For 17 y ears I had cats, the same two. Earlier this year due to cancer on one, and seizures in another, I had to put them both down, one was 17 the other 19. I miss my cats. But I don't miss the cat hair and the liter box!

I have Jade, she's an AWESOME dog, and great companion.

But I keep thinking to get a kitty to keep her company! But then remember I'm enjoying not having the litter and the hair.

but I just found this cat, was wondering what you all think. I've seen this ad, it's the third time this person's placed it. I really like it's looks.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/pet/838018499.html

To adopt another or not? that is the question!!!!!!!!

I'd ask the current owners about her shedding. My old cat was really bad about shedding. My new cat is not as bad as long as I keep him brushed regularly.

How will your dog feel about the company? Is she lonely now that your other 2 cats are gone? Would it be better to get a kitten for her?

On the plus side, one cat doesn't make as big a mess in the litter department as 2.

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your kitties I do understand how you feel about the fur and the litter boxes though. I have three cats. We had 2 for 4 years before we adopted our third. DH and I comment to each other now that once there aren't 3 anymore, the number isn't going to get above 2 again. Its a lot of money and time to take care of them. Plus our cats are needy and they all crave attention - lots of it! But if getting another kitty would add enough love and joy to your life to make up for the litter and the fur, then I say go for it.

So your dog is ok with cats? Also, you had another dog which I imagine you no longer have? If you still have that dog, was it around your cats before?

What about another dog? I am very much a dog person! lol

I don't find two dogs that much more work then one. They both eat at the same time, go out at the same time, go for a walk at a the same time. We just need a bigger bed so we can all fit in it! Whereas having a dog and cat would seem like more work to me because they have different needs (like a literbox).

awww what a sweet looking kittie... sounds like they are willing to bring her around to meet your dog, which is a good thing!

one word on the fur - Furminator! it cost $20 bucks and we though- geez, 20 bucks for a brush?! but we sucked it up and did it anyway and it is seriously amazing! it claims that it cuts out 90% of shedding - and well i don't know about that but we have had no furball incidents since we got it and i feel a lot less- full of cat hair and every time we brush her we pull like a kittens worth of hair off her. it's freaking awesome!

i keep thinking of getting a companion for my cat, but i worry about them not getting along. she's pretty territorial.

i say go for it! but only if it's what YOU want not what you think you should do for the dog.

Are you called to this cat, Loriann? Were you looking for another cat on Craigs List or did this cat turn up on your screen by accident. What attracts you to this sweet girl? If you find yourself thinking about her a lot and not thinking about other cats then you probably should go and look at her. I was called to my dog, Charlie, who was a truly great gift at a very black time.

I know what you mean about hair and litter. I have four cats. The periods over the years I went without a cat were very quiet. Mind you, I didn't have a dog at the time either. I can't imagine being without a cat. I'll bet your dog feels the same.

Speaking for your dog, dogs are pack animals and benefit from the company of another living body in the house when you're not home. Does Jade seem lonely?

It's so hard to lose a pet. They don't have long lives but the time you share with them is so full of love.

Nellie, Yes, I did have a pup. But I found out I wasn't allowed two dogs here! My neighbor had two and thats why I thought rules hadn't changed. When I had the pup (he was 9 months and ALL puppy) Jade was happy and loved him! I noticed she seemed to look for him for a few days after he'd left. She seems alright especially when I'm training and walking her (ofcourse, moms spending time with her) but I swear sometimes she looks lonely. Thats why I thought to get a cat.

Someone asked if I'm drawn to the cat. I seen that cat before and yes, I am drawn to her. Like Jade, I had to bring Lillie back to the place I'd gotten her because she bit someone and had to be put down. (Lillie was 4 when I got her and had some majorissues. I was able to help inmost but she was VERY dog aggressive, and she bit someone she felt threatened by.) ALL that weekend I spent looking for a puppy, and must of gone back to jade four dozen times, just fell in love with her. So Monday after work I went to pick her up and KNEW she was the one. And I've not regretted it since.

I keep looking at cats, but fell in love with this siamese cat. she's georgous. but am trying to convince myself I don't want the cat hair or litter!

Hmmmm....it's a trade-off! I know you (and Jade) want another critter and you seem drawn to this furry so I'd follow your heart. She probably will be worth the fur and litter tasks. Animals are great about fixing holes in hearts.

Maybe your little cats that have gone on are trying to guide you to this little cat to make you and Jade happy. If you are drawn to this little person perhaps the folks who have her would bring her over for a visit for an hour or two to see how she and Jade get along. Oh, and how you get along with the cat as well.

I never thought I'd have a dog in an apartment but he's been wonderful and the cats love him. Well, most of them. Spunky wants to be top dog, even though he's a cat, and feels nothing about banging Charlie on the top of the head to show dominance. Charlie gets revenge, in a nice and humourous way, by wagging his tail in such a way that Spunky gets brushed in the face with a big, fluffy tail. Charlie is a big lab/collie cross.

Charlie also has a son who's a cat. He's raised him from 10 weeks old and Angel thought he was a puppy until Mum died and I took Angel's mum, sister, and brother.

My opinion is to meet this cat and see if you and Jade are drawn to it in person. Cat hair and kitty litter be darned!

I tried contacting this cat's owner, to no avail. There's another ad for a bengal cat! I have always wanted a bengal cat! If they respond I'll go look at it, if they don't, I'll try not to look in the pets section anymore!!!!! COMPUTERS ARE EVIL!!!!!!

Well, Meowee has Bengals and says they are really unfriendly. Maybe not a good choice if Jade needs a new pack member? I'm sure Meowee wouldn't mind if you PM'd her.

bengal are definately not your ordinary house cat. Those that have them do usually love them. BUT they are not typical cats. They can be very very difficult. I don't usually recommend Bengals unless you know what you are getting into.

May i also make a comment to you about getting another pet. SEriously think about it. you're previous threads talked about finacial issues and difficulties with the pup you previously adopted. I think if you have financial issues right now, i would not recommend adopting a pet. Pet's cost money. You talked alot in the previous emails about not being able to provide properly for the previous pup and the frustration in trusting the people you got them for. Just remember this...if you are back on your feet and finances are not an issue, then think long and hard about getting another pet. However, if you are still looking for a job and having issues making ends meet...maybe wait until you are back in order and things aren't so tight. i just don't want you to have the issues you had with the pup.

Good luck!

Thank you ruth, I did pm meowee.

Gator, Thanks, Yes, I'm aware that cats have upkeep, I had two from 1993 to 2008. They were vetted, upt on shots, and well taken care of. The pup proposed issues, yes. Thats one of the reasons I've been debating, cat litter, cat food, shot and vet bills. At least right now.
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Please know, I'm NOT the type to take an animal on a whim... When I take on animals they become part of the family. My cats were with me for 15 years, my dog has been with me all but the first 12 weeks of her life, she's now two. and I had a fish tank for 20 years before finally giving to my nephew who wanted it.

I think we realize you're not taking the cat on a whim, Loriann, since you had your cats for so many years. However, being called to a cat doesn't mean its a whim. It's a gift as long as you're sure you and your doggie will benefit as much as the cat.

On the other hand, I've taken in cats on a whim and never went wrong yet. I found my little Katie, who's gone on to her next level, on a freezing cold Feb night and just picked her up and took her home. She was the strangest little cat I ever had. She lost one of her ears to frostbite and was so matted I had to trim the mats off with my embroidery scissors. I called her a "sticky" persian because she would throw off these balls of sticky black hair, which I called her smuts, instead of shedding like a normal cat. She was dear and eccentric and I still miss her. The vet said if I hadn't taken her in that night she would have died of starvation within a day or so. My whim gave her many years of being my one-eared wonder. I was clearly called to her that night.