Sunday, August 2, 2009

Are cats good pets to have when you're constantly traveling for work?

I am always traveling for work and usually out of the house for at least 2 days every week. However, I would really like a pet and heard that cats can do well in this type of environment and as long as their given adequate water and food they'll be ok if left alone. Is this true? And would it be better for me to get a kitten so they can adapt to this kind of schedule from an early age or a older cat?
Answers:
While I'm sure this response is going to get flamed (along with your own question, and for that I'm sorry. some people need to learn to simply shut their mouths :) ), leaving a cat alone for longer than 2 days is -not- going to kill them.
If you leave a cat with adequate food and water, they will be fine. How do I know this? Because I've had friends that have done it before. Cats -are- very independent. This "pack" mentality that you're attempting to throw onto cats is nowhere near that of dogs. Again, speaking from personal experience.
I do -not recommened getting a kitten if you're going to be out of the house for more than a day. Kittens are, in essence, like children. They need to adapt to their home, and you are part of your home! Any cat or pet is the same, but I'd tend to say that a kitten is more "fragile," than an adult.
And, for goodness sake, yes! make sure you kitty-proof you house.
Also, if you plan to be away for an extended period of time, expect to find urine or feces outside of the litter box. All cats are different, with different moods. So, many cats are prone to rebelling. :p
Well it is definitely a better pet to have than a dog. But they still get unhappy when left alone and might do things they are not allowed to do. But two days a week is not that much, so it might be ok.
My cat had a wonderful life and he was a very happy cat; and very well behaved. But every time we went on vacation he would do all the things that were usually prohibited, like jump up on the dining table. But once we were back home he never did those things...
Hamsters are very easy to keep. The just need food and water in their cages and they are all set. You could be away for a while with them and you wouldn't have to worry about them.
cats are good for this but if you get a kitten you have to get two because one causes more damage than two> but i suggest to get an older cat because kittens need a lot or attention!!! trust me i have three!!!plus if you have kittens you need to teach them were the food and bathroom is!!! so you should get a cat that is 2-5 years old!!!!
Maybe if you have a cat that doesn't care if your not there or is really self-centered. Other wise a young energetic young kitten wouldn't be the best. Pic a hamster, a gerbil, or a chinchilla.
Cats are far more independent than dogs, but one cat will get lonely.consider getting two adult cats, they'll keep each other entertained while you're gone. A kitten tends to need too much attention to be left alone for a couple of days. Just make sure to either get one of those litter boxes that scoops itself - or have someone come in a clean it while you're gone.
That's a smell you do not want to come home to!
Well a kitten would be grate to be able to adjust. Just remember to play with your kitten when you are home...In door ,out door. Litter box. If its a kitten you'll have to litter box train it. Boy or Girl??/ Best of luck...
yeah, cats do really well with this kind of living environment. in the summer we always go down to our beach house for a couple of days every week, and the cats that we had were fine! they might be a little annoyed when you come back because of your absense, but then their okay. more than dogs, cats like their personal space, so staying alone isnt too bad.im not exactly sure whether you should get a cat or kitten, but have had both have to adapt to that kind of condition, and as long as they knew where the food and water would be, they were both fine.
I cannot believe that no one has called you out on this one. While cats are typically more independent than dogs and can survive short periods of time without direct care, this is *not* responsible pet ownership. There's a difference between leaving a pet alone for a weekend every several months and *at least* 2 days *every week.* However stand-offish they may seem, cats are social pack animals. They need attention from their pack leader (that's you). It is selfish to put your desire for an animal ahead of the needs of that animal. Get some plants.
You people who try to justify abandoning your pets for at least two days every week are simply irresponsible.
If the longest that you are ever gone is only 2 days, then--YES, a cat can do fine as long as you provide a clean litter box, large dish of dry food, fresh water, several different toys and a scratching post for the kitty. As far as getting a kitten---I don't know, they can be a handful, and as curious about EVERYTHING as they are, they can get themselves into trouble, too. If you DO decide to get a kitten--even a full-grown cat, de-kitty the home before you leave by (mainly) pulling all electrical cords in sight out of the sockets so your kitty doesn't get electrocuted or possibly burn the house down. Also, put away any/all breakable glasses, figurines, etc. Remember, when you are gone, your cat is going to get bored, and a bored kitty can get themselves into trouble real easy. Best of luck to you in this decision.

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