Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I dont know whether to get a puppy or a kitten. We have a co-op its on a second floor. We dont know what to get though. Dh and I like cats and dogs but we prefer dogs BUT we dont have much time to dedicate to a new puppy as far as training because we both work full time and we dont have a yard ( does that matter?) - we would have to walk the puppy. Also we are worried about the lack of space and the mess and smells a dog might bring. A kitten seems like it would be so much easier to care for. We are so torn because we want a puppy but realistically a cat maybe more practical---

Any insight?

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I voted kitten given your situation, but it was really hard to do so since I'm SUCH a dog person.

I think that if you got an older dog it would handle being inside so much, but puppies have so much energy it would be really hard on you and the dog. JMO

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

i say a kitty cat since you dont have a backyard access (i think its important)

i know how u feel i want a puppy so bad and we have an apt and FH says NO! wait till we have a house but he said we can get a kitty so we are going to wait till after the HM!

i hope i helped

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

We like both cats and dogs but since we are living in an apt and working a lot we got a cat last year. We figure that when we get a house with a back yard we will get a dog.

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I think a cat would be a better choice, seeing how you both work full time.

A cat is better adapted to being left alone...they aren't as social as dogs. (Oh, I know the cat people are gonna kill me for that one!)

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

Do you both only get home in the evening? I really like dogs, so I would have to pick them. It's not bad for us because FH gets home from work at 3:30, so he's not home alone for too long.

There are plenty of dog breeds that are fine with living in an apartment because some are inactive when they're inside, and some can do without yards also. As long as you walk them and give them exercise which they can get more of on the weekends when you're off, you could be fine.

This site may help you to find a breed that wouldn't be so complicated to take care of.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

If u work full time, a kitten is your best choice. A puppy needs to be walked 3-4 times a day. I have two cats and they are so easy to care for. I grew up with dogs and did not think I would like cats, but I do. They are so full of personality.

I volunteer for an animal shelter. If you decide to adopt a cat or kitten, please check out our website on petfinders.com. THe name is Animals can't talk in Little neck, NY. The number is 718 393-7535.

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I love both dogs and cats, and really miss having a puppy .. but we got a kitten last year for the very same reasons you posted .. mostly because we aren't home a lot during the daytime, and we have very little room for a dog .. I just didn't think it would be fair to keep the pooch cooped up all day, whereas kitties adapt much better to that.

That said, kittens are WONDERFUL and I just adore my little Mia .. she has as much personality as a puppy, and then some. When you have them from when they are kittens, they do grow as attached to you as dogs do, so you won't be missing out on anything.

Despite the lack of room we're thinking of getting another kitten soon, mostly to keep Mia company during the day

Whatever you decide I'm sure you'll be very happy with the new addition to your family!!

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I say both but it does depend on your schedule!

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I have both cats and a dog. If you have any doubt, get a cat. DOGS ARE MORE WORK THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE, ESPECIALLY A PUPPY. People should only get a puppy if they are gone less than four hours at a time. Cats are great. They are also cheaper, easier to care for, and less of a problem when you go away on vacation.

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I like both Cats & Dogs. Jim & I really want a pup, but we both admit there's so much involved with a puppy. It's just doesnt seem fair. We have a cat. Fat Fluff Cat called Buddy.

I prefer Cats to Dogs for small spaces. But some cat breeds (if pure bloods) are very picky about being left alone. Most mutts could care less, but some breeds get very depressed if left alone too long.

I voted cat. Besides I find, personally, it's easier for me to introduce a pup to a cat than a kitten to a dog. Jim and I want both. heh

Good Luck!

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

i would vote for kitten!

they are just as adorable and probably a little bit easier to care for.

plus, one day in the future you can get a dog if you find the time to commit.

cats also live much longer (on the average)

good luck to you :) either one you get will be great...i love pets!

Re: Im having a hard time deciding on a pet !

I have always been a cat person. For your living situation, I would go with a kitty.