I'd hung out with cats for several days before with no problems before adopting, but have had all sorts of allergy problems this fall/winter. Again, could be an allergy to the state of Washington, or the fact that I deal more with the litter as an owner than I did as a visitor. Or, could be my choice of litter (which is why I'm currently in the middle of switching brands). Or, I am just allergic to my particular cats! I don't know at all.
Expense-wise, I probably spend much more than most cat owners--I buy the expensive cat food, and now the expensive litter, and way too many toys. (I don't know where all their little balls disappear to, and yes, I check under the fridge and couch.) It doesn't have to be that expensive. Care-wise, I had the required kitten visits for vaccines, and then some extra expenses when they had a parasite issue and a brief GI issue. If they are healthy, the standard recommendation is once a year as an adult for booster shots. The litter training is really not an issue for cats, aside from the fact that they will let you know if they don't like their box. But if you have a box maintained to their liking, they will use it religiously.
So, all that said, I love my kitties, and they have been great roommates, and I don't regret adopting them at all. Even when they cost me money and the ability to wear contacts. :)
(This message typed with a cat tail swishing over my hands.)
(no subject)
Mon, Jan. 17th, 2011 05:00 am (UTC)Expense-wise, I probably spend much more than most cat owners--I buy the expensive cat food, and now the expensive litter, and way too many toys. (I don't know where all their little balls disappear to, and yes, I check under the fridge and couch.) It doesn't have to be that expensive. Care-wise, I had the required kitten visits for vaccines, and then some extra expenses when they had a parasite issue and a brief GI issue. If they are healthy, the standard recommendation is once a year as an adult for booster shots. The litter training is really not an issue for cats, aside from the fact that they will let you know if they don't like their box. But if you have a box maintained to their liking, they will use it religiously.
So, all that said, I love my kitties, and they have been great roommates, and I don't regret adopting them at all. Even when they cost me money and the ability to wear contacts. :)
(This message typed with a cat tail swishing over my hands.)