so... we're going to get a cat. Opinions needed please!

[Octarine]

Get two cats, I say, so they can keep one another company when you're both gone. Less emotional responsibility, seriously, though you'll have to buy more food it's not significant enough that it will really cost you that much money.

Make sure you get both at an early age or they won't necessarily be the best of friends.

It's kind of strange - some cats love other cats (even if not reciprocated), but not humans, some love humans but hate other cats. Or dogs for that matter.

 

[Randomnity]

^^yeah, I've never gotten two cats at an early age but my current cat and the other cat in the house hate each other, can't be alone together and are a pain to supervise (fur is literally flying, within seconds of them being in the same room). They were introduced as adults (well the other one was about 11 months old). My cat always hates other cats, but this one's especially bad. She is very friendly and non-aggressive with humans though. The other cat likes to attack humans too and is usually the instigator of fights.

I've usually had cats in singles and they didn't seem lonely. They aren't at all like dogs in that way, as long as they have something to entertain themselves with (easy to find for most cats), especially if you're home most nights and weekends.

 

[Patches]

I had 2 cats for awhile. One of them was a couple years old when we introduced the 2nd one. The 1st one was always the affectionate/lovey one, and the 2nd one was the "leave me the fuck alone" angry looking cat. She would glare at you as if she were secretly trying to develop the ability to shoot laserbeams out of her eyes and destroy you. They both got along very well though.

Cat-death-glare GO!

 

[Biaxident]

She would glare at you as if she were secretly trying to develop the ability to shoot laserbeams out of her eyes and destroy you.

...Cat-death-glare GO!
]

She just needed more practice...

And once they learn how to do it. You need good fire insurance....

 

[Vasilisa]

Um, the hairless kitties are not good for allergies at all. In fact, they are higher maintenance then you might imagine - the skin's oil collects and gives off a funky, mushroomy smell which alerts the owner that it is time to bathe the cat. These cats need regular bathing as part of their most basic care regimen.

I agree, from conversations with owners, that Bengals have a very steep learning curve. Whatever, as this is your first feline, they may not be the best breed for beginners.

 

[Tiltyred]

One cat is plenty.

 

[Sunny Ghost]

if you only plan on having one cat, i think any aged cat will work. i have 6 (i know... i'm a crazy cat lady), and the cats that are introduced at an older age don't adjust as well to the other cats.

i have seen short haired maincoons. i supposed they are a mixed variety of some sort, but still large! my friend found one at a shelter.

also, i have a friend that is highly allergic to cats, but the more she becomes familiar with a particular cat, the less allergic she is to it. it's weird.

with another friend, she was only allergic to dark haired cats. she could pet my white and orange cats all day long, but my darker cats couldn't come anywhere near here without making her eyes tear or sneezy.

 

[Walking Tourist]

Two cats are good. They keep each other company. Also their antics are very entertaining, especially if they are well bonded with each other. My parents have two cats that get along well. My sister has a pair of litter mates (both male). They had to be adopted as a pair because they are inseparable. They are beautiful large cats who do everything together. They are fun to watch.

 

[PuddleRiver]

whatever, did you ever get that (those) cat(s)? Inquiring minds and all.

 

[miss fortune]

 

[Red Herring]

The picture quality leaves much to be desired...but I think I'm in love!

 

[miss fortune]

I was trying to get a quick picture of them while they were squirming around in low lighting with my phone, which probably explains that!

We're trying to get them to come out of the guest room, where they seem to have taken up residence

 

[Vasilisa]

Congratulations on your kitties

 

[Ginkgo]

[YOUTUBE="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ER5qwu8nTtc"]Pussy Doodles![/YOUTUBE]

 

[freeeekyyy]

Get a siamese. Clean, short fur so they shouldn't have a strong allergic effect, and they're full of personality and great fun. They aren't exactly "lap cats." They'll chase you, grab you and play with you. Not the same way a dog would play, but for a cat, I don't think you can do much better than siamese. They're also very affectionate cats, and the second-most intelligent breed of all.

Edit: I see others have already mentioned siamese. Well, if more than one person likes them, there must be something to it, eh?

Edit 2: So apparently I'm way too late and you already got a couple cats. Nevermind.