The Great Dog/Cat debate

[cori]

My DS is 17 months old. I would love to introdue him to the joys of having a pet. I havent had a pet since my teens and i would love to have a furry friend again. The problem is icant decide between a cat or dog. I personally prefer small dogs, but DH prefers cats. We live in a masionette ( with small but not attached garden) so cat might be preferable, and less work. However i have had bad expereince with cats as pets. They all turn out to be nuts. How do you choose a good cat?
Our DS has lots of energy ,and would love chasing a dog around the park and (taking it for walks when he is older).
What are other pet owners experience of animals and small children?
What is good age to introduce kids to pets.?

Birmans- fluffy creamy white with siamese type dark nose/ears paws but little white bits on end of paws. Not so furry needs constant grooming (dont get a persian!) once a fortnight would do. Neutered males much more friendly/laid back than females. lovely lovely cats- not so demanding as siamese/burmese

Might be better to get a common or garden moggy - more character and generally hardier. Less susceptible (sp?) to illnesses and neuroses (sp??). Also cheaper to buy, insure, etc.

We had/have Persians (colourpoints, which are similar to Birmans) and they've been as hardy as our ordinary moggies. Our first one lived until she was 18 and the second is now 13, and they both have plenty of character and no neuroses at all! Persians tend not to go hunting, either. But I wouldn't get one unless you are prepared to spend a lot of time grooming. An Exotic Shorthair might be another alternative. They have all the characteristics of Persians but have a closer, plush coat instead.

Having lived with a dog from the age of 3 (me, not the dog) I firmly believe that kids and (smallish) dogs belong together.

See the thread about beagles for my view on breeds, but as long as you get a youngster, and not somthing like a dobermann, and treat it well, then you should be fine.

good luck

Cori , if you do decide to get a cat my black and white felix type cat is due to have kittens any day! We had a persian and he used to spray every time he got annoyed - even tho neutered- so I'd go for a moggy too.

dawniy - where abouts are you? I had two cats until march when my lovely spikey got run over, since then her brother jasper has been pining desperatly, and I have been thinking of getting him another friend - Do you think thats a good idea?

I had several cats when i was a kid. All tabby cats and all nuts. Thats why am thinking about a pure breed, the birmans sound nice. How much do they cost?

Have a look at this Birman breeders page. Presumably they will give you prices if you email them. We paid 175gbp for our colourpoint, 13 yrs ago. HTH!

Gini - I'm at derby.
Yes get a friend for your cat, but i would get a girl and then they are more likely to get on. Hope you find one you love lots. sorry to hear about spikey.

Cori If you are set on a pedigree i hear mancoons and bengals are lovely too. mancoons are long haired but don't need grooming.

www.pedigreecat.co.uk/index.htm

Cori not sure how to make this a hyperlink but just type it in instead- it takes you to a site for pedigree cats uk - it looks dead good.

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