Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thebomb]

This question is to anyone well versed in owning a cat.

I want to know if having a "house cat" i.e. the cat never goes out by itself, is considered cruel by most? Also how much "time" does a cat need with its master? I work long hours and am out the house for at least 12 hours a day at work and then a couple of hours at the gym. I wouldn't mind a little companionship, and something to come home to, that's all. But do you think that my situ is just not conducive to owning a cat?

Any feedback, positive that is, will be gratefully received.

[RACETRAITOR]

I solved the problem of the cat being alone by having two cats to keep each other company.

Having housecats is not cruel. For my cats, it would be cruel to take them outside.

[oneofthesarahs]

Also, most cats don't really care about you. They only act like they love you so you will feed them. If you died, they would not hesitate to feast on your sweet sweet flesh. Cats are assholes. But cute assholes.

[canuckistan]

Cats are social creatures. 1 cat alone in your apt for that long by itself can become neurotic and frightened of everything (not used to the sounds of comings and goings in a house). Get 2, you'll have much happier beasts.

But don't get any if you're just going to dump them when you've decided they're not "convenient" to bring along if you move somewhere else.

[blackjack]

if you have to ask then maybe you shouldn't get a cat. Every cat i have had has always spent most of it's time outside exploring (i lived on a farm). I have seen it more than a km away from home.

How about a rabbit (rabbits can make good pets and can be house trained) or a hamster or if you really have to, get a girlfriend (i think you have to let them out for a couple of hours a day tho and they can get a little needy and expensive)

[Are they the lemmings]

Can I add a (somewhat) related question?

I, too, am thinking of getting a cat, but I take a lot of overnight or two-night-three-day trips. Assuming there's appropriate amounts of food/drink, is it OK to leave a cat on its own for a night or two?

Sorry if this is a no-brainer - I'm rather ignorant in this area. All advice appreciated.

[Atavistic]

Dogs are social creatures. Cats are social is a more indepedent way.

Many cats are as OneOfTheSarahs said. They're like, "You are in my space. I will allow you, Human, so I can report back on your activities at Cat Planet. Now. Pet me." Five minutes later. "Stop petting me. NOW. Or I will bite you. I am done with you. Dismissed!"

Getting two cats is a good idea if they are young or already know each other.

Yes, you can leave a cat alone for a few days at a time.

No shock if someone only saw outdoor cats when they lived on a farm. But in the cities, cats that live outdoors are often not well off.

I had at least one house cat from the time I was 7 until I moved to Korea. You can have one or more, and they can all stay inside.

[Are they the lemmings]

[Atavistic]

[VanIslander]

a cat, yes.... there are plenty of cats in need of a safe place to stay and occasional acts of affection

a kitten? NO NO NO. Kittens need constant attention and loving or else they turn squirrelly.

get a cat, NOT a kitten!

there are many people who get a kitten and when the one-year mark comes up suddenly there's no room in their life for a cat

get a cat from an inconsiderate kitty-toy-user-*beep* like that

[Qinella]

[mumblebee]

Cats that are not raised together can be hit and miss...they might get along great, but I have had cats that could not adjust to a new cat in their space.

[thebomb]

[VanIslander]

[Richard Krainium]

What are you going to do with the cat when you leave Korea?

If you have any doubts as to whether or not you'd take it with you, don't get one.