with him and keep us posted. You should post his picture.