A Pet

[Radel]

Do you suggest getting a pet to deal with depression? I was thinking of getting a dog but I’m scared that I’ll neglect my pet because of my problems. On the other hand I feel like it would be a comforting existence at home and one that forces me to move even when I don’t want to (like walking them etc ) should I pitch the idea to my parents or should I wait till I get better?

[fauxartist]

Dogs are a lot of work, it's like having a two year old all the time. They are loving and give you unconditional love, but they need a lot of love and attention. You also have to walk them, have a place for them to run around and play, bathe them, and clean up dog poo. Cats...on the other hand...come to you when they want a pet, you just put their food and water down, they eat it, then go on their way. They are loving if you treat them well, and don't ask for much really. They are much more independent than a dog, and they clean themselves, and if outside cat....they do poo in the garden. but I prefer inside cat, cat box is no problem.

[HearYou in reply to fauxartist]

We have a pet door which the cat uses so we don't have a kitty l.itter box, which I really don't like....and neither did the cat! Our cat is 10 years old now, and knows our routine. Around 5 pm, the office is shut down for the day, and cat comes around and sits on just about every chair until he finds the one which suits him. I don't mind this, and loose cat hair is surpisingly controlled as a member of the family has taught the cat to lie across his chest every night where the cat is brushed thoroughly...that was a condition of having a cat in the family. Every night that brushing produces about a mouse size ball of hair removed. But it has to be done daily so there is no hair balls around the house, and this is a short haired cat.

As our cat is a hunter with a "soft mouth", we know by the muffled sound of his "meow" that he has brought in yet another live present . We jump immediately and grab a kitchen towel to throw over the little lizard, frog, owl, woodpecker (no kidding), young possum or other creature totally unharmed. The cat is petted and we place the "present", towel and all outside for a "release". The next day we throw the towel in the laundry.

This cat is a neutered male who loves to sit near us or in our laps for a doze or two in the evenings....but does not like to be picked up. He is not declawed and does not tear up the furniture as he is able to go outside when he feels the need to scratch on a tree or other surface.

So that is just another side of cat behavior for your consideration. Ours is defintely independent and is around when HE wants to be, not us.

[Radel in reply to fauxartist]

Honestly I love cats, my best friend has three cats and a dog in her house and the cats are adorable. The problem is I developed a cat allergy. Like the continuous sneezing, eye swelling type of allergy if a cat gets near my face. It’s not the same with the dog because I always play with her dog and I don’t get a reaction. So that’s why I suggested a dog. Thanks for the pointers and taking the time to reply!!

[bantam12]

A dog is a huge commitment and they cost a lot to keep with food and vets bills. You shouldn't get a dog on the off chance it will help with your problem, if it doesn't help then where does that leave the dog ?!

[Radel in reply to bantam12]

You’re right it’s just that I live with my family, and we are six, so that’s 5 additional people other than myself who can take care of the dog. But then it’s not good to get a pet then just throw the dog on somebody else’s shoulders if I’m not up to it. That’s abandonment if I’ve ever heard of it. I guess I’ll go with the animal shelter idea. Thanks for the advice!

[gogogirl]

If you have any doubts, I would not do it. However, you could try volunteering ( if you are inclined) at an animal shelter- animals are wonderful. You would not want to get a dog then end up with your parents taking care of it.

[Radel in reply to gogogirl]

I actually didn’t think about that, that’s a good idea I think I’ll try to volunteer then. Thank you for the advice!

[eloradennon0905]

My cats make me feel a lot better! When they come and sit on my chest or lap and purr it is very soothing.

[Radel in reply to eloradennon0905]

Honestly they are really cute and adorable, problem is I developed a cat allergy, not a general allergy to fur, but a cat allergy in particular, I don’t get any reaction when I play with dogs so hats why I suggested it. Any other pet suggestions I can consider? Thank you for taking the time to reply!!

[grey27]

I suggest you to have a cat. Cats usually aren’t a lot of work. Here are some reasons why:

1-cats don’t need to be walked

2- cats are much cleaner than dogs

3- you don’t need to bathe your cat ( actually, I usually bathe my cat twice a year:p)

4- cats are cute and they can make you feel a lot better.

And good luck!

[bantam12 in reply to grey27]

But if Radel is worried about neglecting a dog the same applies to a cat, if that thought is there then getting any pet is wrong.

[Radel in reply to bantam12]

That is true, so I guess I’m just going to go with the animal shelter idea and see what happens! Thank you for replying!

[Radel in reply to grey27]

They are absolutely adorable I know!!! My friends have cats and I love playing with them, it’s just that I developed a cat allergy so when we I’m around them I have to take allergy pills so I can subdue my reaction. I don’t get a reaction when I play with dogs tho which is why I suggested to get a dog. Thank you for taking the time to reply!!

[Hope4all]

My cat provides so much joy to me. Go to a rescue center and find one that you relate to and it relates to you. Get a cat book! My kitty rescued me as much as I rescued her💕

[Radel in reply to Hope4all]

That’s sounds so cute and heartwarming it’s just that I developed a cat allergy. I don’t get a reaction when I’m with dogs tho which is why I thought of it. But the rescue center is a good idea and I think I’ll go with it. Who knows maybe I’ll end up finding solace in a pet that isn’t a cat or a dog. Thank you for replying!!

[Dolphin14]

Hi

These posts are very old. Are you able to see newer posts to respond to?

🐬