pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,652 
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on May 2, 2018 17:20:37 GMT
Cats aren't necessarily a balm for anxiety, they're wild and sharp and bitey when they're young and while many are super affectionate, some are just going to be aloof and not interested in emotional support. Which is part of their charm, to me ^^^ I agree with this- think very long and hard about whether you want a 'lap pet' type pet for 'soothing' behaviors, or not. Some cats are lap cats, quiet, and relaxed, but not very many, in my opinion. Maybe you could think about adopting a SENIOR cat?? One that's been surrendered from a home with an older person who had to move into assisted living, or something similar?? Just like most people want to adopt babies, most people want to adopt kittens. Older cats are already 'past' the biting, kicking, crazy-acting stage, and are more likely to just want to lay in your lap and chill... Older cats' personalities are already set, so you can tell more of what it's going to be like when you bring it home. Older cats need loving retirement homes, too!! ITA! A lot of people want kittens, but I always tell people to consider adult cats (doesn't even need to be senior - even a few years old can be a lot more mellow than a kitten). At the shelter I go to, it's free range and it's pretty easy to gauge the personality of the cats (obviously no guarantee how they will be in a new home, but it's pretty easy to see who likes to sleep all day and who likes to be up in everybody's business). We also get cats who were in a home and for whatever reason, had to come to the shelter - they are good cats to adopt because they are already used to being in a home and are typically very friendly and like human interaction. |
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Post by 950nancy on May 2, 2018 18:08:07 GMT
I have heard that rats are VERY good pets- they're smart, clean, and can be very friendly. My previous supervisor's daughter had two of them, and her daughter (and she) both really liked having them. I've had them and they are the best pet in the rodent family IMHO. They don't live very long though compared to a cat or dog. I'd try a cat rescue and see if you can get a two to three year old cat who loves attention. My cat was so very friendly when I rescued him and he was 100% love. Never scratched or bit anyone and he gave you a butt massage when you walked in the house. |
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Post by hockeymom4 on May 2, 2018 18:39:24 GMT
Thanks for the variety of opinions and experiences... glad to hear some have managed to have a cat that doesn’t effect their allergies too much
DD knows we are just at the talking about it stage and that DH’s allergies are the main issue to be dealt with.
As far as other pets...... a dog is pretty much a no go as our yard is not fenced, we are out of the house a lot in the winter with hockey (a few weekends away). I have more offers to help with a cat than a dog as well
Rat,have heard they are excellent pets but really don’t think either DD or I would be on board
I had a pet rabbit at university (granted it was university so I was not the best pet parent) but it chewed everything and pooped everywhere....... but it may be an option to look at
Chinchilla has never been on my radar, will look into it
She definitely wants something soft and cuddly..... she knows a cat can have attitude and get into things but I “think” she would be ok with that..... I think a bit of “character” in her pet would be helpful
I have thought of her volunteering, will definitely be something we discuss when she is in a bit better form.... she has had a rough couple of days and I am quickly learning that me suggesting things does NOT help!! Hoping she has a good session today with the psychologist and that I can also get a few pointers...
Thanks again
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Post by Tammiem2pnc1 on May 2, 2018 18:44:45 GMT
Thanks for the variety of opinions and experiences... glad to hear some have managed to have a cat that doesn’t effect their allergies too much DD knows we are just at the talking about it stage and that DH’s allergies are the main issue to be dealt with. As far as other pets...... a dog is pretty much a no go as our yard is not fenced, we are out of the house a lot in the winter with hockey (a few weekends away). I have more offers to help with a cat than a dog as well Rat,have heard they are excellent pets but really don’t think either DD or I would be on board
I had a pet rabbit at university (granted it was university so I was not the best pet parent) but it chewed everything and pooped everywhere....... but it may be an option to look at Chinchilla has never been on my radar, will look into it She definitely wants something soft and cuddly..... she knows a cat can have attitude and get into things but I “think” she would be ok with that..... I think a bit of “character” in her pet would be helpful I have thought of her volunteering, will definitely be something we discuss when she is in a bit better form.... she has had a rough couple of days and I am quickly learning that me suggesting things does NOT help!! Hoping she has a good session today with the psychologist and that I can also get a few pointers... Thanks again We've had pet rats as well and they are funny cheeky little things. Males can smell a little more but tend to me more cuddly. The girls smell better, but have a ton of personality and tend to want to be on the go all the time. ODS wanted a pet when he was little and our pediatrician recommended a pet rat for him. We had the sweetest little guy. He was a dumbo so his ears were more on the side of his head instead of the top and were huge. ODS would walk him around on a leash and the rat would sit with him for hours. Unfortunately they don't have very long lives - around 2 years - so that could be either a good or a bad thing, depending on how dedicated you want to be with an animal. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 19:29:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 20:23:11 GMT
Volunteering can be very rewarding and counts for the community service that most seniors have to do now.
She could set up a dog walking service for the summer. She gets to play with dogs , take care of them and get paid.
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 2, 2018 21:27:39 GMT
Thanks for the variety of opinions and experiences... glad to hear some have managed to have a cat that doesn’t effect their allergies too much DD knows we are just at the talking about it stage and that DH’s allergies are the main issue to be dealt with. As far as other pets...... a dog is pretty much a no go as our yard is not fenced, we are out of the house a lot in the winter with hockey (a few weekends away). I have more offers to help with a cat than a dog as well Rat,have heard they are excellent pets but really don’t think either DD or I would be on board I had a pet rabbit at university (granted it was university so I was not the best pet parent) but it chewed everything and pooped everywhere....... but it may be an option to look atChinchilla has never been on my radar, will look into it She definitely wants something soft and cuddly..... she knows a cat can have attitude and get into things but I “think” she would be ok with that..... I think a bit of “character” in her pet would be helpful I have thought of her volunteering, will definitely be something we discuss when she is in a bit better form.... she has had a rough couple of days and I am quickly learning that me suggesting things does NOT help!! Hoping she has a good session today with the psychologist and that I can also get a few pointers... Thanks again Our friend’s rabbit lives in a big kennel and is litter trained, so he doesn’t chew stuff or get into anything he shouldn’t. She only takes him out when she can pay attention to him and play with him. I wouldn’t have (or suggest having) a free range rabbit in my house, LOL. |
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