Should I or should I not adopt a kitten?

[Taverner]

Long story short, a good friend from Peace Corps rescued a litter of kittens that were born under her house. She can't take care of them all, so she needs someone to take the future cats off of her hands.

I have two kids, one 5 and one 3. Both would LOVE cats, but of course they are NOT going to take care of them. They're just out of toddlerhood!

I have no time to take care of cats (yet I find time to post on DU), my wife definitely doesn't.

Also - get this - I am seriously enjoying not having pets. I have allergies - not enough to exclude animals but enough to curtail them. Also, I really don't miss the smell of cat piss, cat poop, and finding stray hairs on your tongue (cat owners, you know what I speak of!!!)

What to do?

[Arugula Latte]

1. Give in. Get the kitten.

You know deep down that life without kitties is a completely meaningless and empty desert.

:D

[Haole Girl]

2. Why don't you find a more suitable home for the kitten?

:shrug:

[Rosie1223]

3. Resistance is Futile n/t

[Bertha Venation]

24. + 1

:)

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. Get _two_ kittens so they can take care of each other and play together. My mom had

cat allergies and she sucked it up to take in rescue kittens from under our garage when I was a kid. Had cats ever since. :)

[Arugula Latte]

5. Seconded. Two are much better than one when it comes to kittens.

They can entertain each other and curl up when they're tired.

[GreenPartyVoter]

6. And if you go on vacation they keep each other company very nicely. :^)

[Taverner]

7. Whaaaa??? I can't take in TWO CATS????

I'm sure my friend would love it - and they would be loved - but TWO CATS??????

That's two times the hair in the mouth, two times the ammonia smell, two times the poopage to clean!!!!

And don't give me that "Cats can use the toilet" stuff! I know they would rather poop into a desert and scratch away the night...haven't you ever noticed the need to scratch away at the linoleum after you're done? Wait - is this TMI?

[GreenPartyVoter]

9. LOL All I am saying is that in my experience two kittens are best for happy healthy kittehs. And as

to hair in the mouth, well yeah it's gonna happen every so often when you kiss someone fuzzy. :P

[Taverner]

14. Hmmmm what if we shave the cats?

:rofl:

Sorry.... I keed!

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. There are breeds that allergic people can tolerate, but I think they cost big bucks. And if you

do shave the poor little critters, I expect to see pics of them in sweaters which _you_ have knitted for them. :rofl:

[dysfunctional press]

8. get a kitten- if it gets to be too much...get a python.

:evilgrin:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

10. Let there be no more discussion: TAKE THE KITTEHS.

Cats are really very low maintenance - plop down some food and water for them, scoop poop as often as necessary (get an automated litter box) and give them lots and lots of love. They will repay you with deep, unconditional love and won't say "NO!" as kids do!

[Taverner]

11. But the smell...that sour, rancid ammonia smell

cats don't even want to be around that!!!

And then there's that wifey wants to whatever feline we get...

[GoCubsGo]

13. Rancid ammonia smell?

I have 2 cats. Had 3 at one time. There is no "rancid ammonia smell", unless I fail to clean the box out for days at a time. Which I don't. And, I have a cat who is constantly drinking and peeing as a side-effect of his antihistamines. Use a decent litter and scoop it once a day, and you won't have that smell.

As for the hair, it's extra fiber. Most Americans don't get enough fiber, so consider that an extra benefit. ;-)

Seriously, as much as I would love to see you adopt a kitten or two, if you are allergic and will be miserable, please pass on them. You'll just wind up resenting them, and that's not good.

[Flaxbee]

16. get clumping litter. Scoop the box once a day (really, it only takes 30 seconds)

No smell. Easy.

I have six cats. I scoop the litter boxes every night; takes less time than I spend getting ready for bed (teeth, contacts, face).

Also, FEMALE cats tend to have less stinky urine, in my opinion. I have one male, five females, and the female pee clumps are much much much smaller than the boy pee clumps.

Boy cats are wonderful, but if you want lower maintenance, go for a girl.

Better yet, two girls. They'll keep each other company, and will be happy and lovey and darling and wonderful. :D

[graywarrior]

12. Do it.

[Sabriel]

17. I asked this same question in June '08

We now have two cats.

And yes, they're a pain in some ways, but we get so much enjoyment out of them that it really is worth it. The kids especially love them.

Thanks to everyone here who recommended two cats. It's worked out well.

Saffy (Saffron) and Pepper: the Spice Girls!

[Shell Beau]

18. As much as I want you to take the kittens, it doesn't sound

like you need or really want a pet. Taking on any animal requires love, care, and time. But I think if you take them, you will end up loving them and giving them the care, love, and time they need.

[ZombieHorde]

19. Don't do it. Do not abopt a kitten. nt

[litlady]

20. Cats will enrich your life but think about whether you can do that for them.

If you don't have the time for it or can't handle the allergies, best not get a kitty. Cats need food, water, constant litter cleaning, and of course love and time. I have three kitties and they are a handful. The cost if high if you consider food, litter, and vet bills. So while I would love for every kitty possible to get adopted, think about whether you are willing for a committment of 15-20 years.

[Kali]

21. get two and train the kids to do litter duty

5 is not too young for that and frankly neither is 3. They can put out food under supervision and wash water dishes too. You will have to supervise but you have to do that anyway right?

[BrklynLiberal]

22. Take 2....

[EndersDame]

23. I think you would have to take 50 kitties to be close to the level of 1 puppy

take the kitty hell take two. they really are low maintenance and give you so much love and companionship in return