Pets, Love ’Em or Hate ’Em?

maxyzee on 07/06/2018 - 09:57
Last edited 07/06/2018 - 10:38 by 1 other user

Hey All

I’ve a cat at my home that we adopted from the RSPCA a few years ago. Initially I’d refused pets but the kids and wife eventually got me to agree to one cat. Now I don’t mind our cat but she every now and then if we forget to let her out she pees in our house and the smell is so strong, the kitty litter we moved outside as the laundry doesn’t have enough space. And of course the usual suspect to clean it up is me and also making sure it has food and water. I really want that cat gone.

I honestly could not really care for having pets in the family as I never grew up with them and it never really clicked with me. But as you it has to stay but our cat is part of our family yada yada.. so our cat will stay despite her urinating antics.

Anyway I just wanted to ask the OzBargain community what their thoughts were on having pets. Do you love having them around, they’re genuinely part of your family or is a not here nor there type of thing and you only have one because spouse/kids want them or you never want them and don’t want any animals inside your home.

Poll Options

  • 310
    Love pets absolutely part of my family they’re like my children
  • 74
    Meh
  • 38
    Don’t want to ever have a pet ever
Pets

Comments

  • Moomt on 07/06/2018 - 10:26
    +11

    I grew up having cats and dogs - pets will always be a part of our family. My 12 year old German Shepherd has cancer and arthritis. We have already had her operated on once - but she is too old now to cope with another operation. The vet is coming to our house tomorrow to put her too sleep as it is time. Our household will be a sad one this weekend :(

    • Quantumcat on 07/06/2018 - 10:47
      +3

      Sorry to hear that :-( What a horrible time! 12 years is a good run.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 12:10
      +3

      Seems like you've tried everything and have made the best decision.

      I would hate to be a vet!

    • Randxyz123 on 07/06/2018 - 13:47
      +3

      Sorry to hear!!
      Make Sure you get her a nice piece of chicken fillet for her final meal and take her for a final walk. Or to the beach if she likes that. (Even if you have to carry her there)

      My golden retriever went the same way. He did a round of chemo but it wasn’t the right thing to put him through it again.

      • Moomt on 07/06/2018 - 18:15
        +2

        Thank you for your suggestions - chicken fillet will be picked up tomorrow.

      • bardlee on 08/06/2018 - 18:16
        -1

        I gave my cat a final meal the morning he was put down and he threw it up as he was going under. I totally wish I hadnt done that.

    • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 13:53
      +9

      My man and I have shared our lives with 7 cats over the last 38 years. It is always incredible sad when we have to put one down but my motto is you owe them a good life and a good death. It is your job to ensure they aren't suffering. Making the decision is always awful, but then you have loved them for a long time so it should be. Let yourself mourn for the loss of a companion.

      • Moomt on 07/06/2018 - 18:19

        Too true - as hard as it is - I don’t want her in any more discomfort.
        She is our only pet and I know my kids will take it very hard - but it’s what’s best for her. She has definitely had the good life - but the old girl deserves to suffer no more :(

    • solidussnake on 07/06/2018 - 20:45
      +1

      Sorry to hear :( my brother has a baby German shepherd and its soo gorgeous and curious they make a great family pet!

    • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2018 - 08:51

      My office has a view of a vet's front door. It's always horrible to see teary people carrying their pets in.

      They may be complete strangers to me but their sorrow really resonates with me.

    • TheOneWhoKnocks on 09/06/2018 - 20:39
      +2

      Who's chopping up onions in here?

  • keepa on 07/06/2018 - 10:51
    +15

    I love my dog, her love is unconditional and the happiness i see in her eyes from the simplest things is the best

    • one man clan on 07/06/2018 - 11:40
      +33

      Sociopath detected

      • TheBilly on 08/06/2018 - 09:08
        -1

        I'm the sociopath? lol

        Enjoy listening to everything you say? Have exactly the same taste in film and TV as you? Massage your lap with warm soothing vibrations? Give you kisses, head bumps and body rubs? Stare deeply into your eyes with pure unconditional love that renders everything else in the world trivial in comparison?

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 12:21
      +19

      If I need to fill the emotional void that pets apparently fill according to above posters, I'll get that from my family and friends.

      Do your family and friends:

      • Enjoy listening to everything you say?
      • Have exactly the same taste in film and TV as you?
      • Massage your lap with warm soothing vibrations?
      • Give you kisses, head bumps and body rubs?
      • Stare deeply into your eyes with pure unconditional love that renders everything else in the world trivial in comparison?
      • Randxyz123 on 07/06/2018 - 13:51
        +8

        @Scrouge You forgot bounding up to the front door when you get home, ears pricked, tail wagging (even if it’s just food they want) genuinely happy to see you.

        They aren’t for everyone. But having a dog hasn’t stopped me travelling. Usually it’s payment in a slab to a mate who likes my dog more than me and is more than happy to water my garden and feed my dog and cat.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 14:36
          +2

          You forgot bounding up to the front door when you get home, ears pricked, tail wagging (even if it’s just food they want) genuinely happy to see you.

          That seems like abnormal behaviour. Is your cat sick?

          When I return home, mine is typically fast asleep exactly where I left her hours ago.

        • Quantumcat on 07/06/2018 - 14:51
          +4

          @Scrooge McDuck: mine usually greet me at the front door when I come home and want a pat

      • TheBilly on 08/06/2018 - 09:04

        Enjoy listening to everything you say?

        Mum

        Have exactly the same taste in film and TV as you?

        Mates

        Massage your lap with warm soothing vibrations?

        Mobile phone, when I get calls

        Give you kisses, head bumps and body rubs?

        Wife

        Stare deeply into your eyes with pure unconditional love that renders everything else in the world trivial in comparison?

        Wife

        • HighAndDry on 08/06/2018 - 11:47
          +6

          Stare deeply into your eyes with pure unconditional love that renders everything else in the world trivial in comparison?

          Wife

          You're either really young (and naive) or really old (and have a really really good relationship). Either way I'm a little jealous haha.

    • Neptunesblood on 08/06/2018 - 13:59

      I feel sad for you.

    • SlickMick on 09/06/2018 - 11:49

      Not popular saying it out loud, but I feel sad when I see all these comments from people seeking their social needs from animals.

      I feel the same as you. I would like to have a dog because it would earn it's keep guarding my house. A real dog. I don't see much of a use for anything you can fit in a handbag. But since I need to put the dog into care when I go away, I think technology is a better solution for me. So I don't have any pets.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/06/2018 - 11:25
    +8

    love them more than humans

  • Diji1 on 07/06/2018 - 11:34
    +12

    I'm sick of dog owners creating creating noise problems.

    • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 14:03
      +16

      I'm sick of parents creating noise problems.

      • SlickMick on 09/06/2018 - 11:51

        I'd like to see both banned

  • pformag on 07/06/2018 - 12:06
    +4

    Dogs give unconditional love. Something rare from humans.

    • TheBilly on 08/06/2018 - 09:10
      -6

      Well it is conditional. You have to feed them, take care of them, pick up their shit depending on the level of training, pay for everything they need or do. Humans can at least shit in the toilet and flush it themselves, depending on age.

      • maxyzee on 08/06/2018 - 16:35

        Well it actually is kind of true. Dogs will definitely give unconditional love. A dog will always be happy to see its owner no matter what kind treatment it had received by that owner. Imagine if you neglected your partner (didn’t pay attention, dismissed him/her, put him/her down etc.) and then one day decided to give him/her a hug. I don’t think your partner would be really that pleased to receive that hug. Whereas a dog would absolutely be happy to receive that hug regardless (to certain point of course).

        • TheBilly on 11/06/2018 - 09:29

          What if you didnt feed the dog for a week? would the situation be the same? probably not. Condition # 1.

  • QW3RTY on 07/06/2018 - 12:18
    +15

    I think I must not be a "pet person".

    Sure animals are cute, amusing and might be fun to play with, but I see a pet as something that will ultimately restrict my flexibility, add to my expenses and will divert more of my limited free time away from things I want to do.

    If I see a person taking their happy looking doggo for a walk down by the beach, I'll give it a pat and move on with my day. I feel that's my perfect level of animal interaction.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 12:31
      +8

      Unfortunately not everyone is as responsible as you. People shouldn't adopt pets unless they're committed to taking care of them for life.

    • mctubster on 08/06/2018 - 10:15

      Lol well all I can say is don't have children! Pets are easy ;)

    • randombrick on 08/06/2018 - 13:53

      Similar here. Pets are not for me - don't want the responsibility and don't want the joy from having them.

  • onetwothreefour on 07/06/2018 - 12:37

    I like dogs but have 2 cats. I'd prefer to have a dog but I just don't have the time to give them as much attention that they need. Cats are easier to look after because they basically don't care about you apart from in the winter when they use you for body warmth or when they are hungry.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 12:41
      +3

      That depends on the breed, individual personality and upbringing of the cat.

      • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 14:01
        +1

        Seriously, dude, you need to get a Somali. They absolutely need to be where you are and are constantly looking for interaction and fun. We have a warehouse we converted and they run around on the beams. If you open a cupboard then make sure they aren't in it before you close the door and once they know they can get in somewhere they spend time plotting how to get in there again. These things are like dogs with the ability to jump and climb; including using you as a stepping stone up to the next level.

        http://cattime.com/cat-breeds/somali-cats#/slide/1

        • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 14:54

          This castle only has room for one little chocolate princess.

          But that won't stop us vicariously enjoying others on YouTube. ^_^ ^_^

        • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 15:56

          @Scrooge McDuck: Give the chocolate princess a cuddle from me. I really need to do a Youtube video showing our girls. They are just pure energy and we have set the house up so they have a pretty good rat run from one end of the house to the other at first floor level and access to the beams.

  • Nutrino on 07/06/2018 - 13:05

    My cousin has a dog, lives on her own, worked full time, and goes out every Friday night. Leaving the dog at home. Yea, the dogs got problems now.

    So sad.

    • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 14:01
      +1

      Some people just don't consider their lifestyle before getting a pet. Have you considered suggesting doggie day care places she should look into.

    • anastasiastarz on 12/06/2018 - 01:55

      That's me - except that I work PT from home, and go out every night. We have a bunny & dog, they keep each other company.

  • Kiminoth on 07/06/2018 - 13:46
    +2

    I've always had pets, whether they be my parents, or now that I live out of the home, my own.

    It's great to come home and see their excitement, they do provide a lot of joy, however, my partner took them when she went on a long weekend trip…

    … The peace and silence was bliss.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 07/06/2018 - 15:13
      +4

      I've always had pets, whether they be my parents, or now that I live out of the home, my own.

      Was it difficult adjusting to human society?

      You write very well considering!

      • Kiminoth on 07/06/2018 - 18:02

        Touché

  • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 14:14
    +1

    My view is if you are equivocal about getting a pet then don't. They are a lot of work, they are expensive, you are restricted with holidays and it is your reponsibility to look after them. However, if you do want a pet there is a lot of positives, they are endlessly amusing, they give unconditional love, they are lovely to cuddle and pet, they listen to your problems without judgement or trying to "fix" them. It is better if you can leave them in the home and get someone to sit them when you are away.

    The best thing to do is investigate the various breed types and match it with your lifestyle and check out inherent issues with the breed. If you are buying a bitzer from the RSPCA see if they can give you an idea of what is the dominant breeds and how big it will grow.

    If you have an apartment, with a balcony, and don't want the cat tray inside then you can put a cat door to the balcony and put the tray in a plastic doghouse. It keeps the litter/cat dry and the smell outside.

  • maxyzee on 07/06/2018 - 15:27

    I guess my point is I don’t mind the cat but the whole connection thing doesn’t really click with me yet it’s me doing the jobs. I’d be more than happy to re home her with another more suitable family but obviously that’s not an option because the rest of the family wouldn’t have that. I sort of feel like the dad in Beethoven.

    • sim777 on 07/06/2018 - 17:11
      +1

      if the cat stopped peeing in the house would that change your thoughts and feelings about having the cat? I would recommend having two litter trays in the house - as the cat is unlikely to go in the same litter tray if it has been soiled.

    • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 17:16

      Set up a roster calendar that shows who is responsible for the cat that week, post it up on a wall. If there is an issue then check the roster and get the person to do their job.

    • psychojimmy on 08/06/2018 - 17:59
      +1

      If you’re happy to palm off a pet because you haven’t got an emotional connection or it’s not acting how you expect it to, pet ownership isn’t for you and they’re things people should consider before getting one.

  • PythonLady on 07/06/2018 - 17:48
    +1

    As you can probably tell from the username I have reptiles as pets. They are great as they give me something to do but they are not as high maintenance as something like a dog. Basically you can pick them up every day or once a week if you want to, they don't care. Also if you go away for a long weekend you don't need anyone to look after them. My snake only eats one meal a week so he's cheap to feed too. I don't know why more people don't have them (probably the fear factor).

    • try2bhelpful on 07/06/2018 - 17:59

      hmmm, your pet is your own choice but most people want something they can interact with and get postive feedback. The expression "cold blooded" comes to mind. However, give the snake a pat from me. I don't have an issue with snakes but if you had pet spiders I would not go anywhere near your place.

  • SickMyDuck on 07/06/2018 - 18:23

    I do love to have them around, but have to consider several factors as well (size of your house, financial ability, time, etc.). If I can't satisfy those factors, I won't have them. It will be a burden rather than being a family member, IMO.

  • Ravensbane on 07/06/2018 - 18:23

    Hit and miss for me. Wife has 5 cats and a dog that she lets me live with… All are indoor pets. Cats scratch the wood all over the house and there is bloody cat hair everywhere, dog is pretty good mostly. I dont dislike the cats but they piss me off sometimes, yet at the same time they are good to have around for the kids.

    Wont be replacing the cats with more cats. Maybe some dogs, or snakes.

    • maxyzee on 08/06/2018 - 16:28
      +1

      Wow. I just couldn’t live with that many animal inside. The smell would drive me insane. Interestingly enough my wife actually has an allergy to cats so our cat’s hair would make her break out into rashes or clog up sinuses etc. yet she tolerates that all because she loves animals so much. Who knows if she wasn’t so allergic our house would have even more animals.

  • nahi11 on 07/06/2018 - 19:42
    -3

    DInner

  • Kamsi on 07/06/2018 - 20:39

    Not a cat person but I loves dogs. My pet dog passed away few yeara ago and even now i still seeing him laying around on the grass in our small backyard.

  • m0nkeycheese on 07/06/2018 - 21:47
    +3

    pets are better than humans

    • PleasureMe on 08/06/2018 - 17:18
      -2

      maybe, but you're not allowed to have sex with them. So humans win.

  • Cherry12 on 08/06/2018 - 01:10
    +5

    Cats are usually very clean and independent. The best pet for busy people.

    Just make sure you find space for a couple of litter trays (close to the places she usually stays in).

    • HighAndDry on 08/06/2018 - 17:28
      +3

      Yup. Aside from fish and insects, cats are the lowest-maintenance pets you can get. They're sticklers for cleanliness, they're basically born toilet-trained, they groom themselves, they can entertain themselves and are entertained by everything (or just sleep all the time).

  • shaybisc on 08/06/2018 - 08:34
    +1

    You should not be the one feeding and cleaning up after the cat. Ultimatum to kids: you do it and do it well or cat goes to cat heaven.

    • maxyzee on 08/06/2018 - 12:40
      +1

      Haha if only the wife had the same viewpoint.

      • SlickMick on 08/06/2018 - 13:56

        Ultimatum to kids and wife…

        So you got overruled on having a cat. Fair enough.
        But the one who didn't want it doing all the work? Not happening.
        I wouldn't be doing a thing for the cat. If it isn't adequately looked after, the cat goes for it's own welfare.

        If wife and kids have a higher tolerance for the smell etc, you'll need to lift your game. Decide that you want a pet too, and choose something that the cat won't want to live with. Once the cat's gone, you can get rid of the dog/ snake/ cat-hater of choice.

      • tryagain on 10/06/2018 - 16:26

        Just say if they want to keep the pet then they have to take care of it as you are no longer doing so, if the cat pee's inside and it's not cleaned up within 5 mins you will use their pillow to do it.

  • leznix on 08/06/2018 - 10:33
    +4

    2 cats at home.

    The love and trust they show to you are among the most precious thing one can ask for.

  • Neptunesblood on 08/06/2018 - 14:00
    +9

    Imagine the poor cat knowing it shouldn’t piss inside and the turmoil going on in its head when it can’t get out. Holding out as long as possible.

    • try2bhelpful on 08/06/2018 - 14:58
      +2

      Completely agree, cats are very sensitive to making a mess - as a rule. We trapped one in our bedroom and it crapped on the bookcase. Our fault entirely and we made sure we didn't do it again. As others have indicated get a tray inside or get a cat door to let the cat outside.

  • cdaddy on 08/06/2018 - 14:51
    -1

    Have no issue with those that have pets, But i do wonder why you need 3 dogs/cats and those that cant control their dog is frustrating.

    • nocure on 08/06/2018 - 15:12

      Why can't I have 3 pets…?

  • mezje on 08/06/2018 - 15:22
    +2

    ctrl + f 'fish' 0 results, :'(

    Renting at the moment and would love a dog as I grew up with pets however time doesn't allow for it and I don't think I have enough time to take off train it properly so it will have to wait until I 'settle down'.

    My partner loves dogs as well and really wants a dog but has the same views as me, one day he came home with a fish tank and that was a big learning experience! I now have a very good appreciation for fish tanks and love for aquatic plants.

    We now have 3 tanks, 2 planted fish tanks and another 'submerged' tank where I just grow plants in wet conditions.

    • donnot on 08/06/2018 - 17:42

      Also have fish! Started off with one tank last year (established 7ft cichlid tank) and there was certainly a steep learning curve, but ended up with 3 others for all of the fry (back to 2 total now)… Wish I could do plants - they don't usually last long before they're eaten :(.

      • mezje on 19/06/2018 - 08:38

        Ahhhh, I just read this! 7ft is huge!! My Dad had a 6ft for a while.

        For me the hobby comes more from the plants and scaping so I am happy with small tanks! Betta's work well even though they are hated on a bit because their strong colour really contrasts well with the greenery, they have cool personalities too!

        I really want to get a community tank soon though with some loaches…

  • Brianqpr on 08/06/2018 - 16:50

    Two golden retrievers and a rabbit.

    They cost money, the dogs shed hair CONSTANTLY, the joys of removing the poo from the garden every day, they are always trying to get more food, restrict how often you can go on holiday etc. But they are awesome and bring a lot into your life. Retrievers have the best temperament and are perfect if you have young kids.

    The dogs also big and can bark loudly and act tough if anyone approaches the house so add security. Potential burglars won't hang around long enough to know how hopelessly soft they are!

  • PleasureMe on 08/06/2018 - 17:14
    -2

    I like Pets, but I believe they belong at home. One of the girls in our office just got a new dog and now she has started bringing it to work every day. She is the first person to ever bring a pet to work. Upper management don't seem to mind, even HR encouraged her to bring the dog to work. But I hate it. I like dogs, but i don't believe they belong running around the office.

  • orangetrain on 08/06/2018 - 17:54

    I love my two cats. Can talk to one but the other one has attitude issues and is very quiet. Both do pee outside otherwise they'll give me a real hassle. The neighbours next door had spoken of how they love seeing them with the kids.

    When I moved into a new area last year, I had many noisy birds, ie lorikeets, in morning. Now they're gone, thanks to my lovely family. I recommend everyone to have cats to get rid of the nuisance!

  • rlay3 on 08/06/2018 - 18:02

    I love my puppy! I'm all for adopting rescued pets!

  • shaybisc on 08/06/2018 - 18:18
    +1

    I think the cat owners are kidding themselves. My close observations of cats is that they would be perfectly happy if you ceased to exist, as long as someone else replaced you in your various cat duties.

    • nocure on 08/06/2018 - 18:23
      +3

      You have NO idea…

  • bluergh on 08/06/2018 - 18:36

    I have two dogs. Although I regret getting them occasionally due to wanting to travel, maybe move overseas (I would never re-home pets for that reason), they improve my day-to-day life infinitely. Even when they are being cheeky little turds, the love they provide is unconditional and I truly love them like children.

  • Cleremy on 08/06/2018 - 18:48
    -6

    I own a cat but the sheer number of dog walkers clogging the beaches, footpaths, parks etc. around southern Adelaide nowadays is getting on my nerves.

    Seems like there's few "purists" like myself left who just like to spend a little time outdoors for its own sake. Preferably without the throngs of dog owners exercising their pet and using it as a networking opportunity with other dog owners.

    • pikachooo on 10/06/2018 - 01:33
      +2

      How dare other people use public spaces.

  • shaybisc on 08/06/2018 - 18:50
    -1

    You cat owners are probably under the control of the horrible brain-controlling parasite you picked up cleaning up its poop. Obey.

    https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/03/how-you…

    Your Toxoplasma gondii says take down this comment immediately.

    • Speckled Jim on 08/06/2018 - 19:11
      +1

      It manifests in riskier behaviour in men, more conservative in women.
      Not the worst bug to have.

  • Ziglez on 08/06/2018 - 18:51
    +1

    I'm a dog person, but i could never own one, as i don't have time to walk him everyday. I can't stand people that have dogs but don't interact with them other than just feed them.

  • shaybisc on 08/06/2018 - 18:56

    People are disgusted at the poo-jogger but he is no worse than the many dog owners' who leave their filth in public areas.

  • Meulsie on 08/06/2018 - 22:27

    How often do people change their kitty litter?

    • nocure on 08/06/2018 - 22:40

      Empty daily, change weekly

  • freakatronic on 09/06/2018 - 14:40

    I have a dog that my wife wanted. I'm the one who has to walk him before work, after work, and before bed. I clean up his produce every day. I still don't want him some days. The wife loves him heaps though, and her happiness matters to me. So you just gotta compromise sometimes.

    • nahi11 on 09/06/2018 - 22:09
      +2

      Does she have a leash for you too?

      • freakatronic on 09/06/2018 - 22:39

        Cause the only way you'd want to do something good for your loved one is if they coerce you into it huh. I can tell you're just a kid.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2018 - 02:25
      +1

      That’s love right there.

  • DemocracyManifest on 09/06/2018 - 16:56
    +1

    Use crystal litter, they prefer outside anyway but its superior stuff

    • milesandbos on 10/06/2018 - 16:29

      Can confirm. We have three cats and have tried all the different types of litter. Crystal is by far the best for odour control and longevity.

  • citybargainhunter on 09/06/2018 - 17:21

    I don't like touching animals.

  • tinyorca on 10/06/2018 - 01:41
    +1

    All animals are beautiful especially pets. We have a dog and a cat. We had 2 cats until our gorgeous Oscar had to be put down at the age of 14.
    We want to get a new kitten soon and I'm always looking at new pets. Maybe a lizard, fish or a turtle.
    Pets are therepuetic. They are uncomplicated and aren't nasty and self centred like humans. I would rather have a pet as a friend than a human.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2018 - 02:12

    I love my dog. But everyone saying they love their pets as much as their children are liars, lol. Don’t believe me? If your house was burning down and you had 100% chance to save your pet or a 50% chance to save your kid, who do you try to save?

    • anastasiastarz on 12/06/2018 - 02:00

      Pet. Chances of the dog becoming a serial killer and saying I'm an inspiration: 0%

      • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2018 - 03:47

        Lol

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