I'll echo that and add that local shelters often also have programs for volunteers; e.g. dog-walking! great way to get your feet wet before you make a decision about adopting.
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Is it wrong to get a pet to fight loneliness?
- Thread starter Laekon
- Start date
I'm considering getting an older cat from the local shelter (she is 14).
I'm not that concerned about her age (other than ability to climb stairs, etc), but she has been in the shelter for over 6 months, and the way the shelter works all the cats have free roam over the entire building. I'm concerned she'd be lonely if I'm out most of the day and she's used to being around a lot of other cats, they can't tell if she is an indoors cat or not too.
I don't think I'm ready for two cats.
I don't want a kitten. I've seen too many people get kittens on a whim and get bored of them :/ also they are completely insane as kittens.
Also kinda selfish, but I can't commit to the possibility the cat could live 20+ yrs. A good 5 years is more manageable commitment.
Really not sure if I should do it.
I'm not that concerned about her age (other than ability to climb stairs, etc), but she has been in the shelter for over 6 months, and the way the shelter works all the cats have free roam over the entire building. I'm concerned she'd be lonely if I'm out most of the day and she's used to being around a lot of other cats, they can't tell if she is an indoors cat or not too.
I don't think I'm ready for two cats.
I don't want a kitten. I've seen too many people get kittens on a whim and get bored of them :/ also they are completely insane as kittens.
Also kinda selfish, but I can't commit to the possibility the cat could live 20+ yrs. A good 5 years is more manageable commitment.
Really not sure if I should do it.
Get the cat. Kittens are crazy!
TheOnlyOneHeEverFeared
Member
No, cats and or dogs are the greatest companions ever. Nothing wrong with it.
just chiming in to no one in particular, if you choose to purposefully find someone to sell you kittens instead of getting cats from a shelter you're a selfish dirtbag and you should stop
but yes op, i got two shelter brothers and they are great and can keep each other company all day
but yes op, i got two shelter brothers and they are great and can keep each other company all day
John Kowalski
Banned
The cat won't care about you, get a dog
Stead Fast
Banned
Twice over I've adopted older dogs, years ago. Both of whom had owners passed on and the dogs were being set up to go to a shelter. Even though both have sadly passed on too, I can't think how miserable my life would have been without either of them.
It's one of the oldest, most effective and kindest ways to combat loneliness OP. I'll add to the mass of comments that adopting older pets above getting them as newborn.
It's one of the oldest, most effective and kindest ways to combat loneliness OP. I'll add to the mass of comments that adopting older pets above getting them as newborn.
this.
Shadow Puppetry
Member
I have three bunnies, so no.
GKSilKamina
Member
Having a pet's a good way to deal with loneliness. My cat got me through some pretty dark times. Even though she's gone now, I cherish the time we had and can't imagine I'd have made it without her.
As far as taking in a kitten/a pair of kittens...it's pretty hard work. I adopted two kittens from the local shelter around a year ago and they're hyperactive tyrants. I love 'em to bits, but youngsters definitely aren't the way to go unless you can devote serious time to them. An older cat will be much more chill and appreciate being given a good home.
As far as taking in a kitten/a pair of kittens...it's pretty hard work. I adopted two kittens from the local shelter around a year ago and they're hyperactive tyrants. I love 'em to bits, but youngsters definitely aren't the way to go unless you can devote serious time to them. An older cat will be much more chill and appreciate being given a good home.
pigeon interrupted
Member
It's a great reason to get a pet!
Just be nice to it. And feed it pizza.
A rescue will be as grateful for you, as you are for him/her.
Just be nice to it. And feed it pizza.
feed it the appropriate pet food - not pizza
A rescue will be as grateful for you, as you are for him/her.
Triggerhappytel
Member
No, it's not wrong at all. Pets make great companions. Just make sure you're equipped to look after it properly, it's not left at home alone for too long and if possible get more than 1 so they have companionship.
Escape Goat
Member
(got 8 males cats now and they're a handful)
Wat
Vincent Grayson
Member
As long as you care for them properly, I'm not sure there's a "wrong" reason to get a pet.
Triggerhappytel
Member
My wife and I used to have two house rabbits. They were lovely pets, although bunny-proofing the place was a pain in the backside! One was lovely and affectionate, but the other was grouchy and didn't really like being picked up so they were very different personalities but loved each other so much, and they used to bink in the back garden so we knew they were happy. We have three kids now who would like pets, and I may consider bunnies again when they're a bit older because they're such lovely, gentle animals.
Vigilant Walrus
Member
Living for something other than yourself is a major source of strength. When our existence have no bearing on others, we're reminded of the total terrifying truth of the meaningless of life. Your career, your money, your material possesions, your accomplishments. All meaningless, and all will end with you.
I think it's a highly noble goal to coexist with animals and plants that we share this world with. They give a perspective to that man made societies and the goals and values within are just a construct.
I don't think animals are a cure for loneliness, as much as a reminder of that while we are alone, that is not scary nor necessarily wrong. When I've been upset, or felt strongly about something, interacting with my pet has always helped me sort of internalize that it doesn't really matter.
The dog doesn't care. It lives in the moment, not in the past or the future. It inspires me to try and do the same, and that is part of why I think we glorify pets. We really need them to remind ourselves that not everything we do in our daily life, hamster wheel routine is true.
Owning pets in the future is def one of my major life goals. I want both cats and dogs. And Axolotls. xD
I think it's a highly noble goal to coexist with animals and plants that we share this world with. They give a perspective to that man made societies and the goals and values within are just a construct.
I don't think animals are a cure for loneliness, as much as a reminder of that while we are alone, that is not scary nor necessarily wrong. When I've been upset, or felt strongly about something, interacting with my pet has always helped me sort of internalize that it doesn't really matter.
The dog doesn't care. It lives in the moment, not in the past or the future. It inspires me to try and do the same, and that is part of why I think we glorify pets. We really need them to remind ourselves that not everything we do in our daily life, hamster wheel routine is true.
Owning pets in the future is def one of my major life goals. I want both cats and dogs. And Axolotls. xD
I ended up adopting a rescue dog during a pretty tough time in my life. Having her there made a world of difference. Not that my situation was anywhere near as serious, but there is a reason dogs are used to help vets with PTSD and as therapy animals for patients in the hospital.
Even during good times having a pet is great. Just be sure you take care of them. A pet will change your life.
Even during good times having a pet is great. Just be sure you take care of them. A pet will change your life.
Snkfanatic
Banned
Wrong
Agent Gibbs
Member
Go to a shelter and adopt an animal that needs a home and companionship, you both need it and its the best reason to do it
Even better, get two so your pet has a companion pet for when you're not around.
Get rescues from the shelter and you're basically batting a thousand in the karma department, along with getting some much needed companionship.
I tell people I got my cats because that way at least when I'm talking to myself I can pretend I'm talking to the cats instead.
Get rescues from the shelter and you're basically batting a thousand in the karma department, along with getting some much needed companionship.
I tell people I got my cats because that way at least when I'm talking to myself I can pretend I'm talking to the cats instead.
Android18a
Member
Lonely you + Lonely animal from a shelter = Two happier living beings on this planet.
Absolutely go for it, a companion is always good be it human or otherwise.
Absolutely go for it, a companion is always good be it human or otherwise.
isaacnukem
Member
You should get a pet and treat it well. Make it a part of your family. You'll make both your lives happier.
They're all strays or rescues I've picked up throughout the years. I'm lucky enough to live on pretty big property so all of them have enough space to chill. None of them actually live inside except one who lost his leg in a car accident. That one needs a bit of extra care cause he's never gotten over the loss. Very clingy and constantly demands scratches in places his stump can't reach lol.
Blue Submarine No. 6
Member
^^^ This... especially if they're siblings, they'll get along well and won't miss you so much when you're at work, or if you take a day trip off somewhere...
It's a 20 year commitment though... if you're getting into dating, remember that some people don't like or are allergic to cats, so be sure to screen people like that out of your "potentials" pool because you have these little furrballs for life...
I have a 1 bedroom apartment so 2 cats is a bit much as it's hard enough finding room for 1 liter box. The kittens would have become shelter cats but the person that found them decided to try and adopt the mother (and get her fixed) and find homes for the kittens instead bringing them to a shelter. After the response I'm gonna take one if no one else does and, if they are all gone, start looking for shelter cat.
Eye for an Eye
Member
Keep a bunch of scratching boxes around. The more appropriate places they have to scratch on, the less interested they are in your furniture. Our cat has sharp claws, but our furniture is fine. Be sure to get rid of any miniblinds and put up curtains. Cats must stare out the window all day.
If you can, leash train it. Ours likes going for walks about laying out in the yard on the leash.
If you can, leash train it. Ours likes going for walks about laying out in the yard on the leash.