My cat has been amazing all throughout my illness...he has been great company. However, there have been times when I had to take him to the vet single-handedly when I was really ill and it was a huge strain on my health. Having said that if you have support to look after a cat then it should be okay. My cat was already litter trained when I got him so there were no accidents.Obviously if you have a litter tray it can smell.

I don't have CFS but have other chronic problems and i was wondering if you had a cat could you use one of those cat litters that make the odor go away or one of those self cleaning types? Would you want a kitten or a full grown cat? I know kittens are cute but are a lot more to deal with. Do you like dogs? A dog would probably have to be walked and taken out regularly so that might be a bit much, but they can be so lovable. Just some suggestions. Good luck! :)

I had a lot of concerns like you..........for a long time I lived pet free because of it. And then one day a small kitten appeared in our business parking lot. Had to think long and hard.......could I, should I adopt this small bundle of fur?

There are days that are hard.......and it ups the level of challenge in everything we do. I named that small orphan kitten "Annie"......that was fall 2009.

I had to completely stop working abruptly Spring 2010.

Then last Mother's Day (May 2012) I got Annie a companion kitty. It seemed to me that when I was in a rough flare, Annie was becoming really depressed. Some of ya'll may think this sounds odd, but I was too out of it too play or pet her much.

So sweet green eyed Annie, a pretty tabby with white paws, was gifted with a little brother kitty about 6 months old, named him Rio.

Rio is a sleek soft charcoal gray with one white marking at the base of his neck. It took a week for them to settle down and decide to get along. That first week brought a lot of snarling and sniping. But it did get better pretty quickly which really surprised me. I thought it would take a lot longer and at first I was scared that I had made a HUGE mistake.

They get along great, they are sweet, entertaining, wonderful companions. Annie is especially amazing.....she knows when I am feeling worse than usual. She lies close to me........purring and nuzzling me. She gives me more room to navigate when I'm up, Rio is still learning that one! When I feel better she stays close, but lies at the end of the bed. When it's bad she will lie at the back of my legs or near my arms. She seems to know. She also jumps over me when the pain is bad.........part instinct, knowledge and some training on my part........together we learned how to be around each other and in care of each other. Rio is still a goofy toddler kitty and will plop when he needs to be gentle, but we're working on it. Now Rio lies at the back of my knees on the bad days and at the end of my feet on good days. It trips me out, but they know.........it is much more soothing and peaceful to have their company.

I streamline as much as I can. I got big buckets to hold dry food & cat litter. I found oversized eco friendly trash bags for the litter box. They are generic and inexpensive......not like the main brands of litter box liners which are so expensive. I have a litter scoop and find that I have to change the bag and put fresh litter in once a week. I add generic baking soda to the generic litter. i try to buy what is needed in bulk so I only have to get litter/food 4-6 times a year. I am a one woman show primarily, so I streamline chores as much as possible.

On the plus side.........they love unconditionally, they give me great joy, laughter..............when I feel a little better they help me exercise more.......they will run after a small plastic ball w/ a bell inside as many times as I can throw it and then lie panting. i've never had cats that would play ball and fetch before......lol. they are good for my outlook, they are lower maintenance than dogs. i don't have the energy to take a dog for long walks and let them out constantly, so kitties are a good solution. they are devoted to me........protective of me..................but yeah sure sometimes they are exasperating.......and sometimes i walk in to the litter box area and think evacuation would be easier than this particular............but i don't really mean it. i get after it and think that overall it's a small trade for all the joy they bring.

having kitties has been so great for my heart and soul. companion kitties exercise each other and it is so much fun when they race and bat paws and stage their mini battles. and yes i love having the warmth of Annie on my shoulders and little Rio on my lap.......not all the time, not both at once.......LOL........but it has been a huge wonderful way to lift my spirits on a daily basis........I highly recommend it! Take your time, think it through. Adopting Rio took me more time........I went a few times to a place and it didn't feel right........and then I found Rio at an adoption event and knew it would all work out just fine.

Trust your gut instincts..........a fur baby is a wonderful companion! And for me two fur babies is even better. Whatever you decide, it is all up to you........so as a potential adoptive pet parent...............take your time and do what is best for you!

Hope this helps you weigh the pros and cons!

Hugs!

I highly recomend fostering a cat. you can do this through the humane society. If you have a desire to you can request a litter of kittens.

You can give them back and then decide if you want to adopt a cat.

We adopted a couple kittens. They greatly reduce my stress and the stress of everyone in the house.

I wish I'd fostered a litter of kittens first because it would be fun and we wouldn't have to find homes for any of them.

They want you to keep foster pets separate from any other pets in the house. That is easy if you don't have any yet!

We have 4 cats. The two older ones practically take care of themselves. Bodhi spends about 18-20 hours a day outside. My oldest, Suzie, is my heart. She naps when I nap, curled up against me. She is such a great companion. Earlier this year, she almost died and I realized what a blessing she is. I couldn't imagine life without her. Is she perfect? No. In fact, while she is litter trained, she is the worst litter trained, sometimes pooping outside the box. But the comfort and companionship she gives me far outweighs this inconvenience.

Right around the time Serce got her Rio, I adopted 2 8-week old littermates. OMG they are a riot! The boy is sweet and likes to sleep on my shoulder. The girl just purrs and purrs when you pet her She has been an excellent mommie kitty to her really dumb brother. She even goes in the litter box after him and covers up his stuff. She also grooms him. I couldn't imagine only having one of them, they get along so great and play with each other, keeping each other busy. They are also terrors some days. I found my digital camera on the floor this morning, along with my hair spray and curling iron. Still, I wouldn't trad them for anything.

There is a litter box deoderizer by Arm & Hammer that actually smells great! I throw it in the box once a week and BAM, no more smell.

Anyway, I totally all for you getting a cat! Get 2!

I think that cats are wonderful companions. I've had quite a few in my time. Always made sure my daughter had a kitty! I would highly recommend them as a pet. They need much less attention, as far as walking etc, than a doggie furfriend, and they are clean and groom and don't bark and bother neighbors!

A word of caution. I have recently gotten a new cat. This one is much different than any other cat I've owned. She's high maintenence! She is very active, very "in your face", mews all the time to get my attention. She needs to be picked up regularly and often and insists on being where I am, no matter what! She is aggressive. Not mean, just overly bothersome about getting what she wants. Never seen this before.

So, my caution is this. I wouldn't do a kitten! Too much noise, too much work for a person with a fatigued based illness. My cat is five. I thought she would have calmed down by that age, but NO...she is very active and I'm unable to keep her. I have to adopt her out.

Very sad for her, very sad for me. Just be very careful to get a cat that not too much for you to handle. They are all different! But most are clamer and quieter than mine. If you get a nice, calm, purring loveball, you will do well. They are such wonderful little creatures. After I part with this one, I may try again!! It was a mismatch....active cat, disabled owner......

Cat...another white meat...lol!

LOL....Tiger! You cracked me up with that one.....

I've been thinking a lot about this and and I think Darla is right. A kitten is probably not the best choice for you. My Suzie is 12 and she is the one that keeps me constant company while I sleep all day. Plus, the kittens are always adopted and the older cats aren't so if you adopted an older cat, it would not only be a better match for you but you would probably be saving a life!

The Humane Society where I live is excellent. Their aim is not to adopt out all their animals but to find the best match for each animal so that it has a better life and less likely to be returned. If you go to a Humane society, be very honest what you are looking for and they will be able to tell you which cat is the best match for you.

I really hope you decide to adopt!

Jen

I adopted a kitten about 2 1/2 yrs ago and it was a handful mostly because she wanted to climb my new drapes and sit up on the curtain rod, ripping, snagging, and poking holes along the way.

I was terribly ill for the first year she was here and she spent a lot of time playing by herself, so much time that she is scared of people.

I can't even turn over in bed without her taking flight and running to hide. Despite all that she is a wonderful companion, follows me around, climbs in bed with me. I just wish I had the energy to play with her more often because she is great fun.

I have read that cats are satisfied to be played with only 15 min per day and I believe that is true. It's a low maintenance pet because cats are very independent. I have the added bonus of her not being able to croak out a meow.

I keep her indoors and she has a wonderful large screened in porch area to play in and hide among the things that are stored there. She can also look out at the birds and squirrels. I also keep the litter box there and that has worked out just fine.

Thank you all SO much! Your comments and stories have been really helpful. I've decided to adopt a cat, not a kitten, but a cat that is at least a year old. I'm going to take my time and meet as many as I can until I find the one that is the most calm and gentle. I met one over the week-end that was a real sweetheart, I didn't want to rush with my decision so I waited a day to think it over and then called. Unfortunately, someone else was signing the adoption papers the very moment I called. Oh well, wasn't meant to be.

So I am actively searching for a cat to adopt. I feel really happy about this and I'm looking forward to finding the right friend.

I really want to thank you all for your responses, I especially loved the "white meat" joke.....LOL.

Serce, your response was especially helpful, it was easy to see the love and affection you have for your Annie and Rio. Thank you for sharing so much.

Hope everyone has a good day! Hugs!

Genie

Hi Genie!

Looks like you've already reached a decision, but I wanted to add my thoughts anyway. I would also strongly encourage a cat over a kitten; I think that will be easier on you, plus you get to give a loving home to a creature in need, as kittens are more frequently adopted than adult cats. Finding a nice, mellow, laid-back cat would also be a good idea. I'd also recommend a short-haired cat, and a non-pure-bred, as they end to be healthier animals. And you don't need to be dealing with a kitty who needs lots of grooming and maintenance. :)

I myself have two cats and a dog, and they enrich my life so much! Yes, sometimes they'll throw up or make a mess, and cleaning the litter box isn't my favorite thing, but they add so much warmth and love to my life, i is MORE than worth it! And the good thing with cats is that they're a bit more self-sufficient than dogs, which is really helpful when you're never sure how you feel day to day.

Good luck with the search, and let us know what happens!


Sarah

i love my cats, I HATE litter boxes!!!!

I hope you have had success with your adoption. I have found that putting the litter box in the basement(our wood room) and using a little revolving "pet door" from Wallmart so you don't ever deal with the odour.(the scented litter helps too) We have a brother and sister who were 5 months and neutered, have been great entertainment and very affectionate.( a great help on the tough days) isabelle1954

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let you all know that I've adopted a cat. I had every intention of adopting a 2 or 3 year old cat but this 6 month old little guy just stole my heart. He's so sweet and just wants so much love. We brought him home yesterday and he's been busy exploring his new surroundings.

Thanks for all the great suggestions and advice.

Hugs,
Genie