Given the scenario, should I get a cat?

[MattM 0]

Ok, I like cats. They rule, but here is the situation. I live on the DZ in a camper. I leave for work at 7:30am and get back home at 2pm and as late as 5pm.

So if I was to get a cat, would he die from loneliness or being cramped in my camper (it's not that small).

Just lookin to give a cat a good home, cuz I would take care of him.... when I am there. I would hate to bring a cat home and it sucks for the poor thing... is there such thing as a DZ cat? :-)

Matt

[Casie 0]

Animals do need your attention all the time, however cats tend to sleep all day long. I'm taking it this cat would be an in-door cat or both? I think you'd be ok having an in-door cat

~Porn Kitty
WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts!

[kelel01 1]

A). Don't get a cat. Cats suck.

B). If you do, why don't you just let it run around?

C). My parent's cat actually lives in their bedroom, on account of our killer German Shepherd mutt that we have. He already got one of our cats (note: aggressive breeds of dog and cats don't mix), so we have to keep him away from Olivia. She seems fine in there. We let her out at night when we put the dog away.

Kelly

[benny 0]

Cats rock as you noted. They don't really need a lot of space. They also tend to enjoy some alone time and are capable of entertaining themselves. Go get yourself a kitty!

Never go to a DZ strip show.

[Gravitymaster 0]

Cats sleep about 20 hours a day.

[Jen1129 0]

You could always get two cats... I am gone a lot, and I have two cats and they keep each other company when I'm not around. Plus, then they tend to chase each other instead of tearing up stuff!

[benny 0]

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A). Don't get a cat. Cats suck.

you suck!

Never go to a DZ strip show.

[MattM 0]

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I'm taking it this cat would be an in-door cat or both? I think you'd be ok having an in-door cat

I was thinking of once I can trust him hanging around to let him out while I'm at work and bringing him in when I get home... I don't know... hope the little fucker doesn't run away.. :)

Matt

[MattM 0]

http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=2351986&adTarget=468petsgeneral&SessionID=402906ca73310430-app4&display=&preview=1&row=50&tmpl=

Matt

[DShiznit 0]

Cats are loners. They don't care if you don't give them attention all the time such as dogs do. I wouldn't suggest getting one if you live in a camper, cause that litter box will take over any smell possible.

[Casie 0]

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I'm taking it this cat would be an in-door cat or both? I think you'd be ok having an in-door cat

I was thinking of once I can trust him hanging around to let him out while I'm at work and bringing him in when I get home... I don't know... hope the little fucker doesn't run away.. :)

I think you've already made up your mind & you're getting the cat I wouldn't let the cat outside until it's familiar with you and it's surroundings. Maybe let it out when your outside as well & see how it reacts. Good Luck!

~Porn Kitty
WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts!

[MattM 0]

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I wouldn't suggest getting one if you live in a camper, cause that litter box will take over any smell possible.

Thats the only problem I see.... maybe a little cat door can be installed. Know of a way around it?

Matt

[PhillyKev 0]

Bahhh....we had dozens of cats when I was growing up....at a time. They were all born outside and never saw the inside of the house. It's no problem as long as you get a kitten. They'll explore and determine their home turn a little at a time. An adult might wander off to find its prior home.

[rehmwa 2]

You should get one. If it doesn't work, you can always slingshot it across the airport and then use the carcass for many practical purposes (such as door stops, table shims, etc.)

seriously, even a big trailer is pretty small so think hard about the hair and litter box. Cats are fine to leave alone a lot and 730 to 5 is nothing for most breeds (if you are serious about worrying about the cat being lonely, research the breed. Some are very social but 99% are no big deal about solitude). They aren't like dogs which need companionship.

I'm a dog person, but we got a cat for my daughter since we are gone frequently. It's working out extremely well.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[MikeJD 0]

In my experience, cats know what's good for them. If he or she has a warm place to sleep, plenty to eat and enough attention in your camper, s(he) won't be going anywhere. And given the typical DZ (lots of big fields to run around in etc) it should be a cool environment if the cat can get in and out during the day. I have known quite a few DZ cats. You might want to check with your DZ / Airfield owner re: how they feel about animals, though.

You should check

[MattM 0]

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You might want to check with your DZ / Airfield owner re: how they feel about animals, though.

No one cares as long as they don't shit all over the place.

Matt

[Casie 0]

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I wouldn't suggest getting one if you live in a camper, cause that litter box will take over any smell possible.

Thats the only problem I see.... maybe a little cat door can be installed. Know of a way around it?

The litter box shouldn't be a problem if you clean it everyday. Hair shouldn't be a problem if you brush the cat daily or every other day as well. Short haired cats don't shed as much.

~Porn Kitty
WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts!

[DShiznit 0]

Fo sho!

Get a short haired cat. I have one short and one long (and two dogs) and the animal hair in my house is unbelievable. Shouldn't be a problem if you are a tidy person.

If you are a slob, hell no.

[Nightingale 0]

if you get a cat, you would need to get two cats. they will entertain each other when you're not home. a lonely cat causes trouble. two cats are much better for both you and the critters.

however, I would say a small trailer is not fair to a kitty. I feel bad with my two in a 700 sq ft. apartment! If its a mobile home type trailer, though, you'd probably be fine.

They need to have room to run and play, or they cause trouble.

and please,please,please, don't let your kitty outdoors! It isn't safe. there are things like cars and planes and coyotes and small children that are dangerous to him. The lifespan of an outdoor cat is usually around a year or so, while an indoor cat will live 15-20 years. I have evidence of this. In the four years I have had my indoor kitties, my parents have gone through three outdoor kitties. Two coyotes, one car.

[Gravitymaster 0]

If you do decide to get a cat, I would caution you about leaving your rig lying around. Sometimes when cats find something interesting on the floor that has all kinds of cool thing on it to play with, they will play with it. Sometimes they decide to let other cats know it belongs to them so they will mark it. Cats also really, really like to play with nylon parachutes.

[weegegirl 2]

I am owned by two cats. I mean, I own two cats.

I got the second one two years after the first one so they could keep each other company.

First, a small trailor is way bigger than the biggest cage at the shelter. Don't forget that. Both my cats came from the shelter - one having spent an entire year pent up in a tiny little cage. You think he looks at my apartment and says "damn, that shit's small!"???? I think not.

Second, cats are very independent. During the winter, my cats get sick of me - I'm around all the time. They're like "damn, lady, get a life!" During the jumping season, I'm MIA for most of the weekend. It's OKAY. My cats are cool with it, I swear. They just get extra cuddles and attention when I get home.

If I thought for one second that my cats couldn't deal with my life style, I would find them a BETTER home. But, I think they are perfectly content.

If you've got love to give an animal, go get one from a shelter where they would otherwise have no chance.

[Nightingale 0]

and, they like to scratch on the cordura. keep kitties away from rigs!

[DShiznit 0]

Very good post.

[MikeJD 0]

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don't let your kitty outdoors! It isn't safe. there are things like cars and planes and coyotes and small children that are dangerous to him.

I guess it all depends on the circumstances. My cats are free to come and go (but still choose to spend lots of time indoors). Both are 8 years old and I hope they'll be around for quite a few more. But I do live in a quiet street, and the coyote population of South London is pretty low. Plus, they eat small children for breakfast...

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[Nightingale 0]

my folks live on a quiet street too. It only takes one car.

After the last kitty died, my mom was crying and saying that they should've listened to me about keeping her indoors. I didn't have to say "I told you so" and I wouldn't have been that cruel.

Outside, your kitty is exposed to all kinds of diseases, some are vaccinated against (at least here, I don't know about London's vaccination programs) and others are not. Please be careful and think very carefully about your decision to let your little friend outdoors.