options

andrea

I have wanted a dog since our family dog died 10 years ago, but the problem is that there is nobody to take care of it during the day while I work. Would a cat be a good alternative? Also, is it a good idea to get a pet from an animal pound?

koneko

Cats would do better with being alone all day, they find things to do themselves, they're not really dependant on humans, and aren't really "social" animals (they are and they aren't, that's why it's in brackets heh).

Dogs are pack animals, they can't stand being left alone. If you do end up getting a dog (or cat for that matter), make sure you don't get a puppy. A puppy is like a baby. Left unattended he won't be able to take care of himself, he'll "relieve" himself all over the place and may become destructive. There's no one home to teach him what to do and what not to do, and he'll probably be fairly unhappy. If you get a grown up dog from a pound he will generally already be house broken, and will be calmer and more settled.

Is there anyone home during the day at all, even just at lunch time? A break in the middle of the day for a walk would make a difference.

andrea

I know dogs don't like being at home alone. The dog we had we got as a pup but my mother wasn't working until he was older, so he was well settled by then. My brother is at home during the day at the minute, but I can't bank on him being there in the future. Personally I would prefer a dog, but would settle for a cat as I really want a pet! I figured a cat might cope better by him/herself.

Getting an older dog may mean that they are used to being by themselves, but if they are not then it could be worse than having a very young dog! Our dog was like a member of the family, I don't want a pet that isn't a friendly animal.

I was thinking of going to the pound whichever I decide to go for, I like the idea of taking a pet that doesn't have a home already.

Hello Kitty

Yeah theres no point in getting a dog if your not going to be there for it during the day.. a cat is a good idea it would get on better by itself but itll still need company. You could always get a cat flap so then it wont be stuck indoors all the time!!

andrea

I'd be afraid, to be honest, that if it got out it wouldn't be seen again! But I see where you're coming from, definitely something to think about