What are cats like as pets, thinking of getting one?

I am thinking about getting a cat soon. I have had dogs all my life and I love them but I want to get a cat because I want to try having a different animal in the house and I hear they are less maintenance. Could you guys with cats tell me what cats are like? Are they affectionate like dogs? Tell me everything you love about cats!

Before I forget. I suggest NOT having your cat declawed. When cats are declawed, they can't defend themselves outside. If it's a question of your furniture or the cat, just keep your furniture and don't get a cat.

I suggest getting a kitty from the Humane Society or your local pet shelter. You'll be saving the life of a kitty. When you get a cat, you have to take them to the Vet and get their shots (if they haven't had them) and it can be expensive, so keep that in mind.

Also, don't get a kitty if you (or someone else) will not be at home with him. I think it's cruel to have a kitty and not be there to love him. If you get 2 cats, that will be okay as long as they like each other.

Cats are easy to train to use their box. You just put them in their litter box and they will go there to pee and crap from then, on.

It's best to feed them Meow Mix and the big bag is around $12. A bag will last a long time.You should leave some out for them so they can have it anytime (leave them water at all times too).Canned foods and milk can cause Diarrea.

Cats are all different. Some like a lot of affection. Some don't like it at all. You can get a kitten and, pretty much, train him to be the way you want him to be. Remember that a kitten is going to be a lot of work. They are very frisky and, sometimes, wild. They, do, tend to scratch furniture more than an older cat.

The kind of cat you get, depends on your lifestyle. You should do research on the right cat for you based on whether you are going to be home a lot or if you work and whether there will be other cats around or other pets. Some dogs don't get along with cats and want to hurt them such as Jack Russell Terriers and the meaner dogs.

Go to:
http://cats.about.com/
Click on 'cats for beginners (on the left-hand side). There's a lot of information and, I think, it's what you're looking for. This site has everything you need to know though.

If you have anymore questions, though, just ask.
=^u^=
kat

they arent as affectionate because they are self entertaining, they live on their own clean themselves, but if you cuddle with them they'll usually cuddle back, get them young and get 'em how you want 'em

Hmm, one of my cats is very affectionate. I absolutely LOVE her to death.
You should get a cat that's about 8 weeks old and try to give it attention a lot if you want it to turn out to be affectionate when it grows up.
However, my other cat used to sleep right next to me in my bed almost every night, and now she doesn't anymore because I got a new cat (sounds like boyfriend problems, right?).
They both eat constantly now (I feed them every time they 'ask for it').
...So you probably shouldn't feed them every time they're hungry, or they'll turn out to be like my cats; hungry and lazy.
I hate that my affectionate cat always jumps up on me when I'm doing something important.
She'll refuse to leave where she unless you scare her away.
They still go to the bathroom in the litterbox (sometimes even on the floor), even when they go outside, it bugs me!

Hopefully this helps you make your decision.

Oh, and I do like dogs more, I want one! One that's like a Pomeranian or a Yorkie or something. I think it's better to have a dog since you don't have to clean a litterbox. But, they do shed more than cats. I don't know, it seems like there are pro's and con's to both animals!

I have three and very different personalities... They are goofy for sure... They are all females and stay in the house...so depending on what you prefer...They are declawed ...some people don't agree with that but my furniture is appreciative...and I'ts easier to give them baths...anyway ...they are great pets...just brush them often so to keep the hair in check and you won't hate them...One of them really follows me around because she was a runt and almost died...she is really friendly Be sure to pet them. Whatever you do with them while they are young will depend on how they respond to you later...so be loving...They are easy...not like dogs that need constant attention..(feeding) just give cats self feeding bowls of water and food.

Dogs think you're God - Cats think they're God - be patient and find one that is affectionate towards you...Good luck !!

Toy: get that toy that's a few catnip bars at the end of a long wire - tons of laughter at playtime as they try to get it !

I hate cats... I love monkeys, they're sweet!!

all cats are different... if you want an affectionate cat, I would get one from the humane society because I got one from there and she was very affectionate because she appreciated me and the home I gave her much more than a pet store cat would! they are less matience, which is nice. compared to my dogs, my cat doesnt need me as much, but he still loves it when I pet him and kiss him.